A nationwide wave of prescription and over-the-counter eye drop recalls includes products sold at major retailers across California, with one of the companies based in Los Angeles County.
If you use eye drops for dry eyes, allergies, or after eye surgery, now is a good time to check the label before using another dose.
In recent months, more than 5.6 million bottles of prescription and over-the-counter eye drops have been recalled nationwide because of manufacturing problems that could put consumers at risk. The recalls affect products sold at pharmacies and major retailers across the country, including California.
For Southern California residents, the story hits especially close to home. One of the companies involved, K.C. Pharmaceuticals, is based in Pomona, meaning products linked to the recall were widely distributed throughout Los Angeles County and across the state.
While not every eye drop on store shelves is affected, health officials say consumers should confirm whether the products they have at home are part of the recalls.
Why these recalls matter
Unlike many medications, eye drops are placed directly into the eye. If a product is contaminated or not manufactured under sterile conditions, bacteria or foreign material can enter the eye and potentially lead to serious infections, inflammation, vision problems, or, in rare cases, permanent eye damage.
That is why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration closely monitors manufacturing quality and can recommend recalls when sterility cannot be guaranteed.
The current recalls involve two separate issues, each affecting different products.
The prescription eye drop recall
The most recent recall involves more than 2.5 million bottles of Prednisolone Acetate Ophthalmic Suspension (1%), a prescription steroid manufactured by Lupin Pharmaceuticals.
The medication is commonly prescribed after eye surgery and to treat inflammation.
According to the company, some bottles may contain a foreign substance. Although no widespread injuries have been reported, the company voluntarily recalled the affected lots as a precaution.
Because the medication is distributed nationwide, pharmacies throughout California, including Los Angeles County, received shipments.
The over-the-counter recall
Earlier this year, the FDA warned consumers about more than 3.1 million bottles of over-the-counter lubricating eye drops manufactured by K.C. Pharmaceuticals and Kilitch Healthcare.
The concern was not a confirmed contamination of every bottle. Instead, FDA inspectors found manufacturing conditions that did not provide adequate assurance the products were sterile.
The recalled products were sold under several store-brand labels at retailers including:
- CVS
- Walgreens
- Walmart
- Rite Aid
- Kroger stores, including Ralphs in California
Many consumers may not realize they purchased one of these products because they were sold as generic store brands rather than under a nationally recognized manufacturer.
Why this matters for California families
Because one of the manufacturers is located in Los Angeles County and the products were distributed nationwide, California shoppers are among those most likely to have purchased the recalled eye drops.
People who regularly use artificial tears, dry eye relief products, or prescription steroid eye drops should take a few minutes to inspect their medicine cabinets.
The recalls also highlight why it’s important to register for pharmacy notifications and pay attention to FDA safety alerts, especially for products used in sensitive areas such as the eyes.
What You Should Do
If you recently purchased eye drops, experts recommend these steps:
- Check the product name, manufacturer, lot number, and expiration date.
- Compare your bottle with the FDA recall notices.
- Stop using any recalled product immediately unless your healthcare provider gives different instructions.
- If you use prescription Prednisolone eye drops, contact your pharmacist or eye doctor about obtaining a replacement.
- Do not share eye drops with others, even if the bottle appears unopened.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you develop eye pain, redness, swelling, blurred vision, discharge, or worsening irritation after using recalled products.
Where to verify your eye drops
Consumers can verify whether their products are included by checking:
- The FDA’s Drug Recall and Safety Alerts page.
- Recall notices posted by retailers.
- Their pharmacy’s patient notification system.
- Their eye care provider or pharmacist.
Federal regulators continue monitoring both recalls and investigating manufacturing concerns.
Additional products could be added if new quality problems are identified, while pharmacies continue removing affected inventory from their shelves.
For now, the safest step is simple: if you have eye drops at home and are unsure whether they’re affected, take a few minutes to check. It could help protect your vision and prevent unnecessary complications.
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