Skip to main content
Lara Trump on stage during a conference
Anti-aging supplements for women over 40 showcased in an informative graphic.
Lara Trump speaking on stage at CPAC Conference.

Health

The Scary Reason You Should Stop Using These Eye Drops ASAP–They Could Cause Blindness, FDA Says

November 24, 2023 by Faith Geiger
shefinds | Health
Featured image

The FDA has issued a warning that 26 over-the-counter eye drop products sold at retailers across the country pose a risk of eye infection and even vision loss or blindless—and they may still be on shelves.

If you experience allergies and dry eyes during the winter months and frequently purchase drops to help with the issue, it’s important to check any products in your possession and dispose of any that this warning pertains to. Find all of the details below.

house unit img
Women Are Swapping Their Boring Water For This Ice Pop Electrolyte Mix!
woman using eye drops

Eye drops sold at CVS, Target, Walmart, and Rite Aid could cause vision loss

According to the FDAs warning, many eye drops sold over-the-counter at stores like CVS, Target, Walmart, and Rite-Aid were manufactured in "insanitary conditions" and present a "potential risk of eye infections that could result in partial vision loss or blindness." Yikes!

The FDA notes that although these are "intended to be sterile," agency investigators found positive bacterial test results from environmental sampling in the facility in which these products were manufactured. That means these eye drops "pose a potential heightened risk of harm to users because drugs applied to the eyes bypass some of the body’s natural defenses." For this reason, they recommended that the manufacturer recall all of the lots of these products. Recalls have since been issued by Harvard Drug Group LLC, Cardinal Health Inc., and Kilitch Healthcare India Limited.

This warning pertains to products from the following brands:

  • CVS Health
  • Leader (Cardinal Health)
  • Rugy (Cardinal Health)
  • Rite Aid
  • Target Up&Up

You can find the full list of impacted products here.

 
 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Mo News (@mosheh)

If you are in possession of any of these products, the FDA urges you to stop using them immediately and to dispose of them. Although some of these products may still be on shelves at certain stores, you should refrain from purchasing them.

Luckily, no reports of eye infections have stemmed from these products thus far. However, it's always important to take recalls and warnings like this seriously in order to keep you and your family safe and healthy.

People with allergies should also be aware of a recent recall on sinus spray. SheFinds is dedicated to keeping readers in the know on these issues. Stay safe!

READ MORE: The Scary Reason Pressure Cookers Are Being Pulled From Shelves

Author:

Freelance Writer

Faith Geiger is a New York-based writer and editor. When she's not covering the latest in health and wellness for SheFinds, she spends her time watching reality TV with her roommates, browsing used bookstores, and enjoying live music. You can reach Faith at faith@shefinds.com.

Flaxseed porridge topped with banana slices
Various supplements on a table
Grilled chicken breast served with sides
Woman blowing her nose
Person holding a bagel and coffee in a cafe
Selection of Nature Valley and Belvita snacks
Woman pouring salad dressing
Grocery shopping scene
Woman pouring coffee
Stressed-out woman
Electrolytes displayed in a store
Close-up of a woman walking
Eating burgers and drinking soda
Mitch McConnell at a Senate hearing
Vegan salad with lentils and dried tomatoes
Stock image of healthy food
Woman eating granola with berries and yogurt
Taco Bell food items
Woman having a healthy breakfast
General Mills headquarters and cereal products
Flaxseed porridge topped with banana slices for a healthy meal.
Various dietary supplements displayed on a wooden shelf.
Grilled chicken breast served with salad and crispy fries.
Woman blowing her nose with a tissue in a close-up shot.
Person enjoying a bagel and coffee in a cozy café.
Variety of Nature Valley and Belvita snacks for healthy snacking.
Woman pouring salad dressing onto a fresh salad.
Grocery shopping for healthy and delicious food options.
Woman pouring coffee into a mug from a coffee pot.
Woman feeling stressed with a focus on self-care and wellness.
Electrolyte drinks displayed on shelves in a retail store.
Close-up of a woman walking confidently down the street.
Eating burgers and drinking soda, a classic fast food meal.
Mitch McConnell during a Senate Committee hearing on appropriations.
Vegan salad with lentils, pumpkin, and dried tomatoes for health.
Anti-aging supplements for women over 40 displayed on a table.
Woman enjoying a healthy breakfast with granola, berries, and yogurt.
Taco Bell menu items featuring lettuce and tacos.
Woman savoring a nutritious breakfast meal.
General Mills headquarters showcasing cereal products.