FDA Sends Warning Over Unauthorized Eye Drops Sold at Major Retailers

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cautioned several companies, including CVS and Walgreens, for unlawfully promoting eye products that lack FDA approval. These products claim to address various eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and conjunctivitis.

According to the FDA, some of these over-the-counter eye solutions contain silver as an ingredient. Long-term exposure to silver can cause permanent discoloration, turning skin and body tissues—including the eye—grey or blue-grey. The concerned companies have been given a 15-day period to respond to the FDA’s warning letters as the federal investigation proceeds.

Eye Drops Under Scrutiny By the FDA

The FDA has targeted specific eye drop products from a range of companies:

• CVS Health − CVS Health Pink Eye Drops
• Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. − Walgreens Pink Eye Drops
• Boiron, Inc. − Optique 1 Eye Drops
• DR Vitamins Solutions − Life Extension Brite Eyes III, Vision Clarity Eye Drops, Longevity Science Visual Ocuity, and Can-C Eye Drops.
• Natural Ophthalmics, Inc. − Allergy Desensitization Eye Drops, Women’s Tear Stimulation Dry Eye Drops, Ortho-K Thick (Night) Eye Drops, Ortho-K Thin (Daytime) Eye Drops, Cataract Eye Drops with Cineraria, and Tear Stimulation Forté Dry Eye Drops.
• OcluMed LLC − OcluMed Eye Drops
• Similasan AG/Similasan USA − Similasan Kids Pink Eye Relief, Similasan Computer Eye Relief, Similasan Stye Eye Relief, Similasan Aging Eye Relief, Similasan Red Eye Relief, Similasan Pink Eye Relief, Similasan Kids Allergy Eye Relief, Similasan Complete Eye Relief, Similasan Allergy Eye Relief, Similasan Dry Eye Nighttime Gel, Similasan Pink Eye Nighttime Gel, and Similasan Dry Eye Relief.
• TRP Company, Inc. − Eye Strain Relief, Floaters Relief, Aging Eye Relief, Eye Lid Relief, Allergy Eyes Relief, Dryness Relief, Twitching Relief, Blur Relief, Red Eye Relief, Stye Relief, and Pink Eye Relief.

Rising Safety Concerns Over Eye Drops

The FDA’s action comes amidst a surge in eye product recalls this year due to adverse effects ranging from infections to blindness and, in severe cases, death. In February, the India-based Global Pharma Healthcare voluntarily recalled EzriCare Artificial Tears after 55 reports of eye infections, blindness, and one fatality from a bloodstream infection. This particular eye drop was associated with a drug-resistant bacteria, pseudomonas aeruginosa, resulting in four deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In the first quarter of the year, both Pharmedica USA LLC and Apotex Corp. also withdrew eye drops from the market citing sterility issues. Moreover, in August, the FDA alerted consumers to cease using Dr. Berne’s MSM Drops 5% Solution and LightEyez MSM Eye Drops-Eye Repair due to contamination risks.

More Deaths Linked to Contaminated Eye Drops

Further complicating the situation, eye drops tainted with harmful bacteria have been the culprit in a fourth death, as reported by the CDC.

Given the significant health risks posed by these unauthorized eye products, consumers are strongly advised to verify the FDA approval status of any over-the-counter eye drops and consult healthcare providers for appropriate treatment options.

Filing an Eye Injury Lawsuit Concerning Recalled Eye Drops

If you or a family member has suffered eye injuries or complications as a result of using the recently recalled eye drops from CVS, Walgreens, or other companies under FDA investigation, you may be considering filing a lawsuit. Pursuing legal action can be a complex but necessary step to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Before taking any action, it’s crucial to consult our experienced product liability attorneys. We can provide valuable insights into the merits of your case, the types of evidence you’ll need, and the potential outcomes. Our attorneys will help you with all relevant documentation such as medical records, purchase receipts for the eye drops, and any related correspondence from manufacturers or healthcare providers.

If you have a case, your attorney will begin the compensation process by sending a demand letter to the company or companies responsible, outlining your injuries, how they were caused by the eye drops, and what kind of compensation you are seeking. If this does not result in an adequate response or settlement, you’ll need to formally file a lawsuit, serving the concerned company with a complaint.

The process from here involves legal procedures such as discovery, where both parties will examine the evidence, and potentially settlement negotiations. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome and any compensation to be awarded.

Given the gravity of the injuries reported—including eye infections, blindness, and even death—time is of the essence in pursuing an eye injury lawsuit. Immediate legal intervention can not only help secure a fair compensation but also prevent further harm by expediting the recall process and raising public awareness about the dangerous products.

Contact a trusted law firm like Parker Waichman LLP at 800-968-7529 to understand your options and take the first steps toward a better financial future.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP for a Free Case Review

Parker Waichman LLP helps families recover monetary compensation for harm caused by dangerous products like this defective product. For your free consultation, contact our national product liability law firm today by using our live chat or calling 800-968-7529.