The Food and Drug Administration recently warned consumers against using 27 types of eye drops. This is the third eye drop-related warning this year, leaving Americans wondering if any eye drops are safe to use.
In short, experts say artificial tears are not dangerous as long as consumers are aware of what they’re putting into their eyes and take certain precautions while using them.
“Any lubricant that has not been recalled and is still on pharmacy shelves should be completely safe,” Dr. Christopher Starr, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, wrote in an email.
Experts say fall is peak season for eye drops, when cold, dry air brings in ragweed and other allergens. According to , at least 117 million Americans used eye drop products in 2020. Statista, a data research company. The group expects that number to rise to more than 123 million by 2024.
But in 2023, the FDA issued some dire warnings about contamination in these commonly used products.
- In January, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention It said people should stop using Ezricare artificial tears until an investigation into bacterial infections linked to the product is conducted. Within months, 81 patients were found to be infected with a rare drug-resistant bacteria called . Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 14 people went blind, four had to have their eyes surgically removed, and four died. EzriCare artificial tears and two other his products from the same manufacturer, Delsum Pharma Artificial Tears and Delsum Pharma Artificial Ointment, have been recalled. No new injuries have been reported since May.
- In August, the FDA announced that it had found fungal and bacterial contamination in Dr. Berne’s MSM Drops 5% Solution and LightEyez MSM Eye Drops-Eye Repair. These products contained methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), a chemical not approved for use in eye drops. No injuries were reported from the fall.
- Earlier this week, the FDA warned against the use of 27 generic eye drops after inspectors found bacteria at a facility where they were manufactured. These drops were sold at major retailers such as CVS, Rite Aid, Target, and Walmart, and then removed from store shelves.
No infections have been reported in connection with this eye drop recall. Still, experts remain concerned.
Dr. Ronald Benner, president of the American Optometric Association, said, “We have not yet seen any adverse effects from these products.” “But the scary thing is that it could happen to us.”
“We urge consumers to discontinue use of these products as they can cause eye infections,” the FDA said in an emailed statement.
It is unclear what prompted authorities to take a closer look at this particular facility, which was not named.
Why are eyes so weak?
Our immune systems are trained to kick in when germs enter our bodies through cuts on our skin or through food. White blood cells rapidly increase and form a scab. Stomach acid attacks.
However, the eyes are especially vulnerable to foreign invaders. They “don’t have that level of protection,” said Dr. Morgan Morelli, an assistant professor of medicine at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. “You’re putting the product directly into your eyes.”
The outer layer of the eye, called the corneal dome, lacks blood vessels that are normally important in immune system processes because the eye “needs to maintain clarity,” Benner said.
When people rub or itch their eyes due to allergens, they can create small scratches on the surface of the eye, creating a wide opening for bacterial infection.
“If there’s an infection in that tissue, the body can’t fight the infection as quickly,” Benner says. “Putting a drop on something contaminated will make things worse.”
Pro tip: Don’t use regular eye drops
In light of the recall, experts say the first thing consumers should do is check their medicine cabinets, wallets, desk drawers, junk drawers and other places where eye drops may be stored. Says. this is a list Some of the latest drops that the FDA is telling us to stop using.
Experts also recommend using only brand-name eye drops and other artificial tear products.
“There are some generic drugs that are probably okay and safe, but we don’t know where they’re manufactured,” Benner says. “I don’t know how long it was on the shelf.”
Morelli agreed, even though branded products tend to be more expensive than generic ones. She said she recently stopped when she had to spend $30 on her own eye drops. “When it comes to your eyes, it’s probably safer to spend more money and choose a brand name,” Morelli says.
Starr, who is also an associate professor of ophthalmology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, urges all patients to check the expiration date on eye drop bottles.
“If they are expired, throw them away because even properly manufactured eye drops that have not been recalled are at high risk of contamination,” he said.
More expert tips:
- Wash your hands before using eye drops.
- Do not touch the tip of the dropper with your hands, even if it is dirty. This includes every part of the eye, including the eyelashes.
- Make sure the eye drops are labeled “sterile” and have not expired.
- Do not share bottles of eye drops, even among family members. “We’re seeing eye infections spreading from person to person,” Benner said. “Your drop should be your drop. Don’t share it with anyone else.”
