Major retailers Walmart and CVS have pulled several brands of eye ointment products from their shelves due to potential bacterial contamination that could lead to vision-threatening eye infections.
The recall was prompted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration after inspectors discovered a “lack of sterility assurance” at an India-based manufacturing facility run by Brassica Pharma Pvt. Ltd. The FDA warned that the eye ointments may not be sterile as labeled, posing a risk of bacterial infection if used.
Ophthalmic medications like eye ointments bypass the body’s natural defenses when applied directly to the eyes, heightening the risk of harm if contaminated. Though no injuries have been reported so far, the FDA urged consumers to immediately stop using the recalled products.
CVS, Walmart Sold Potentially Contaminated Eye Ointments
The recall covers four different over-the-counter eye ointment products sold under the brand names Equate, CVS Health, and AACE Pharmaceuticals. The affected items were shipped to Walmart, CVS, and AACE Pharmaceuticals distribution centers nationwide and made available for purchase in stores and online.
Specifically, the recall involves:
- Equate Restore Tears Lubricant Eye Ointment (3.5 gram)
- Equate Eye Lubricant Drops (10 mL)
- Equate Restore PM Nighttime Lubricant Eye Ointment (3.5 gram)
- CVS Health Lubricant Eye Ointment (3.5 gram)
- AACE Pharma Lubricant Eye Drops (10 mL)
- AACE Pharma Lubricant Eye Ointment (3.5 gram)
The recalled over-the-counter eye ointment tubes have expiration dates ranging from February 2024 to September 2025. CVS has already pulled its potentially affected product from shelves, while Walmart is in the process of removing recalled items from its stores and website.
Customers who purchased any of the recalled eye ointments are advised to immediately stop using them and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. The products in question should be disposed of or sent back rather than used.
Risk of Eye Infections, Vision Loss From Contaminated Eye Medications
According to health experts, using eye ointments or drops contaminated with bacteria can lead to serious eye infections that in rare cases may cause permanent vision loss. Common symptoms include eye redness, sensation of a foreign body in the eye, eye discharge, pain, blurred vision, and light sensitivity.
Young children, elderly adults, and those with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk of developing eye infections from contaminated ophthalmic medications. However, even healthy people may be impacted.
The recall comes on the heels of a series of similar FDA warnings about other potentially contaminated eye ointments and drops manufactured in India. In November 2022, more than two dozen eyedrop products sold under various brand names were recalled after a bacteria known as pseudomonas aeruginosa was found at the manufacturing site.
Likewise, in October 2022, the FDA identified dozens more eyedrops and ointments that could potentially be contaminated due to poor sterility practices. Affected brands included CVS Health, Leader, Rugby, Rite Aid, Target’s Up & Up, and Equate.
Protecting Your Eyesight
To avoid issues, consumers should check their medicine cabinets for any recalled eye ointments and immediately discontinue use. Carefully follow the label instructions and expiration dates for all ophthalmic medications. Signs of an eye infection warrant urgent medical care to prevent vision problems.
Proper contact lens hygiene is also essential for eye health. Never use tap water to clean contacts, and replace your contact lens case frequently. Give your eyes a rest by wearing glasses daily for part of the time.
Patients should see an optometrist or ophthalmologist right away if experiencing symptoms like eye pain, discharge, redness, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or the feeling that something is in the eye. Leaving eye infections untreated can have serious consequences.
With eye medications from major pharmacies possibly contaminated, consumers must stay vigilant about protecting their vision health. Heeding recall warnings and being aware of infection symptoms allows swift action to prevent permanent eye damage. Thorough quality control is clearly needed to ensure product safety moving forward.
