Millions of eye drop bottles sold at CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, and other major pharmacies may not be sterile. K.C. Pharmaceuticals of Pomona, California never verified that eight of its over-the-counter eye drop products met sterility standards, the FDA warned. A nearly identical manufacturing failure in 2023 left patients blind, cost others their eyes, and killed at least three people. Consumers should stop using the products and return them for a full refund.
Nonsterile eye drops can harbor bacteria and fungus. Use of contaminated eye drops can cause severe eye infections that may result in partial vision loss or blindness. The 2023 outbreak of similar contaminated eye drops caused documented cases of vision loss, surgical eye removals, and deaths.
Stop using the recalled eye drops immediately. Do not purchase or use any of the affected products. Return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. If you experience eye redness, stuck eyelids, unusual discharge, vision changes, swelling, pain, itching, or irritation after using these products, seek medical attention immediately. Report adverse reactions to the FDA MedWatch program.
Get instant alerts for Health & Personal Care recalls
Be the first to know. Free instant alerts to your inbox.
The recall covers eight products manufactured by K.C. Pharmaceuticals and sold under at least 12 store-brand labels: CVS Health, Walgreens, Kroger, Top Care, Best Choice, Good Sense, Rugby, Leader, Good Neighbor Pharmacy, Quality Choice, Geri-Care, and Valu Merchandisers. Affected products include Dry Eye Relief, Artificial Tears Sterile Lubricant, Sterile Eye Drops Original Formula, Sterile Eye Drops Redness Lubricant, Eye Drops Advanced Relief, Ultra Lubricating Eye Drops, Sterile Eye Drops AC, and Sterile Eye Drops Soothing Tears. All lots with expiration dates between April 30 and October 31, 2026 are included.
K.C. Pharmaceuticals could not prove the eye drops were sterile because the company never properly tested them. Eye drops bypass the body's outer defenses and deliver liquid directly onto the eyeball. Bacteria or fungus in a contaminated bottle can colonize the eye within hours. The resulting infections resist standard treatment because the eye has limited blood flow to deliver antibiotics. In 2023, contaminated drops from a different manufacturer caused 81 infections in 18 states. Four patients had their eyeballs surgically removed. Three died.
1. Pull every eye drop bottle from your medicine cabinet and check the brand name. 2. If the label matches any of the 12 store brands listed above, stop using it now. 3. Return the bottle to the pharmacy or retailer for a full refund. You do not need a receipt. 4. If you have used the drops and notice redness, discharge, stuck eyelids, blurred vision, swelling, or pain, go to an eye doctor or emergency room the same day. 5. File a report with FDA MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088 or online at fda.gov/medwatch.
FDA MedWatch safety reporting: 1-800-FDA-1088 or fda.gov/medwatch. K.C. Pharmaceuticals: 3215 Producer Way, Pomona, CA 91768. For refund questions, contact the store where you bought the product. CVS, Walgreens, and Kroger pharmacy counters can process returns directly.
Not sure what to do next? Our guide walks you through the process step by step.
Read: What to Do When You Find a Recalled ProductGet instant alerts for recalls that affect you. Free forever.
Honda recalls 2025 CR-V Hybrid vehicles sold through Honda dealers nationwide after finding an improperly installed fuel feed hose that may leak. The recall is identified by Honda as TLS. Dealers will replace the fuel feed hose and install a new connector cover at no charge. Owners should contact Honda at 1-888-234-2138 for service.
Volkswagen Group of America recalls 2023-2025 Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport and 2023-2024 ID.4 models for loose bolts in the chassis, brake system and suspension. The potential consequence is loss of vehicle control and a crash risk. Owners should stop driving the vehicle and contact a dealer for inspection; recall letters were mailed on July 25, 2025.
Mercedes-Benz USA is recalling certain 2024 GLE 350 4MATIC, 2025 GLE 450e 4MATIC, and additional models sold through its dealer network. The issue involves a multi-purpose camera and rearview mirror that may detach from the windshield. Dealers will replace the windshield and reinstall the camera and mirror at no charge.
Mazda North American Operations recalls 2024-2025 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles after SAS units may deactivate airbags due to a low battery condition. Dealers will reprogram the SAS unit or replace it at no charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 24, 2025.
Kia America, Inc. recalled certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles on April 7, 2027. The recall involves rear window trim pieces that may loosen and detach, creating a road hazard. Owners should contact Kia for inspection and potential replacement of affected parts.
Kia America, Inc. is recalling 2023-2025 Kia Telluride SUVs sold through Kia dealers nationwide after interim notices warned that door belt molding trim can delaminate and detach. A detached trim piece can become a road hazard for other vehicles and increase the risk of a crash. Owners should contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542 for inspection and repair.
Ford Motor Company recalled certain 2024-2025 Expedition vehicles due to a misaligned engine cup plug. This defect can lead to rapid oil leaks, increasing the risk of engine stalls and fires. The recall affects models with 3.5L GTDI engines, with notifications mailed on May 22, 2025.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. recalled certain 2024-2025 Audi Q4 E-Tron models on April 2, 2027. The on-board charger may fail, leading to a loss of drive power. This defect increases the risk of a crash.