The FDA is warning consumers to immediately stop using 27 over-the-counter eye drops due to the potential risk of eye infections that can cause partial vision loss or blindness. This new eye drop recall follows a recall earlier this year.
Over-the-counter lubricating drops are sold by CVS, Rite Aid, Target, Walmart, Leader, Rugby, and Velocity Pharma.
A complete list of recalled eye drops can be found below and on the FDA website.
The FDA recalled the product after researchers tested environmental samples from a critical drug production area and found unsanitary conditions and bacteria within the manufacturing facility.
As of this writing, the FDA has not received any reports of eye infections associated with these products.
FDA multiple eye drop recalls
Gary D. Novak, a professor at the University of California, Davis Health, said the FDA has been particularly alert to eye drop enforcement issues this year that have resulted in multiple recalls. Novack is a clinical pharmacologist with experience in ophthalmic product development.
When asked if eye drops are more susceptible to contamination than other over-the-counter products, Novak explained, “Ophthalmic products need to be sterilized, but this is not the case for oral or dermatological products.” .
Novak also pointed out that over-the-counter eye drops have a different regulatory process than prescription drugs. “All eye drops in this recall are over-the-counter products. Prescription eye drop products should not be affected,” Novak said.
He pointed out that people should not be afraid to use eye drops. “All of these recalled eye drops should be off the shelves by now. Eye drops are sterile and safe to use. Especially if you continue to use the eye drops as prescribed by your doctor. Please,” Novak said. “When in doubt, ask your pharmacist if the product has been recalled.”
He advises people using over-the-counter medications to check their brands against recall lists.
If you have a recalled brand, please stop using it. “Using contaminated eye drops increases the risk of eye infections,” Novak says.
Lubricating eye drops are the main treatment for dry eyes
Lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, are the main treatment for dry eye disease, said Jeffrey H. Marr, an ophthalmologist at the University of California, Davis Eye Center.
“Dry eye disease is one of the most common eye conditions and can cause irritation, grittiness, redness, burning, tearing, and blurred vision. Artificial tears can help alleviate these symptoms. “It helps,” Ma explained.
He points out that patients should always be on the lookout for recalls like the one the FDA announced this year.
However, there is no need to stop using all eye drops, which are safe when used correctly.
He recommends to his patients preservative-free eye drops that come in single-use, single-use vials. “Preservative-free eye drops are safe and are a great option for dry eye, as long as the product is used only once in one or both eyes and then discarded,” Marr said. “They tend to be easier on the eyes and can be used more frequently throughout the day.”
How to avoid eye infections
Avoiding the use of recalled products is important to prevent eye infections.
However, the common ways people get eye infections vary. According to Marr, these are also important to know.
“Conjunctivitis, also known as conjunctivitis, is the most common type of eye infection,” Ma said. He specializes in ocular surface diseases, or diseases that damage the surface layer of the eye.
“Conjunctivitis is usually viral or bacterial. It is usually transmitted by direct contact, such as touching or rubbing your eyes after touching a contaminated item.”
Because it is easily contagious, people who are close to people with conjunctivitis are also at risk of contracting an eye infection. Mar recommends making an effort to wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your face or eyes.
Contact lens wearers are at high risk of infection
Another common cause of eye infections is contact lenses. “Contact lens wearers are at increased risk of developing corneal infections and corneal ulcers, especially if they sleep with their lenses in,” Marr said.
Infections can be avoided by keeping your lens case clean (replacing it as necessary), washing your hands frequently (especially before touching your contacts), and removing your contacts before bed.
Less common eye infections are those that spread from other parts of the body.
“Certain viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus and the varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox and shingles, can remain dormant in the body after a previous infection and can reactivate in the eye. There is a gender,” Ma said.
Symptoms of eye infection
Common symptoms of eye infections include:
- blurred vision
- discharge
- pain or discomfort
- redness of the eyelids or eyes
- It feels like there’s something in my eyes
- Increased sensitivity to light
“If you have any of these symptoms and they don’t get better or they get worse, make an appointment to see your eye doctor,” Marr said.
Recall list updated on October 31, 2023. Please visit the FDA website for the latest updates.
Eye drop stores and product information
Retailer/Label |
product |
Product information |
---|---|---|
CVS Health |
Lubricating eye drops 15ml (1 packet) |
Carboxymethylcellulose sodium ophthalmic solution 0.5% w/v |
Lubricating eye drops 15ml (twin pack) |
Carboxymethylcellulose sodium ophthalmic solution 0.5% w/v |
|
Lubricating gel drops 15ml (single pack) |
Carboxymethylcellulose sodium ophthalmic solution 1% w/v |
|
Lubricating Gel Drops 15 ml (twin pack) |
Carboxymethylcellulose sodium ophthalmic solution 1% w/v |
|
Multi-Action Relief Drops 15ml |
Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.5% w/v & Povidone 0.6% w/v & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops |
|
Lubricating gel drop 10ml |
Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops |
|
Lubricating eye drops 10ml (1 packet) |
Propylene glycol ophthalmic solution 0.6% w/v |
|
Lubricating eye drops 10ml (2 pack) |
Propylene glycol ophthalmic solution 0.6% w/v |
|
Mild moderate lubricating eye drops 15ml (1 packet) |
Polyethylene glycol 400 ophthalmic solution ‘0.25% w/v |
|
Rugby (Cardinal Health) |
Lubricating tear eye drops 15 ml |
Hypromellose 2910-0.3% w/v & Dextran 70- 0.1% Eye Drops |
Polyvinyl alcohol 1.4% lubricating eye drops 15 ml |
Polyvinyl alcohol eye drops 1.4% w/v |
|
Leader (Cardinal Health) |
dry eye relief 10ml |
Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops |
Lubricating eye drops 15ml (1 packet) |
Carboxymethylcellulose sodium ophthalmic solution 0.5% w/v |
|
Lubricating eye drops 15ml (twin pack) |
Carboxymethylcellulose sodium ophthalmic solution 0.5% w/v |
|
dry eye relief 15ml |
Carboxymethylcellulose sodium ophthalmic solution 1% w/v |
|
Relieve eye inflammation 15 ml |
Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.5% w/v & Povidone 0.6% w/v & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops |
|
Rite aid |
Lubricating eye drops 15ml (twin pack) |
Carboxymethylcellulose sodium ophthalmic solution 0.5% w/v |
Lubricating eye drops 10ml (2 pack) |
Propylene glycol ophthalmic solution 0.6% w/v |
|
Gentle Lubricating Gel Eye Drops 15 ml |
Hypromellose 0.3%, Glycerin 0.2%, Dextran 70 0.1% Eye Drops |
|
Lubricating gel drop 15ml |
Carboxymethylcellulose sodium ophthalmic solution 1% w/v |
|
Lubricating gel drop 10ml |
Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops |
|
Multi-Action Relief Drops 15ml |
Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.5% w/v & Povidone 0.6% w/v & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops |
|
the goal |
Up & Up Dry Eye Relief Lubricating Eye Drops 30ml |
Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops |
Up & Up Extreme Relief Dry Eye 15ml (Single Pack) |
Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops |
|
Up & Up Extreme Relief Dry Eye 30ml (Twin Pack) |
Carboxymethylcellulose sodium ophthalmic solution 0.5% w/v |
|
Velocity Pharma LLC |
Lubricating eye drops 10ml (pack of 3) |
Propylene glycol ophthalmic solution 0.6% w/v |
walmart |
Equate Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drops 10ml |
Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops |
UC Davis Eye Center provides world-class eye care, pioneers collaborative vision research, and trains the next generation of professionals and researchers who will become leaders in the Sacramento region and beyond. The Eye Center team aims to transform vision care and develop treatments for blinding eye diseases from the cornea to the cortex.