“Your eyes might be the windows to your soul, but they can also reveal a lot about your health. Unfortunately, recent eye drop recalls have made some people question the safety of their eye care products. As vision is a crucial sense, it’s essential that we stay informed and vigilant when it comes to our eye health. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about the latest eye drop recalls- from what caused them in the first place to how you can safeguard yourself against such incidents in the future. So sit back and read on – because when it comes to your eyesight, knowledge truly is power!”
What happened?
In May of 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it was investigating reports of serious eye injuries associated with certain types of over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops and ointments. The FDA advised consumers to stop using these products immediately and to contact their healthcare providers if they experienced any problems with their vision after using them.
The affected products included those used to treat dry eyes, as well as those for other conditions such as pink eye or glaucoma. Some of the most popular brands included in the recall were Systane, Blink, Refresh, and Equate.
The FDA’s investigation is ongoing, but at this time it is unclear what exactly is causing these eye injuries. However, the agency has received reports of serious injury, including blindness, from consumers who used these products. If you have used any of the affected products and are experiencing vision problems, it is important to see your doctor right away.
Which brands are affected?
In May 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a voluntary recall of select lots of over-the-counter eye drops and ointments due to potential bacterial contamination. The affected products were distributed by Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) member companies Bausch + Lomb, CVS Health, Walgreens, and Zipsor manufacturer Jacobus Pharmaceutical Company.
The following eye drop and ointment products are affected by this recall:
-Bausch + Lomb Advanced Eye Relief redness reliever/lubricant eye drops
-CVS Health 12 Hour Soothing Eye Drops for Dry Eyes
-Walgreens Lubricant Eye Drops Maximum Redness Relief formula
-Zipsor Diclofenac Potassium Liquid Filled Capsules 25 mg Mfg. by…
How to tell if your eye drops are affected
If you use any of the recalled eye drops, stop using them immediately and call your doctor. Symptoms of a reaction may include:
-redness
-swelling
-itching
-eye pain
-hives
-trouble breathing
-throat tightness
If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention.
What to do if you have affected eye drops
If you have purchased any of the affected eye drops, it is important that you stop using them immediately and contact your doctor. If you have used any of the affected eye drops and are experiencing any side effects, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
How to find alternative eye drops
If you’re one of the many people who have been affected by the recent eye drop recalls, you may be wondering what your options are. Here’s a comprehensive guide to finding alternative eye drops that will work for you.
First and foremost, it’s important to check with your doctor to see if they have any recommendations. They may be able to prescribe you a different medication or tell you which over-the-counter options are best.
If you’re looking for over-the-counter options, your best bet is to head to your local pharmacy. The pharmacists there will be able to help you find an eye drop that will work for your specific needs.
There are also a few online retailers that sell alternative eye drops. Be sure to do your research before making a purchase, as not all products are created equal.
Finally, don’t forget that there are natural remedies out there as well. Some people find relief by using coconut oil or other natural oils in their eyes. You can also try using a warm compress on your eyes for a few minutes each day.
Conclusion
The recent eye drop recalls have been a serious issue, and it’s important to stay informed about them so that you can make sure your eyes are protected. By following the guidelines in this comprehensive guide, you should now be able to quickly determine if any of the recalled products are among those you use on a regular basis or if it’s something that could affect someone close to you. If there is any doubt at all, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or optometrist for help. Remember: safety first!
