Can You Use Acetic Acid Ear Drops In The Eyes?

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Acetic acid 2% ear drops should definitely not be applied to the eyes. This same advice applies to any product labeled only for use in the ears, even if the active ingredient is also found in a separate product made for the eyes.

Acetic acid ear drops are formulated for the skin of the external ear canal, which is very different from the surface of the eye.

Depending on the specific acetic acid product, the other ingredients in your product may include propylene glycol, propylene glycol diacetate, benzethonium chloride, sodium acetate, and citric acid. These ingredients and concentrations are intended to help the medication spread through and remain in contact with the ear canal. They were not selected or tested for direct contact with the cornea.

Why Ear Drops Shouldn't Be Used in the Eyes

The biggest concern with acetic acid ear drops is their acidity. A pH of approximately 3 is far more acidic than the normal environment of the eye. Placing the solution in the eye could cause immediate burning, redness, tearing, swelling, blurred vision, and irritation or injury to the surface of the cornea.

Eye drops are specifically formulated to be compatible with the eye. Ear drops are not.

Manufacturers of eye drops must carefully control factors such as sterility, acidity, concentration, preservatives, particle contamination, and the container used to dispense the medication. An ear drop is not necessarily manufactured or tested according to all the same ophthalmic standards, even when the bottle and dropper look similar.

The general rule is that a medication labeled “otic” is for the ears and should never be placed in the eyes. Only a product specifically labeled “ophthalmic” should be used in the eyes unless an eye-care professional gives different instructions.

If acetic acid ear drops were accidentally placed in the eye, remove contact lenses and immediately rinse the eye with plenty of room-temperature running water for at least 15 to 20 minutes.

Additionally, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for individualized guidance. Symptoms such as persistent pain, redness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, or other vision changes should be evaluated promptly by a medical professional.

Final Words

If you have an eye infection you need to have treated, again, don't use acetic acid ear drops. Please see your doctor for an appropriate treatment option.