FDA Eye Drop Recalls 2024: Brands Linked to Infections, Blindness, and Death


Hi there, friends! Dr. Allen here. Today, we're diving into a critical issue in eye care—the recent FDA recall of multiple eye drop brands. Disturbingly, these eye drops have been linked to cases of blindness and even a few deaths.

Throughout 2023, the FDA has issued several recalls for contaminated eye drops. Most recently, on October 27th, a new recall was announced, affecting products sold at popular stores like CVS, Target, and Rite Aid. In this video, we'll cover which eye drops were recalled and share tips to help you identify if your eye drops are safe to use.

October 27th FDA Eye Drop Recall

On October 27th, the FDA warned consumers not to purchase or use 26 over-the-counter eye drop products due to the risk of infection. These products are sold under the following brands:

  • CVS Health
  • Leader
  • Rugby
  • Rite Aid
  • Target Up & Up
  • Velocity Pharma
  • Walmart Equate (recently added to the list)

The FDA strongly advises consumers to discard any of these products if they have them. We'll include a link to the FDA website in the description below for more details.

A Growing Concern in Eye Care

Unfortunately, eye drop recalls have become more frequent. In May, the CDC reported 81 cases of severe, drug-resistant eye infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa—one of the worst types of eye infections. These infections can destroy the eye within 24 hours, leading to blindness or, in rare cases, death.

There's increasing concern within the eye care profession about counterfeit and fraudulent eye drops, especially those sold online. Just a few weeks ago, at the American Academy of Optometry, I saw and handled some of these counterfeit products. It's alarming how closely they resemble the real thing, from logos to packaging.

What to Do If You Have Recalled Eye Drops

If you have any eye drops on the FDA recall list, do not use them. Dispose of them properly according to FDA guidelines, which we'll also link to below.

How to Verify the Safety of Eye Drops

Besides checking the FDA website, another great resource is EyeDropSafety.org, funded by the Dry Eye Foundation. This site functions as a search engine, allowing you to verify whether a specific eye drop has been recalled or contains questionable ingredients. It's especially useful if you're purchasing eye drops online or want to double-check products in-store.

What to Do If You Suspect an Infection

If you've been using any of the recalled eye drops and suspect an eye infection, seek medical attention immediately. Contact an eye care specialist, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist, who can perform a swab test to identify the infection. If you don't have access to an eye care specialist, visit an urgent care clinic, your family doctor, or the ER in severe cases.

Tips for Safe Eye Drop Use

To reduce the risk of contamination when using eye drops, follow these tips:

  1. Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using eye drops.
  2. Avoid touching the dropper tip to your eyelashes, skin, or eyeball.
  3. Do not use expired eye drops or those that have been open for more than 30 days.
  4. Don't share your eye drops with others.

For those who struggle with getting the drops in the right place, try storing your eye drops in the fridge. The cool temperature can create a soothing sensation, making it easier to know when the drops have made contact.

Another helpful tool is the Magic Touch, a medical-grade silicone fingertip cover. You place the eye dropper in the small well at the top and use it to gently touch the edge of your eyelid, ensuring the drops go where they're supposed to. This tool is antimicrobial and washable, making it a great option for safer application.

Conclusion

Thank you for watching. I hope this video was informative and helpful. If you've encountered any of the recalled eye drops or noticed any suspicious products, please report them to EyeDropSafety.org and let us know in the comments. If you have tips or concerns to share, we'd love to hear from you.

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