• Nearly 40,000 bottles of Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief were recalled nationwide in July due to potential sterility issues and possible contamination with bacteria or fungi.
  • The FDA upgraded the recall to Class II status in August, indicating temporary, treatable medical problems could occur, affecting 15mL bottles with expiration date September 30, 2027.
  • Consumers should stop using the product immediately, seek refunds from retailers like CVS and Walgreens, and contact healthcare providers if eye symptoms develop after use.

For the second time this summer, there’s an eye drop recall. This time, if you rely on over-the-counter eye drops to relieve itchy eyes, head for your medicine cabinet because almost 40,000 bottles of Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief have been recalled across the United States. The recall is ongoing, according to an enforcement report issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Why are the eye drops being recalled?

According to the report, Prestige Brand Holdings, the manufacturer of Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief, initiated the voluntary recall of 39,060 bottles of the product on July 29. On August 14, the FDA updated the situation to a Class II recall, which means that if you use or are exposed to the product, you could suffer medical problems, but they would be temporary, treatable, and not likely to cause any kind of serious adverse damage to your health.

The reason for the recall is “lack of assurance of sterility.” Essentially, the eye drops could potentially be contaminated, according to the FDA. Still, it’s not known for sure if they contain any health risks like bacteria or fungi.

Which eye drops are being recalled?

The specific eye drops are packaged in 15 mL bottles, with an expiration date of September 30, 2027. Check any bottle you have for the following details:

CLEAR EYES Maximum Itchy Eye Relief, 0.5 fl oz (15 mL) per dropper bottle, Sterile

  • Lot code: 2552A
  • NDC: 67172-999-01
  • UPC: 6 78112 65920 3
  • Recall number: D-0766-2026

The eye drops were distributed nationwide by Medtech Products, Inc., of Tarrytown, New York, a division of Prestige Brand Holdings. Retailers that carry the product include Amazon, CVS, Kroger, Walgreens, Target, Menards, Dollar General, and more.

What should I do if I have these eye drops?

Definitely don’t use them. You can contact the retailer you bought them from to ask for a refund. If you have used the drops and experience any eye-related symptoms, contact your health care provider ASAP. The FDA also has a program, MedWatch, where you can report adverse product reactions. If you have questions about the product, it’s a great idea to talk to your pharmacist, too.