As your trusted eye care experts at Assil Guar Eye Institute, we want to bring your attention to a significant health announcement recently made by the FDA. The agency has raised a warning flag about 27 types of eye drop products due to potential sterility issues that could result in eye infections.
A range of well-known brands, including CVS Health, Rite Aid, and Target, have been caught up in this warning, with one company, Cardinal Health, promptly issuing a recall of their products.
While they are generally treatable, eye infections can still lead to grave consequences such as partial vision loss or even blindness.
CVS, Target, and Rite Aid are removing the affected brands from their shelves, but the FDA has requested that consumers stop using these products and dispose of any they currently have at home.
Investigators from the FDA discovered that these products, which should be sterile, were manufactured in an unclean facility, with several production areas being found to contain bacteria in their environmental sampling tests.
Which eye drops are affected?
The following brands have been listed:
- CVS Health
- Target Up & Up
- Walmart
- Rite Aid
- Leader by Cardinal Health
- Rugby by Cardinal Health
- Velocity Pharma
A more detailed list can be found as part of the FDA’s announcement.
Although the FDA hasn’t reported adverse effects related to these products, healthcare professionals and users of these products are being encouraged to document any adverse reactions via the FDA’S MedWatch page.
Why are non-sterile eye drops a concern?
Eye drop safety has been in the spotlight recently due to concerns about non-sterile products. If compromised, these drops can introduce bacteria directly into the eye, skipping the body’s natural defenses. The worst-case scenario involves a severe infection known as bacterial keratitis that may necessitate a corneal transplant or can lead to blindness.
However, while the FDA’s warning is a cause for concern, it primarily underlines its effective oversight in preventing potential health issues. Name-brand eye drop products, particularly those from reputed manufacturers, generally follow impeccable sterilization practices.
That said, we urge all our patients to follow the FDA’s advice and stop using the products listed in their warning. Furthermore, bear in mind that while this warning is cause for precaution, it does not mean all eye drops are unsafe to use.
Keeping you informed and your eyes in prime health is our mission at Assil Guar Eye Institute. Stay tuned for more updates.
Why trust the Assil Gaur Eye Institute with your precious eyesight?
Drs. Assil and Sodhi Gaur head a team of top ophthalmology specialists from around the country. In keeping with the founding principles of AGEI, our doctors keep their clinics comfortable and familiar, just like the old family-run medical practices.
Today, AGEI is nationally recognized for its compassionate, patient-centric care, commitment to pioneering advances in ophthalmology, and dedication to supporting the health and well-being of its patients and community.
Los Angeles’ leading LASIK, cataract, and retinal surgeons are available in an all-in-one practice, with state-of-the-art treatments for all eye conditions, including glaucoma, macular disease, dry eye, and diabetic eye conditions.
Please call (866) 945-2745 or make an appointment online.
We are conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area at locations in or near Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.
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