What you need to know about contaminated eye drops (2024)

FAQs

What you need to know about contaminated eye drops? ›

“There may be itching or redness as later findings. As you get further into the infection, the vision can become blurry and a discharge usually develops — a watery, yellowish or greenish discharge — and the eyelashes may start crusting.” If any of these symptoms arise, stop using the product and contact your doctor.

According to the FDA, “using contaminated eye drops could result in minor to serious vision-threatening infection which could possibly progress to a life-threatening infection.”

Be careful not to touch the end of the dropper to your hand, eyelid, eyelashes or eye. If the tip of the bottle becomes contaminated, you can clean it with a sterile cloth or alcohol pad. Place the back of your thumb against your forehead and avoid pointing your fingernails towards the eye.

UPDATE JAN. 31, 2024: The FDA is warning consumers not to purchase or use South Moon, Rebright or FivFivGo eye drops because of the risk of eye infection. These “copycat” eye drops resemble Bausch + Lomb's Lumify brand eye drops. Read the FDA announcement.

The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning in late October 2023 urging consumers to avoid purchasing and to immediately stop using 26 over-the-counter eye drop products because of risk of eye infection that could result in partial vision loss or even blindness.

Treatment for eye infections depends on what's causing your eye infection. It might include anti-infective medication in various forms, such as eye drops, ointments or tablets. It usually takes 24 to 48 hours for antibacterial medications to work.

Drops to Avoid

It's best to avoid decongestant eye drops such as Visine, Naphcon, Opcon, or Clear Eyes when treating dry eyes. You can recognize these drops because they are typically advertised as a relief for red eyes or allergies.

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: eye pain, change in vision, continued eye redness/irritation. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.

Refresh eye drops are a commonly used over-the-counter product that provides relief to those suffering from dry, irritated eyes. However, in recent news, the manufacturer of Refresh eye drops has announced a recall due to potential contamination concerns.

Has Systane been recalled? ›

Therefore, the recall applies only to Systane Free Liquid Gel. The original formulation of Systane lubricant eye drops and Systane unit dose are not part of this recall and can continue to be used safely. In addition, the company points out the other Alcon preservative systems are not affected.

Refresh has an average rating of 7.0 out of 10 from a total of 3 ratings on Drugs.com. 67% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 33% reported a negative effect. Systane has an average rating of 2.1 out of 10 from a total of 111 ratings on Drugs.com.

You should not use Pataday if you are allergic to it. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if Pataday is safe to use if you have any type of eye infection. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Pataday is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled dozens of over-the-counter eye drops — artificial tears — in 2023 due to contamination and unsafe manufacturing practices. Four deaths from sepsis, 14 cases of vision loss and more than 80 infections were reported as of May.

What's the best way to avoid infection from contaminated eye drops? Eye drop bottles can become tainted by bacteria once opened, but there are easy ways to avoid contamination, according to Patricia Jackson, president of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.

Furthermore, expired eye drops may produce uncomfortable side effects, such as itching, blurred vision, burning, and redness. Another risk of using expired eye drops is that they may become contaminated with bacteria or fungi, leading to an eye infection.