What You Need to Know About Recent Eye Drop Recalls

If you’ve purchased eye drops from national retailers like CVS Health, Walgreens, Walmart, or Target, it’s time to check your medicine cabinet. A number of over-the-counter eye drop products—marketed for temporary relief of dry eye and irritation—have been recalled due to manufacturing concerns identified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These findings have raised questions about the safety and quality of several commonly used lubricant eye drops.

Below, we break down which products are affected, why the recall happened, and what steps you should take if you find one of the recalled products in your home.

What Triggered the Eye Drop Recall?

A recent FDA inspection found quality control issues—called “deviations”—in the manufacturing process of several eye drop products from multiple brands. While no injuries or eye infections have yet been reported, these issues led to a voluntary recall at the consumer level.

According to the FDA, the concern involves sterile production conditions that could potentially contaminate the product. If used, contaminated eye drops can lead to eye infections, blurry vision, and more serious complications if left untreated.

This recall affects dozens of formulations, including artificial tears, lubricant eye drops, gel drops, and eye ointment products containing active ingredients like carboxymethylcellulose sodium, polyvinyl alcohol, and propylene glycol.

Recalled Products: Brands and Formulas to Look Out For

Below is a list of the major recalled eye drop products. If you use any of the following for dry eye, artificial tears, or general eye irritation, stop using them immediately and follow the instructions further below:

CVS Health

• Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (Single and Twin Pack) — Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 0.5%
• Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (Single and Twin Pack) — Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 1%
• Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 ml — Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.5%, Povidone 0.6%, Tetrahydrozoline HCl 0.05%
• Lubricating Gel Drops 10 ml — Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4%, Propylene Glycol 0.3%
• Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6% — 10 ml (Single and Twin Pack)
• Mild Moderate Lubricating Drops 15 ml — Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.25%

Rite Aid

• Lubricant Eye Drops (Multiple Variants) — Ingredients include Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium, Propylene Glycol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, and Hypromellose
• Gentle Lubricant Gel Eye Drops — Hypromellose 0.3%, Glycerin 0.2%, Dextran 70 0.1%
• Multi-Action Relief Drops — PVA, Povidone, and Tetrahydrozoline HCl

Leader (Cardinal Health)

• Dry Eye Relief 10 ml and 15 ml — PEG 400 and Propylene Glycol / Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 0.5% or 1%
• Eye Irritation Relief Drops — Polyvinyl Alcohol and Tetrahydrozoline HCl

Rugby (Cardinal Health)

• Lubricating Tears Eye Drops — Hypromellose 2910-0.3%, Dextran 70-0.1%
• Polyvinyl Alcohol 1.4% Drops

Target (Up&Up Brand)

• Dry Eye Relief and Extreme Relief Dry Eye products — PEG 400, Propylene Glycol, and Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium

Walmart (Equate Brand)

• Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drop — PEG 400 and Propylene Glycol

Velocity Pharma LLC

• Lubricant Eye Drop (Triple Pack) — Propylene Glycol 0.6%

Why These Ingredients Matter

Most dry eye products rely on ingredients like carboxymethylcellulose sodium and polyvinyl alcohol to coat the surface of the eye and provide temporary moisture. Problems arise if these eye drop products are not produced under sterile conditions, as they are meant to be preservative-free or low-preservative, increasing the risk of contamination.

Artificial tears and lubricant eye drops are designed to relieve symptoms—not cause further complications. Using recalled products could reverse that goal, especially in vulnerable individuals or those already dealing with eye discomfort.

What Should You Do If You Have a Recalled Product?

1. Stop Use Immediately: Even if the recalled eye drops are within their expiration date or appear safe, stop using them. They may pose a risk of causing irritation, blurry vision, or eye infections.
2. Check the Label: Identify the brand, volume (ml), active ingredients, and packaging. Compare this with the extensive list of products involved in the recall notice.
3. Return the Product: Most stores are accepting returns for these recalled products, even without a receipt. CVS Health, Target, Walgreens, and Walmart customers should visit their store’s pharmacy counter or customer service desk for details. Manufacturers are offering refunds in many cases.
4. Report a Problem: If you’ve used any of the recalled artificial tears or lubricant eye drops and experienced discomfort, blurry vision, or signs of infection, contact your eye doctor. You can also report adverse effects to the FDA’s MedWatch program.

Stay Informed, Protect Your Vision

Recalled eye drop products serve as a reminder that even seemingly simple over-the-counter treatments need to be handled with care. If you experience frequent dry eye, use artificial tears often, or rely on any over-the-counter eye ointment or eye drop, keep track of product recall notices. Always read the label and discuss long-term use with a qualified eye care professional.

At amaEyes, patient safety is our top priority. We urge you to bring any questionable eye drop products to your next appointment, and we can help verify if your artificial tears are safe to use.

For more updates on drug administration recalls and safe eye care practices, stay connected with our team of experienced eye doctors.