Not all eyedrops are unsafe. But some are. The FDA recently recalled over 25 different kinds of eyedrops due to unsanitary manufacturing conditions. Recalled brands include CVS Health, Leader, Rugby, Rite Aid, Target Up & Up, Velocity Pharma, etc. Non-recalled eyedrops are still safe if used correctly. Eyedrop users can check FDA.gov for a list of recalled eyedrops.

The FDA recalled over 25 different kinds of eye drops due to unsanitary conditions in manufacturing and risk of eye infection.

There have not been any reports of infection from these most recently recalled drops to date, however these drops should not be used. Most stores are offering a full refund if you recently purchased one of these products, and they are being removed from shelves.

There have been other eyedrop recalls this year, including in February for EzriCare Artificial Tears or Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears. These eye drops did cause 80 reported cases of infections with drug-resistant bacteria.

Eye drops are meant to be sterile because eyes are a place where bacteria can enter the body. Small scrapes are also common on the eye during allergy season from people rubbing them, and this increases the risk of bacteria entering the body.

When administering eye drops, it is important to wash your hands first and ensure that the tip of the bottle does not touch anything including your hands or eyelashes. Eyedrops should not be shared, even among family members. Expired eyedrops increase the risk of infection and should not be used.

Eyedrop users should check this list to see if their eyedrops have been recalled, and experts recommend avoiding generic brand eyedrops at this time even though they might be less expensive. Non-recalled eyedrops are still considered safe, as long as they are administered correctly.

We are still learning more about the kind of bacteria found during this most recent recall.

The FDA is continuing to monitor eyedrop brands and expects to update its list as it receives more information.