contaminated eye drops

HI.IF AN EYE DROP IS CONTAMINATED WILL IT AFFECT THE EYE RIGHT AWAY?AND COULD IT CAUSE BLINDNESS?THANKS.

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

If it was contaminated with bacteria you could get an eye infection in a day or two. Occasionally even worse infections can occur if the drop was contaminated with a fungus or amoeba.  Regardless, if an infection occured it would give you some symptoms or warning signs and you could see an ophthalmologist right away - which, of course, is what you should do if you have concerns.

MJK MD