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Check the exact product and lot number against the official recall notice before deciding what to do. If the notice says to stop using your eye drops, stop and follow its return or disposal instructions. If the notice is unclear, contact the company listed or ask a pharmacist or clinician. If you have symptoms after using the drops, contact a health professional promptly.
How to check whether your eye drops are affected
- Find the current official notice. Start with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s eye-drop recalls and safety alerts, then check the manufacturer’s notice. FDA also provides general guidance on how to identify a recalled product and drug recalls. Recall status can change, and some recalls may not receive broad public notification.
- Match the bottle to the affected item. Compare the brand and full product name, dosage form, package type and size, and any lot or batch number, expiration date, UPC, or NDC listed in the notice. Check the carton as well as the bottle if you have both. A matching brand name alone does not prove that your specific package is included.
- Keep the packaging while you verify. The lot code and other identifying details may be printed on the bottle, carton, or label. Keep them available when you contact the manufacturer, seller, pharmacist, or clinician.
- Follow the notice for that product and lot. If it directs consumers to stop using the drops, do so. Follow the notice’s specific return, refund, or disposal directions; do not assume every recall has the same process. If you cannot tell whether your bottle is affected, use the notice’s company contact details or ask a pharmacist or clinician rather than guessing.
FDA says, “Any drug used in the eyes must be sterile to reduce the risk of infection.” That is why a warning about a particular eye-drop product should be taken seriously, while still checking whether the warning applies to your exact package.
What to do if you have used the drops
If you have eye pain, discharge, vision changes, discomfort, or think you may have an eye infection after using the product, contact a health professional promptly. FDA advises stopping eye drops if problems such as discharge, pain, vision changes, or discomfort occur and discussing safe, effective treatment with a health professional. In its EzriCare Artificial Tears warning, FDA told people with signs or symptoms of eye infection to contact a health care provider or seek medical care immediately.
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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Do not simply switch to a different eye drop or restart the recalled product on your own. The appropriate treatment or alternative depends on your situation; ask a clinician or pharmacist. This is general U.S. consumer guidance, not an individual diagnosis.
#1 Best Overall
- LASTING RELIEF: Original strength lubricating formula soothes mild symptoms of eye dryness
- PRESERVATIVE-FREE: Made with zero preservatives to relieve mild symptoms of dry eyes including burning, irritation, and discomfort
- FAST ACTING: Instantly moisturizes and lubricates
- RELIABLE PROTECTION: Active ingredients provide lasting lubrication for dry eyes
- GENTLE: Safe to use as often as needed. Great for dry, sensitive eyes
How to report a problem or ask about the recall
Address medical care first. Then report a suspected adverse event or medicine-quality problem to FDA through MedWatch and FDA’s consumer reporting routes, and contact the company using the details in the recall notice. FDA’s consumer reporting guidance explains that MedWatch is not medical advice and advises people experiencing an adverse event to contact a health professional first. As FDA’s CAPT Beth Fritsch has noted, “Health care professionals may have other clinical information, such as test results or a medication profile, that will help us evaluate the report.”
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why checking the exact notice matters
Recall instructions are specific to the product and situation. FDA’s general drug-recall guidance explains that some Class II or III recalls may not require consumers to stop use unless FDA or the recalling company directs them to do so, and that stopping a medicine can sometimes cause harm. Do not apply that general point to override a specific eye-drop warning: follow the instructions for the exact product and seek professional advice if you are unsure.
Rank #2
- Advanced Relief for Dry, Irritated Eyes: Systane COMPLETE Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops provide soothing relief for all types of dry eye, including aqueous-deficient, evaporative, and mixed dry eye. Helps relieve discomfort due to environmental exposure such as sun and wind
- Lasting Relief from One Drop: Formulated with Propylene Glycol (0.6%), it provides up to 8 hours of dry eye relief. Systane COMPLETE Preservative-Free helps relieve common dry eye symptoms like sore, watery, stinging, burning, tired, dry, and irritated eyes. For mild to moderate dry eye sufferers who want dependable hydration
- Advanced Nano-Droplet Technology: Nano-droplet technology features the rapid delivery of this soothing drop over the entire eye surface—resulting in better coverage vs Systane Balance. It provides fast hydration, evaporation protection and long-lasting dry eye relief
- Easy Dosing: The multi-dose bottle, with its ergonomic design for easy drop administration. Instill 1–2 drops as needed throughout your day. With just one drop, Systane COMPLETE Preservative-Free provides 8 hours of dry eye symptom relief in a preservative-free formula ideal, for sensitive eyes
- Trusted Brand, Convenient Design: Systane is a trusted name in eye care, recommended by eye care professionals for reliable dry eye relief. The multi-dose easy-application bottle offers on-the-go hydration, keeping eyes refreshed and moisturized wherever your day takes you
Historical alerts illustrate why dates and lot numbers matter, but they do not establish current recall status. For example, FDA’s eye-drop alert list includes a December 21, 2024 recall of one lot—10101—of Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-the-Go, 25 count. Check the live FDA and company notices to determine whether any product you have is currently affected.
In its February 2, 2023 notice about Artificial Tears distributed as EzriCare and Delsam Pharma, FDA reported 55 adverse-event reports, including eye infections, permanent vision loss, and one death with a bloodstream infection. Separately, FDA’s EzriCare warning said CDC had identified 55 patients in 12 states as of January 31, 2023, with infections linked by epidemiologic and laboratory evidence. These are distinct, historical measures reported in 2023—not current totals.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- FAST ACTING: Rapid relief to comfort dry, irritated eyes
- LASTING RELIEF: One drop provides 10+ hours of dry eye relief (results may vary) (Data on file, AbbVie, Inc. REF-136415)
- UNIQUE FORMULA: Enhanced with antioxidants and plant-based flaxseed oil (inactive ingredients), which contains omega-3s
- SOFT-SQUEEZE MULTIDOSE BOTTLE: Features a double lockout system that keeps drops sterile
- PRESERVATIVE-FREE: Gentle and safe to use as often as needed
Rank #3
- ORIGINAL STRENGTH: Provides temporary relief for mild, occasional dry eye symptoms
- FAST ACTING: Instantly lubricates and moisturizes
- PRESERVATIVE-FREE: Made with zero preservatives to relieve mild symptoms of dry eyes including irritation, and discomfort
- SOOTHING: Great for dry, sensitive eyes
- SOFT-SQUEEZE MULTIDOSE BOTTLE: Features a double lockout system that keeps drops sterile
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
