This document takes a risk based approach to assigning the in- use shelf life for eye drops
used in UK hospitals based on the risks of the patient population, the risk of microbial
contamination and the risk of microbial proliferation. It is set out as a best practice
recommendation, to apply to both eye drops supplied as medicines and as Medical Devices.
Where a manufacturer specifically recommends a shorter in use shelf life this should be
adhered to.