What To Know About The Nationwide Eye Drops Recall

Another day, another product recall.

However, this time it’s not something in your pantry. It’s in your medicine cabinet, and it’s a reminder to take very good care of your eyes.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a nationwide voluntary recall of more than 3.1 million bottles of over‑the‑counter eye drops after the manufacturer couldn’t guarantee that the products were sterile.

When it comes to a product you put directly into your eyes, sterility isn’t optional, it’s essential.

I predict he's going to miss his eye with that drop. (Getty Images)

This Recall Involves Eight Different Types Of Eyedrops

The recalled eyedrops were made by K.C. Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and sold under a range of store‑brand labels at major retailers like CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, Rite Aid, and Meijer. The affected products include:

Dry Eye Relief Eye Drops
Artificial Tears Sterile Lubricant Eye Drops
Sterile Eye Drops Original Formula
Sterile Eye Drops Redness Lubricant
Eye Drops Advanced Relief
Ultra Lubricating Eye Drops
Sterile Eye Drops AC
Sterile Eye Drops Soothing Tears

All are packaged in 0.5 fluid ounce (15 mL) bottles, the same size you’re probably familiar with from your own medicine cabinet shelf.

Getty Images

Here's What The Problem Is With These Recalled Eyedrops

The issue isn’t that these eye drops have been proven contaminated.

So far, there are no confirmed reports of infection tied to the products. Rather, regulators say the manufacturing process didn’t provide enough assurance that harmful microbes couldn’t have gotten into the solutions. Given how sensitive the eyes are to bacteria and fungi, the FDA decided that was enough to spur a recall.

The FDA has labeled the action a Class II recall, meaning the products may cause temporary or medically reversible health effects if used, which is a risk most of us don’t want to take with anything touching our eyes.

If you use store‑brand eye drops, now is a good time to check your bottles. Compare the name and size with the list above and stop using any that match.

Most retailers will accept returns or refunds for recalled products, and you can always reach out to your pharmacist if you’re unsure. If you notice redness, pain, discharge, or changes in vision after using any eye drops, make sure you reach out to a healthcare provider right away.