FDA recalls thousands of eye care products over contamination risks [SEE FULL LIST]

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a nationwide recall for dozens of eye care products due to potential contamination that could lead to serious eye infections, including vision loss. The voluntary recall affects products sold under popular brands such as CVS, Rite Aid, Target, and Leader, among others.

The FDA announced that its investigators found unsanitary conditions and bacterial contamination at the manufacturing facility operated by Kilitch Healthcare India Limited. The products in question are primarily over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops, artificial tears, and eye lubricants.

Although no infections have been reported so far, the FDA warns that using contaminated eye products can result in minor to severe eye infections, which may ultimately lead to blindness in extreme cases.

What consumers are being asked to do

Consumers are urged to stop using the recalled products immediately and return them to the place of purchase or dispose of them safely. Anyone who has used the products and is experiencing eye irritation, redness, pain, or changes in vision should seek medical attention promptly.

Full list of affected eye products (from FDA website):

The following are among the eye care items listed in the FDA’s recall notice:

1. CVS Health Lubricant Eye Drops
2. CVS Health Lubricant Eye Drops for Mild to Moderate Dry Eye
3. CVS Health Lubricant Eye Drops for Severe Dry Eye
4. CVS Health Lubricant Gel Drops
5. CVS Health Eye Wash
6. Leader Lubricant Eye Drops
7. Leader Eye Irritation Relief
8. Rite Aid Lubricant Eye Drops
9. Rite Aid Lubricant Eye Drops for Mild to Moderate Dry Eye
10. Rite Aid Eye Wash
11. Rite Aid Eye Irritation Relief
12. Target Up&Up Lubricant Eye Drops
13. Target Up&Up Lubricant Eye Drops for Mild to Moderate Dry Eye
14. Target Up&Up Eye Irritation Relief
15. Velocity Pharma Lubricant Eye Drops
16. Velocity Pharma Lubricant Gel Drops
17. Velocity Pharma Eye Irritation Relief
18. Rugby (Cardinal Health) Lubricant Eye Drops
19. Rugby Eye Wash
20. Rugby Eye Irritation Relief

This is one of the largest mass recalls of eye care products in recent years, prompting increased scrutiny over the regulation and oversight of imported OTC pharmaceuticals.

For a complete list of all impacted items, consumers can refer to the FDA’s recall page or consult their pharmacy or healthcare provider.