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There is no one safe replacement for every recalled eye drop. Check the product name and lot number against the specific recall notice, then follow its instructions. If the product was an over-the-counter lubricant for dry eyes, drops, gels, or ointments may be options to discuss with a pharmacist or eye-care professional. For prescription drops or treatment of another condition, contact the prescriber or pharmacist before switching.
First, check whether your exact product and lot were recalled
A recall does not necessarily apply to every product sold under a brand name. Find the product name and lot number on the packaging and compare them with the applicable FDA recall information or the recall announcement. Follow that notice’s instructions for stopping use, disposal, or return. If you cannot identify the lot or determine whether it matches, ask a pharmacist or contact the company listed in the notice rather than guessing.
The FDA’s safety page lists, among other historical alerts, a December 21, 2024 recall of one lot (10101) of Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-the-Go, 25 count. That was a one-lot recall; it does not establish that other lots or Systane products are affected. Check the current notice for the product you have.
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Choose a replacement based on what the drops were treating
If they were over-the-counter lubricants for dry eyes
FDA guidance describes lubricating drops, gels, and ointments as over-the-counter options for dry-eye relief. These are categories to discuss with a pharmacist or eye-care professional—not a recommendation of a particular brand or assurance that every product is suitable. Tell them which product was recalled, what symptoms you are treating, and whether a clinician recommended it.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
Do not assume that a different brand, an online listing, a “preservative-free” label, or single-use packaging makes a product a safe substitute. Eye drops must be sterile: as the FDA explains, medicines applied to the eye bypass some natural defenses, so contamination can cause serious harm. Check safety alerts and use only a product appropriate for your situation.
If they were prescription drops or treated another condition
Contact the prescribing clinician or pharmacist before stopping or changing treatment. The right substitute depends on the medicine and the condition, and stopping some medicines can carry its own risk. Do not replace prescription treatment with an over-the-counter lubricant unless a health-care professional advises you to.
Rank #2
- 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
Know when to seek medical care
Stop using the drops and contact a health-care professional if you develop discharge, pain, vision changes, or discomfort. If you used a recalled product and have signs or symptoms of an eye infection, the FDA’s warning says to contact a health-care provider or seek medical care promptly. For unexpected effects, talk with a doctor and report the issue to the FDA.
The context matters: in a February 2, 2023 notice about Global Pharma Healthcare’s recalled EzriCare and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears, the FDA reported 55 adverse-event reports, including eye infections, permanent vision loss, and one death with a bloodstream infection. That figure applies to that notice and those products; it is not a count for all eye-drop recalls or a current total.
Rank #3
- 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
Use eye drops in a way that reduces contamination risk
- Wash your hands before handling drops.
- Do not let the container tip touch your eye, hands, clothing, or another surface.
- Stop using drops if you experience discharge, pain, vision changes, or discomfort, and contact a health-care professional.
- For a recalled product, follow the specific notice’s stop-use and disposal or return directions.
For more detail, see the FDA’s eye-drop safety guidance, recall guidance, warning about multiple over-the-counter eye-drop brands, 2023 EzriCare and Delsam Pharma notice, and 2024 warning about copycat eye drops.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Fast-Acting Dry Eye Relief for Dry, Irritated Eyes: Systane ULTRA Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops provide rapid hydration and lasting relief for dry eyes caused by irritants like screen time, air quality, low humidity, or seasonal changes. Designed for occasional or mild dry eye sufferers
- Targets the Aqueous Layer: Formulated with Polyethylene Glycol 400 and Propylene Glycol, our moisturizing eye drops for dry eyes help hydrate and protect the ocular surface by replenishing the aqueous (water) layer of the tear film to deliver fast-acting and long-lasting dry eye relief throughout the day
- Gentle Preservative-Free Formula: Suitable for sensitive eyes, the preservative-free formula of Systane ULTRA Preservative-Free Lubricating Eye Drops helps soothe eye dryness without preservatives. Helps relieve discomfort to the eye caused by wind, dust, or extended screen exposure, making it suitable for everyday use
- Convenient & Hygienic Application: Available in an easy-to-use multi-dose bottle providing a sterile, travel-friendly option for on-the-go dry eye relief. A great addition to your daily eye care routine, instill 1–2 drops as needed throughout the day. These lubricating eye drops help restore comfort, whether you're at your desk or on the go
- 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
Rank #4
- Preservative-free relief: Provide relief for sensitive eyes, with TheraTears preservative-free eye drops in convenient single-use vials that are easy to take along wherever you go
- Instant hydration: TheraTears Dry Eye Therapy eye drops restore eyes’ natural balance and deliver fast hydration for dry eyes; prompt relief for itching, irritation and other symptoms
- Unique formula: The TheraTears eye drop formula in convenient preservative-free vials contains OxyLytes, the 5 vital electrolytes found in natural tears
- Created by an ophthalmologist: The hydrating TheraTears formula was created by an ophthalmologist, following 18 years of research, for a one-of-a-kind eye drop
- Doctor-recommended: TheraTears is a doctor-recommended brand (per ProVoice Survey data collected 9/1/23-8/31/24), created to bring balance and hydration to dry eyes; your purchase may be FSA/HSA eligible, check your health plan for details
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.
