Recent warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about contaminated over-the-counter eye drops have raised serious safety concerns. If you use artificial tears or other eye relief products, it’s critical to know which brands are affected and what steps to take to protect your vision. This guide provides a clear breakdown of the recalled products, the potential risks, and expert advice.
Why Are These Eye Drops Being Recalled?
The primary reason for these widespread recalls is the risk of bacterial contamination. FDA investigators found unsanitary conditions in the manufacturing facilities that produce eye drops for several major retailers. When eye drops are contaminated with bacteria, they can cause serious eye infections.
These infections can be particularly dangerous because the eye does not have the same robust immune defenses as other parts of the body. An infection can escalate quickly, potentially leading to severe complications, including permanent vision loss or even the need for surgical removal of the eye.
In a separate, highly publicized recall from early 2023, products from EzriCare and Delsam Pharma were contaminated with a rare, drug-resistant strain of bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This outbreak was linked to severe health outcomes, including hospitalizations, permanent blindness, and in some cases, death. The more recent recalls are a preventative measure to avoid a similar outbreak.
Complete List of Recalled Eye Drop Brands
The FDA has urged consumers to immediately stop using and discard the products listed below. These recalls affect products sold under the store brands of major national retailers. The issue stems from the original manufacturer, not the retailers themselves.
Products included in the FDA’s October 2023 warning:
CVS Health:
Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (single and twin pack)
Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (twin pack)
Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 ml
Lubricating Eye Drops 10 ml
Lubricant Gel drops 10 ml
Mild Moderate Lubricating Eye Drops 15 ml (single and twin pack)
Rite Aid:
Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack)
Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (twin pack)
Gentle Lubricating Eye Drops 15 ml
Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml
Lubricating Gel Drops 10 ml
Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 ml
Target (Up & Up brand):
Up & Up Dry Eye Relief Lubricant Eye Drops 30 ml
Up & Up Extreme Relief Dry Eye 15 ml (single and twin pack)
Up & Up High Performance Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml
Leader (Cardinal Health):
Dry Eye Relief 15 ml
Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (single and twin pack)
Dry Eye Relief 10 ml
Eye Irritation Relief 15 ml
Rugby (Cardinal Health):
Lubricating Tears Eye Drops 15 ml
Polyvinyl Alcohol 1.4% Lubricating Eye Drops 15 ml
Velocity Pharma:
Lubricant Eye Drop 10 ml
Products from the earlier 2023 recall linked to the bacterial outbreak:
EzriCare Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops (Distributed by EzriCare, LLC)
Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears (Distributed by Delsam Pharma, LLC)
Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Eye Ointment (Distributed by Delsam Pharma, LLC)
It is crucial to check your medicine cabinet, purse, or anywhere else you might store eye drops to see if you own any of these specific products.
The Serious Risks: Understanding Vision Loss and Infection
The term “linked to vision loss” is not an exaggeration. A bacterial infection in the eye, known as bacterial keratitis, is a serious medical emergency.
Symptoms of an Eye Infection: If you have used any of the recalled products, be vigilant for the following symptoms:
Blurry vision
Yellow, green, or clear discharge from the eye
Eye pain or discomfort
Redness of the eyelid or eye
A feeling that something is in your eye
Increased sensitivity to light
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical care immediately.
How Infection Leads to Vision Loss: When harmful bacteria are introduced directly into the eye, they can infect the cornea, which is the clear outer layer at the front of the eye. This can lead to a corneal ulcer, which is an open sore on the cornea. As the ulcer heals, it can cause scarring. If the scar is in the center of the cornea, it can permanently blur or block vision. In severe cases, the infection can perforate the eye, leading to a total loss of vision and requiring surgical removal of the eye (enucleation) to prevent the infection from spreading.
What You Need to Do Right Now: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you are concerned about your eye drops, follow these steps to ensure your safety.
Check Your Products: Carefully compare the eye drops you own against the list of recalled brands provided above. Pay close attention to the brand name (e.g., CVS Health, Up & Up) and the specific product description.
Stop Use Immediately: If you have any of the recalled products, do not use them under any circumstances. Even if they look and smell fine, they could be contaminated.
Dispose of Them Safely: The FDA recommends that you dispose of the recalled products properly. Do not flush them down the sink or toilet. Follow the disposal instructions on the product label or check with your local waste management facility for guidance on disposing of medicines.
Monitor for Symptoms: Be aware of the signs of an eye infection listed in the section above. If you develop any symptoms, especially after using a recalled product, contact your doctor or an ophthalmologist right away.
Report Any Problems: If you have had a negative reaction to any eye drop, you can report it to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. This helps the agency track product safety issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check the lot number on my eye drops? The lot number and expiration date are typically printed on the bottom of the eye drop box and also on the bottle itself. For the recall involving the 26 products from CVS, Rite Aid, and Target, the FDA has recommended discarding all of these products, regardless of the lot number.
Are all store-brand eye drops dangerous? No. The recall is specific to products made by a particular manufacturer. Many store-brand eye drops are made by other companies and are not part of this safety warning. However, this situation highlights the importance of being a vigilant consumer.
What eye drops are safe to use? It is safest to purchase products from major, well-known brands that were not included in the recall. If you are unsure which product to choose, ask your pharmacist or eye doctor for a recommendation. They can guide you to a safe and effective option for your needs.
Can I get a refund for the recalled products? Most retailers will offer a full refund for recalled products. You can typically return the product to the store where you purchased it for a refund, even without a receipt.