Dear Eye Drop Medication Manufacturer,
We are ophthalmologists who are concerned about a recent surge in incorrect eye drop bottle color-coding. Eyedrop bottles are coded according to a well-established , FDA supported, standard which helps our patients who have poor vision identify their bottles, and help doctors give instructions on how to use drops. Doctors and patients use this standard daily. Color-coding has been immensely elective and helps improve correct use of medications in patients who are taking multiple drops; particularly those with poor vision. As advocates for our patients, we are asking for maintaining this standard and improving the color coding of bottles. The system could be improved by making sure that the sticker, or the collar on the bottle, matches the color of the cap and follows the correct standard.
We ask you to kindly follow the following color-coding scheme when manufacturing drops:
Pink/white: Steroids
Yellow: Beta blockers
Red: Dilating agents
Dark blue: Combination beta-blockers & alpha-agonists
Purple: Alpha agonists
Turquois: Prostoglandin analogues
Tan: Anti-infectives
Green: Pilocarpine
Grey: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drops
Orange: Carbonic anhydrase Inhibitors