11.2 Control of microbial contamination

Anti-microbial eye drops should not be used for more than 1 week after first opening if used in an inpatient setting

If both eyes are infected and require treatment with an antimicrobial it is not necessary to supply two bottles. However, if a patient is using regular eye treatment, e.g. for glaucoma, and has an infection in one eye, it would be appropriate to supply 2 bottles of regular eye treatment (one for each eye) to avoid cross-contamination.

Eye drops in multiple-application containers for domiciliary use should not be used for more than 4 weeks after first opening, unless otherwise stated.