• Sterling Pharmaceutical Services initiated an eye drop recall on August 20 over sterility concerns; the FDA upgraded to Class II designation September 21, indicating potential temporary health issues.
  • Walgreens, AvKare, Reliable-1 Laboratories, and other brands recalled; consumers should check expiration dates and lot numbers on bottles for specific affected products.
  • FDA recommends discontinuing use immediately, consulting doctors if already used, and contacting retailers about refund policies; no illness reports confirmed yet.

On September 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued updates within an enforcement report regarding an ongoing voluntary eye drop recall by Sterling Pharmaceutical Services of Dupo, IL. The recall, which was initiated on August 20, is for 747,844 units due to a concern that the drops may not be sterile.

On September 21, the FDA gave the recall a Class II designation. That means using or being exposed to the recalled drops could cause temporary or medically treatable health problems, or that the probability of serious health issues is remote.

This recall comes after one in July of Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief, and one in August of Prednisolone Acetate Ophthalmic Suspension eye drops.

Recalled eye drops

Here’s the information you should look for on any bottle of eye drops you have, per each recalled product:

  • AvKare Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Ophthalmic Solution 0.5%, Lubricant Eye Drops, Sterile, 0.5 fl oz (15 mL)
    • Exp. 8/2026: Lot 3161
    • Exp. 3/2027: Lot 3245
    • Exp. 5/2027: Lot 3260
    • Exp. 6/2027: Lots 3298–3300
    • Exp. 7/2027: Lots 3301, 3302, 3305, 3306
  • Reliable-1 Laboratories Sodium Chloride Hypertonicity Ophthalmic Solution 5%, Sterile, 0.5 fl oz (15 mL)
    • Exp. 1/31/2027: Lot 3192
    • Exp. 6/30/2027: Lots 3293, 3336
  • Walgreens Lubricant Eye Drops, Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 0.5%, Sterile, 0.5 fl oz (15 mL)
    • Exp. 9/2026: Lots 3166, 3172, 3173
    • Exp. 10/2026: Lots 3175–3178
    • Exp. 11/2026: Lot 3180
    • Exp. 12/2026: Lots 3188, 3202–3205
    • Exp. 2/2027: Lot 3209
    • Exp. 3/2027: Lots 3210, 3246, 3247
    • Exp. 4/2027: Lots 3248–3250, 3252, 3253
    • Exp. 5/2027: Lots 3261–3264
    • Exp. 6/2027: Lot 3281
  • Walgreens Lubricant Eye Drops Twin Pack (2 × 0.5 fl oz/15 mL)
    • Exp. 9/2026: Lot 3165
    • Exp. 10/2026: Lot 3179
    • Exp. 12/2026: Lots 3204, 3206, 3208
    • Exp. 4/2027: Lot 3259
    • Exp. 5/2027: Lots 3265, 3272
    • Exp. 6/2027: Lots 3268, 3273, 3276, 3278, 3280
    • Exp. 7/2027: Lots 3307, 3309, 3315
  • Reliable-1 Laboratories Lubricating Tears, Sterile, 0.5 fl oz (15 mL)
    • Exp. 9/30/2026: Lot 3171
    • Exp. 10/31/2026: Lot 3174
    • Exp. 6/30/2027: Lot 3275
    • Exp. 7/31/2027: Lot 3304
  • TRP The Relief Products Gentle Eyes Lubricant Eye Drops, Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 0.5%, Sterile, 0.5 fl oz (15 mL)
    • Exp. 5/31/2027: Lot 3292
    • Exp. 6/30/2027: Lot 3279
  • Major LubriFresh P.M. Nighttime Ointment, 0.125 oz (3.5 g)
    • Lot 3183
  • Cameron Pharmaceuticals Lubricant Eye Drops, Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 0.5%, 0.5 fl oz (15 mL)
    • Exp. 8/31/2026: Lot 3163
    • Exp. 9/30/2026: Lot 3164
  • AvKare Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Ophthalmic Solution 0.5% Twin Pack (2 × 0.5 fl oz/15 mL)
    • Exp. 8/2026: Lot 3161
    • Exp. 3/2027: Lot 3245
    • Exp. 5/2027: Lot 3260
    • Exp. 6/2027: Lots 3298–3300
    • Exp. 7/2027: Lots 3301, 3302, 3305, 3306

What to do if you purchased the recalled eye drops

Don’t use any of the products listed. If you have used the drops, give your doctor a call just to be safe, and monitor your vision for any symptoms. The company hasn’t issued information as to whether any consumers have reported illness or injury related to the drops at this time.

The company also hasn’t given instructions regarding refunds or replacements of the recalled products. Contact the store or retailer where you bought the eye drops to see what its policy might be.