Yes, the FDA warns against using eye drops from multiple brands due to the risk of infection.

Many people use eye drops to treat certain eye problems, such as allergies, dryness, irritation, and redness.

Recent online search trends show that some people are wondering whether the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a new warning regarding eye drops sold in the United States.

THE QUESTION

Is the FDA warning people to stop using certain eye drops?

THE SOURCES

THE ANSWER

Yes, the FDA is warning people to stop using 27 different types of eye drops because of the risk of infection.

WHAT WE FOUND

The FDA is warning people to stop purchasing and using 27 different types of over-the-counter eye drops that carry a potential risk of eye infections that can lead to partial vision loss or blindness. These eye drops are sold by several major brands, including CVS Health, Target, Rite Aid, Walmart, Cardinal Health, and Velocity Pharma. You can find the full list of recalled products below.

In an Oct. 27 statement, the FDA said its inspectors found unsanitary conditions and bacteria in the manufacturing plant producing the eye drops, but did not disclose the location of the plant or the date of inspection. The agency asked the manufacturer to recall all batches marketed under the following brands:

• CVS Health
• Leader (Cardinal Health)
• Rugby (Cardinal Health)
• Help with rites
• Target more and more
• Velocity Pharmaceuticals
• Walmart

The FDA says CVS, Rite Aid, Target and Walmart are removing the eye drops from their store shelves and websites. Leader, Rugby and Velocity branded products may still be available in store and online and should not be purchased.

These products are intended to be sterile. Ophthalmic drug products pose a potential increased risk of harm to users because medications applied to the eyes bypass some of the body’s natural defenses, the FDA said on its website.

People who experience signs or symptoms of eye infection after using these products should tell their healthcare professional or seek medical attention immediately. As of October 31, no product-related injuries have been reported, but the FDA encourages doctors and patients to submit their cases through MedWatch, the agency’s medical product safety reporting program.

Earlier this year, in February, federal officials linked an outbreak of drug-resistant bacteria to eye drops from two companies: EzriCare and Delsam Pharma. More than 80 people in the United States have tested positive for eye infections from this rare bacterial strain, according to the latest update released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in May.

After these products were recalled, health inspectors visited the manufacturing plant in India that made the eye drops and found problems in the way they were made and tested, including inadequate sterility measures.

List of recalled eye drops

CVS Health

• Lubricating eye drops 15 ml (single pack)
• Lubricating eye drops 15 ml (double pack)
• Lubricating gel drops 15 ml (individual packaging)
• Lubricating gel drops 15 ml (double pack)
• Multi-action relief drops 15 ml
• Lubricating gel drops 10 ml
• Lubricating eye drops 10 ml (single pack)
• Lubricating eye drops 10 ml (double pack)
• Light and Moderate Lubricating Eye Drops 15ml (Single Pack)

Rugby (Cardinal Health)

• Lubricating Tears Eye Drops 15 ml
• Polyvinyl alcohol 1.4% Lubricating eye drops 15 ml

Leader (Cardinal Health)

• Dry Eye Relief 10ml
• Lubricating eye drops 15 ml (single pack)
• Lubricating eye drops 15 ml (double pack)
• Dry Eye Relief 15 ml
• Eye irritation relief 15 ml

Help with rites

• Lubricating eye drops 15 ml (double pack)
• Lubricating eye drops 10 ml (double pack)
• Gentle Lubricating Gel Eye Drops 15 ml
• Lubricating Gel Drops 15 ml
• Lubricating Gel Drops 10 ml
• Multi-action relief drops 15 ml

Target

• Up&Up Lubricant for Dry Eye Relief, Eye Drops 30 ml
• Up&Up Extreme Dry Eye Relief 15 ml (single pack)
• Up&Up Extreme Dry Eye Relief 30ml (double pack)

Velocity Pharma, LLC

• Lubricating eye drop 10 ml (triple pack)

Walmart

• Equate Hydration PF Eye Drop Lubricant 10 ml

The Associated Press contributed to this report.