If you reach for eye drops to soothe dry, itchy eyes during allergy season, you may want to take a closer look at what’s in your medicine cabinet. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), more than 1.8 million cartons of eye drops have just been recalled nationwide due to potential quality and sterility concerns.
The recalled products, distributed by AvKARE, are commonly used to treat dry eye symptoms like stinging, burning, or redness, affecting over 16 million Americans. While no specific injuries have been reported, the recall was initiated due to significant manufacturing deviations discovered during an FDA audit, raising questions about product sterility and overall safety.
The products span a wide range of eye lubricants, including artificial tears, gels, and ophthalmic solutions. The health hazard is currently labeled as “unknown,” which means the risk is unclear, but the potential for contamination or compromised quality can’t be ruled out. Because eye drops are used directly in the eye, even minor issues in manufacturing can pose serious risks.
If you’re unsure whether your eye drops are included in the recall, it’s important to check before using them. You can find the full list of affected products, National Drug Codes (NDCs), lot numbers, and expiration dates directly from the official recall notice.
For complete details on which products were recalled and what steps to take, visit the FDA’s recall page here:
https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts
When it comes to your eyes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Stop using any questionable products immediately and consult your eye doctor if you have concerns.
