What You Need to Know About the Recent Artificial Tear Recalls

Millions of people in America use artificial tear eye drops on a daily basis for managing their dry eye symptoms such as scratchiness, redness, burning, itching and watering. In 2023, there were concerning reports of cases of serious eye infections resulting in vision loss, loss of the eye and even death in some patients. As a result, several brands of eye drops were recalled and the public was urged to not use and to discard these brands of eyedrops.

A company named Kilitch Healthcare India Limited, responsible for manufacturing many generic artificial tear brands for retailers such as CVS, RiteAid, Walmart, Target, Velocity, Leader and Rugby voluntarily recalled the contaminated eye drops. Insanitary conditions in the manufacturing facility were noted by the FDA in the case of the recent recalls. The contaminated generic brands of eye drops have caused severe drug resistant fungal and bacterial infections of the eye resulting in detrimental health outcomes. 

The complete list of recalled artificial tears can be found here. If you have been using any of these generic brands of eye drops and experience symptoms of eye pain, light sensitivity, redness, or discharge discontinue eye drop use and make an appointment with your eye care physician.

Dry eyes can result in blurry vision, gritty sensation in the eyes, itching, watering, and burning. Dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition, but consistent artificial tears use can help in managing dry eye symptoms. Reliable, safe brands of artificial tears include Refresh, Systane, TheraTears, Soothe, Retaine, Ivizia, Biotrue, and Genteal. Read more about which artificial tears are best here.

Summit Eye Center physicians Dr. Skelsey and Dr. Kleinsasser are skilled in diagnosing and treating dry eye syndrome. To learn more or schedule an appointment contact Summit Eye Center at 816-246-2111 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

This blog is authored by Taylor Oswald, ophthalmic assistant and University of Missouri Kansas City- Health Sciences Intern.