You may have read the news. Some popular over-the-counter eye drops that many older people use every day are being taken off the shelves in stores all over the country.
As someone who has helped family members deal with dry eyes, cataracts, or recovery after surgery, I know how much we trust these little bottles. But here’s the hard truth: several brands have been recalled because they pose serious risks, such as bacterial contamination, fungal growth, and even the possibility of permanent vision loss.
The FDA is being very clear. Some of these items didn’t go through the necessary checks for sterility. Some of them were linked to infections that caused blindness, and in at least one case, death.
Still, a lot of older people have these drops in their medicine cabinets. They might not even be aware that there is a problem. This article isn’t just another news summary for that reason.
I’m going to explain what’s going on, who is most at risk, and what you or someone you care about should do right now, before it’s too late.
First, let’s talk about what these recalls are really about and why they are more important than most people think.
What’s Behind the Eye Drop Recalls?
Let’s get this straight: this isn’t the first time this has happened. Since early 2023, there has been a growing pattern of eye drop recalls. The current wave is just the latest in this pattern.
In the most recent case, the FDA found that several batches of AvKare, a brand that seniors often use, did not pass sterility tests. Some of the recalled drops were found to have bacteria or fungi in them, which can get into the eye and cause serious infections.
This isn’t just a problem with the paperwork. We mean real-world effects. Some products that were recalled, like the Systane Ultra Lubricant Eye Drops (Lot 10101), were taken off the market because they had visible fungal material in them. Some people failed random audits because their “microbial integrity” was not good enough.
If you use drops for dry eyes, after surgery, glaucoma, or just to keep things moist, you should check your cabinet again. A lot of these products were sold all over the country, in big stores like CVS, Walmart, Amazon, and Rite Aid, and under a lot of different brand names.
The FDA says that not all eye drop makers always follow sterile production standards, which makes things worse. That means that recalls like these might not be one-time things; they’re signs of a much bigger problem with oversight in the over-the-counter market.
Quick Takeaway: Don’t assume that eye drops from a well-known store are safe just because you or someone you care about uses them a lot. Check the lot numbers and stop using any product that is linked to the recalls. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Why Seniors Need to Pay Close Attention
This recall isn’t just background noise if you’re over 60 or care for someone who is. It’s personal.
Older people use eye drops more than any other age group. These drops become a part of daily life, whether you need them for dry eyes, glaucoma, cataract recovery, or just to feel better. But here’s the catch: as we get older, our eyes are more likely to get infections, and our bodies are slower to fight them off.
There is almost no way to protect yourself when contaminated drops are used. The fungus or bacteria goes right into the eye. The risk of infection goes way up for older people who don’t make enough tears or have had surgery in the past (like lens implants).
And we’re not just talking about a little redness or irritation. Some of these recalled items have already been linked by the FDA to serious problems, such as corneal ulcers, permanent vision loss, and even death from a bloodstream infection caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Many people think, “I’ve used this brand for years; it’s fine.” But even well-known brands like Systane and EzriCare have had to be recalled. It’s not about brand loyalty; it’s about keeping the batch safe. And the only way to stay ahead is to be careful with each bottle.
Don’t ignore this if you’re a senior or helping one manage their medications. A two-minute check today could literally save someone’s life or their eyesight.
Just like with vision, age-related changes in hearing can sneak up silently—here’s how seniors can take early steps in preventing hearing loss before it starts.
What Could Go Wrong? The Health Risks No One Should Ignore
Let’s be honest: most people think, “What could go wrong with an eye drop?” A lot, it turns out. Especially if you’re older.
When eye drops are dirty, they don’t just make your eyes feel bad. They can put harmful bacteria or fungi straight into your eye, which your body normally protects against. This can get out of hand quickly for seniors who may already have weak immune systems, slow healing, or eye problems that were already there.
This is what the FDA and CDC have said so far:
- Bacterial keratitis, a painful infection that can make you blind in a few days if you don’t get treatment,
- There have been reports of fungal contamination causing inflammation, blurry vision, and even permanent damage to the cornea.
- Over the past few years, at least 68 people have gotten sick from contaminated drops, and 3 people have died – Scientific American
- Some of the bacteria, like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, don’t respond to antibiotics, which makes treatment harder and more dangerous.
Think about putting a drop in your eyes to calm them down… and ending up in the emergency room with an infection that doctors can’t easily treat. That’s not just a way to scare people; it’s already happened. And this is why this recall is so important.
What does it all mean?
Stop using any eye drops right away if you notice new pain, redness, discharge, or blurry vision. Go see an eye doctor. Don’t wait it out.
Which Eye Drops Were Recalled? Check Your Shelf Right Now
This part is important because a lot of people still have these drops sitting quietly in their medicine cabinet.
Based on official FDA updates and news reports, here are some of the most important eye drop products that were recalled as of mid-2025:
AvKare Artificial Tears (drops that lubricate the eyes)
- Reason: Failure to keep things sterile during production
- Risk: Getting sick from bad microbes
- Where to buy: All over the country (in stores and online)
Eye Drops with Systane Ultra Lubricant (Lot #10101)
- Reason: Fungal material that can be seen in sealed vials
- Alcon Laboratories is the maker.
- Risk: Fungal eye infections, which are especially bad after surgery
EzriCare Artificial Tears (Global Pharma Healthcare)
- Reason: Connected to an outbreak of antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- Effect: 68 infections, 8 vision losses, and 3 deaths reported
- Available on: Amazon, Walmart, and other big online stores
15% MSM Drops That Are Only Soothing
- Reason: making things that aren’t sterile, letting microbes grow
- FDA Warning: “Not safe for people to use”
Other brands that have been recalled or are being looked at are:
- Eye drops with CVS Health Lubricant
- Eye Drops from Rite Aid
- Leader Eye Drops (different brands with store labels)
Always check the FDA’s recall page for the most accurate and up-to-date list.
What You Should Do Now:
Get your eye drops now. Look at the brand, lot number (usually printed on the bottom or side), and expiration date. Call your pharmacist if you’re not sure. And if anything on the list above matches, stop using it right away.
Why These Recalls Keep Happening – Inside the Industry Problem
Here’s the uncomfortable truth that most headlines leave out: these eye drop recalls aren’t just for one bad batch. They are signs that there is a bigger problem with how over-the-counter products are made and regulated.
Let me tell you why.
The FDA says that eye drops are “low-risk” drugs, which means that many of them don’t have to go through the same strict testing before they can be sold as prescription drugs. In theory, companies should use sterile methods when making things. But what really happens? Some businesses have been caught skipping important steps or sending production to poorly supervised labs in other countries.
For instance, the EzriCare drops that were linked to several infections were made in a factory in India that had already been cited for breaking the law while making things. The same thing happened with AvKare’s recalled batches: they failed sterility tests only after they had already been sold in the U.S.
What worries me even more? Many of these recalls were voluntary, which means that the FDA often only steps in after damage has already been done. There isn’t a built-in way to stop contaminated over-the-counter eye drops from being sold to people.
This lack of supervision is especially bad for older people. When you have dry eyes, glaucoma, or are healing from surgery, you can trust these products not to hurt your vision. But as we’ve seen, that trust isn’t always deserved.
The bottom line is that this is more than just a problem with quality control. It’s a blind spot in our healthcare system that puts weak people in danger.
If you’re wondering how things like this keep slipping through the cracks, you’re not alone—there’s also a rise in scams and unsafe products targeting older adults. Learn how to spot and avoid health fraud aimed at seniors.
What You Should Do Now – A Simple Action Plan
You don’t need to freak out, but you do need to do something. This is a clear, step-by-step guide to keeping yourself or someone you care about safe:
1. Look at every bottle of eye drops you own
Check your medicine cabinet for any brands that are on the recall list. This includes products from CVS, Walmart, and Rite Aid, as well as Systane, EzriCare, AvKare, and store-label products. If there are lot numbers, check them.
Don’t take chances if you’re not sure. Put the product away and call your pharmacist.
2. Stop using any drop that isn’t known to be safe.
It’s best to stay away from a drop until you can be sure it’s safe and not part of a recall. It’s not worth the risk to use it “just in case.”
3. Speak with Your Eye Doctor
Tell your doctor if you’ve used any of the recalled brands, even if you don’t have any symptoms. Call right away if you have redness, discharge, pain, or blurry vision.
Your doctor can look for early signs of infection and help you find safer options.
4. Use brands that don’t have preservatives and that your doctor recommends.
If you can, only use the drops that your eye doctor tells you to. Single-use vials that don’t have preservatives (from trusted brands) are often safer to use for a long time, especially for older people.
5. Get the Latest News from Official Sources
Save the FDA’s Drug Recall and Safety Alerts page as a favorite. We’ll see problems like this again, and staying informed is half the battle.
This health problem is manageable if you take it seriously. A quick check of the cabinet today could keep you from going to the ER later.
Also, in emergencies—especially for those living alone—knowing how to use personal safety apps built for seniors can be life-saving.
Real Talk – Why This Story Matters More Than Just Eye Drops
There are more than a few bad products here. It’s about how easy it is for something small that we trust to put our health at risk without us knowing.
Seniors need to use eye drops. They are a part of everyday life. And when a system that is supposed to keep us safe lets bad products through, it’s up to regular people to find the danger.
This story is important for that reason.
It’s about your mom, who just had surgery to fix her cataracts. Your grandfather who takes drops every morning without even thinking about it. Or maybe it’s about you—you’re reading this because something didn’t feel right.
Don’t let this be just another headline you pass by. Spend some time. Look in your cabinet. Speak with your doctor. Tell someone who might not know about this.
It’s not just smart to catch something early; it’s also safe. It’s what we would do for the people we love.
Before you leave: Have you or someone close to you ever used one of these products that have been recalled? What else do you want to know?
Leave a comment or share this article; it could help someone avoid a serious health risk.
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Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication or health routine.
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