AAO Color Codes for Eyedrops

Last updated: September 2026

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has been attempting to reduce errors in ophthalmic drops since 1983, with the advocacy of a uniform color-coded system for topical ocular medications. Since 2009, this policy has been enforced by the FDA in accordance with the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP). Specific Pantone colors are assigned to defined drug classes based on the nature of the disease treated, the drug's side-effect profile, and the risk of serious harm if a product is accidentally switched with another.

Combination drops (e.g., a prostaglandin + beta-blocker fixed combination) typically follow the cap color of the primary/first-listed agent.

Why this matters at the bedside

• Patients — especially elderly patients or those with reduced vision or literacy — often identify their drops by cap color rather than by reading the label, so this system genuinely reduces real-world dispensing and self-administration errors
• A critical safety distinction to reinforce in counseling: tan/brown (anti-infective) vs. pink (steroid) — using a steroid on an unrecognized infectious keratitis can cause serious harm, so this pair is worth specifically double-checking with patients
• The system is voluntary, not mandated — generic manufacturers and compounding pharmacies can and do deviate from standard colors due to packaging or supply constraints (e.g., some generic prostaglandins ship with clear or white caps rather than teal). If a refill looks different, always verify the drug name and strength on the label rather than relying on color alone

Key references: AAO Policy, Color Codes for Topical Ocular Medications.  |  Know Your Drops by Color, AAO YO Info.