Latest Recall: Eye Drops Contaminated with Bacteria

In a recent development, the FDA has expanded its recall of eye drops due to potential bacterial contamination. The recall, announced on Wednesday, includes store-brand products sold at major retailers such as CVS, Rite Aid, Target, and Walmart. This action was taken after the FDA discovered unsanitary conditions at the manufacturing facility, as reported by Kilitch Healthcare India.

Consumers are advised against using the recalled eye drops, as there is a risk of eye infections that could lead to partial vision loss or even blindness. The FDA's warning was prompted by the detection of bacteria in samples obtained from the production plant.

List of Recalled Eye Drops

It is likely that many of the affected eye drops have already been removed from store shelves and websites by CVS, Rite Aid, and Target. The FDA has urged distributors and retailers to discontinue selling these products and has advised consumers to return them.

Eye drops recalled in previous rounds

In response to a warning from the FDA, Cardinal Health initiated a recall of six Leader brand eye products in early November. Similarly, Harvard Drug Group recalled Rugby Laboratories brand eye drops. These recalls were prompted by concerns raised by the FDA earlier this year about eye drops linked to four deaths and cases of vision loss.

The FDA had previously advised against purchasing "Dr. Berne's MSM Drops 5% Solution" and "LightEyez MSM Eye Drops – Eye Repair" due to serious health risks, including vision- and life-threatening infections. Additionally, federal inspectors discovered numerous issues at Global Pharma Healthcare Pvt Ltd, an Indian manufacturer, following a multistate outbreak of rare bacteria linked to their eye drops.

Ensuring the safety of eye drops

To guarantee the safety of eye drops, they must be sterile and free from contamination. Carri Chan, a business professor at Columbia University, emphasized the need for stricter oversight in the manufacturing process. The FDA provides an updated list of eye drop products that should be discarded, and users can also visit the manufacturer's website to check for any recalls.

Eye Drops: When to Seek Medical Help

According to Dr. Christopher Starr, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, it is crucial for individuals to immediately seek medical assistance if they experience any adverse reactions to eye drops. Symptoms such as discharge, redness, or pain may indicate an infection and should not be taken lightly.

In addition, Dr. Starr advises individuals to always check the expiration date of eye drop products before using them. Using expired eye drops can lead to potential complications and reduced effectiveness.