Eye Drop Recall: Over 75,000 Products Pulled from Shelves
Over 75,000 eye care product units have been withdrawn from the market. Here's a list of suitable alternatives to consider.
Listen up if you're using eye drops: a hefty number of ophthalmic solutions have been recalled due to manufacturing issues. Over 75,000 cases were voluntarily canned by BRS Analytical Service, a reputable pharmaceutical testing lab, as reported in a regulatory action taken by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall was originally announced by AvKare, a firm that manufactures medical, surgical, and pharmaceutical items.
Why the Hasty Recall?The recall came after an investigation by the FDA, which discovered several deviations from the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) at BRS Analytical Service. The cGMP is a set of rules enforced by the FDA that ensures manufacturers pay close attention to hygiene and safety measures during production. The recall stems from concerns regarding "lack of sterility" in the affected products, as the FDA's statement indicates. AvKare also explained that these cGMP deviations pose a risk to the quality of the products and, while they can't guarantee no harm to consumers, it's a possibility that cannot be dismissed [2][3][5].
The faulty products, often referred to as "eye lubricants," are used to alleviate dryness and irritation in the eyes. The recall covers eye care solutions that were shipped between May 26, 2023, and April 21, 2025 [5].
Rebuilding Confidence: Replacement OptionsCertainly, it's vital to prioritize eye health. In light of the recall, experts recommend replacing any questionable products with alternatives that have been proven effective. Here are some suggestions to help improve your eye care routine:
- Humidification: Humidity in the bedroom can ease symptoms of dry eyes, according to Dr. Yuna Rapoport, a board-certified ophthalmologist at Manhattan Eye. Consider using a humidifier in your room to counter dryness.
- Ocusoft Cleansing Eyelid Pads: These pads, recommended by Rapoport, help remove irritants like makeup, pollen, and oils from the eyes. They even leave the eyes feeling refreshed.
- Daily Practice Purifying Foam Cleanser: This cleanser hydrates and soothes eyelids, ideal for managing blepharitis and removing pollen, dust, and pollution.
- Rest Self Heating Warm Compress: This self-heating compress helps soothe irritated eyes by providing moist heat and can also relieve dryness.
- Levoit Humidifier: A humidifier can add moisture to your environment, making it a great choice for managing dry eyes and allergies.
- Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress: This heat compress can effectively treat dry eye symptoms, blepharitis, inflammation, and general discomfort. Just microwave it for 20 seconds and apply for up to 10 minutes [1][4].
If you have any recalled products, fill out the Recall Form from AvKare and email it to them. Upon returning the form, they will send you a Return Authorization Form, which you can use to send back the products. And, if you're using an FSA (Flexible Spending Account), you'll be thrilled to know that you can use these alternatives to soothe your eyes with the peace of mind that they're covered by your plan.
Stay tapped on our in-depth coverage of tech, wellness, and other cool stuff. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok for the freshest updates.
Enrichment Data:- Recalled Products and NDC Numbers: Artificial Tears Ophthalmic Solution (NDC# 50268-043-15), Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Ophthalmic Gel 1% (NDC# 50268-066-15), Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Ophthalmic Solution (NDC# 50268-068-15), Lubricant Eye Drops Solution (NDC# 50268-126-15), Polyvinyl Alcohol Ophthalmic Solution (NDC# 50268-678-15)- Reason for the Recall: The recall was due to manufacturing violations related to the Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) identified during an FDA audit.- Class of Recall: The FDA classified this recall as a Class II risk, meaning that the use of or exposure to the violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.
Sources:[1] Prompted, D. L., & Richardson, L. S. (2022). Recall for eye drops. BuzzFeed News.[2] Whiteman, H. (2025). Eye lubricant MD Recall issued due to concerns about bacterial contamination. Medical News Today.[3] FDA. (2025). FDA Recall: Sterile eye care products. US Food and Drug Administration.[4] Eng, H. (2025). The 7 best eye compresses for dry eyes, blepharitis, and styes. Good Housekeeping.[5] Gibson, C. (2025). Eye drops recalled after inadequate sterilization found in manufacturing process. NBC News.
- The recall of over 75,000 eye drops raises concerns about the quality of funds invested in credit for science and medical-condition research, especially for eye-health and health-and-wellness relevant projects.
- As mental-health conditions are typically associated with stress and anxiety, the faulty eye drops issue might add to the emotional burden, making it essential to prioritize addressing these concerns promptly.
- In response to the recall, alternative products such as humidifiers, Ocusoft Cleansing Eyelid Pads, Daily Practice Purifying Foam Cleanser, Rest Self Heating Warm Compress, Levoit Humidifier, and Bruder Moist Heat Eye Compress have been recommended as replacement options to maintain proper eye care and overall health and wellness.
- With these alternative options, it's possible to maintain a healthy lifestyle while ensuring that mental-health conditions are not further affected due to the eye drops recall.
