The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning for 27 different types of eye drops, urging consumers to stop using them and stop buying them immediately. Many of the products are different types of lubricating eye drops.
The agency has reported that the eye drops contain bacteria that could lead to eye infections that cause partial vision loss or total blindness.
Currently, some of the biggest retailers carry these drops, including Target, Rite Aid, Walmart, CVS, Velocity Pharma, Leader, and Rugby. So far, Target, Rite Aid, Walmart, and CVS have removed the contaminated drops from their stores and websites, and consumers should be on the lookout when shopping at Velocy, Leader, or Rugby in-store or online.
Protecting eye health
The urgent warning about these eye drops comes after the FDA found issues related to cleanliness in the facilities that manufacture them. Samples taken throughout these facilities showed traces of bacteria, as well as general unsanitary conditions in production areas.
The FDA explained that this is a risk to consumers’ health, as eye drops are designed to be sterile, and when anything has direct contact with the eye, there’s very little protection.
“Ophthalmic drugs pose a potential heightened risk of harm to users because drugs applied to the eye bypass some of the body’s natural defenses,” the FDA wrote.
As of right now, no incidents related to the eye drops have been reported to the FDA. However, the agency encourages consumers to report any symptoms of an eye infection to their healthcare provider, as well as to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.
To see a full list of the drops to avoid, click here.