Expanded Eye Drop Recall Hits Major Pharmacy Chains
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued an expanded recall of over-the-counter eye drops sold under store-brand labels at CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid locations nationwide. The recall now covers more than two dozen products manufactured between October 2025 and February 2026, citing potential bacterial contamination that could cause serious eye infections.
The recall was initially triggered after routine FDA testing found unacceptable levels of bacteria in manufacturing facilities supplying these retailers. While no confirmed injuries have been reported as of April 2026, the FDA is urging consumers to stop using affected products immediately.
Full List of Recalled Products
CVS Health Brand
- CVS Health Lubricant Eye Drops, 0.5 oz - Lot numbers beginning with EX25 and EX26
- CVS Health Dry Eye Relief Drops, 0.5 oz - Lot numbers beginning with DR25
- CVS Health Redness Relief Eye Drops, 0.5 oz - Lot numbers beginning with RR25 and RR26
- CVS Health Allergy Eye Drops, 0.34 oz - Lot numbers beginning with AL26
Walgreens Brand
- Walgreens Lubricant Eye Drops, 0.5 oz - Lot numbers beginning with WL25 and WL26
- Walgreens Soothing Eye Drops, 0.5 oz - Lot numbers beginning with WS26
- Walgreens Redness Reliever, 0.5 oz - Lot numbers beginning with WR25
- Walgreens Dry Eye Comfort Drops, 0.33 oz - Lot numbers beginning with WD26
Rite Aid Brand
- Rite Aid Pharmacy Lubricant Eye Drops, 0.5 oz - Lot numbers beginning with RA25 and RA26
- Rite Aid Pharmacy Redness Relief, 0.5 oz - Lot numbers beginning with RR25
- Rite Aid Pharmacy Dry Eye Drops, 0.33 oz - Lot numbers beginning with RD26
What Are the Risks?
Contaminated eye drops can introduce harmful bacteria directly into the eye, potentially causing infections ranging from mild conjunctivitis to more severe conditions like keratitis, which can lead to vision impairment. Individuals with compromised immune systems, recent eye surgery, or existing eye conditions face elevated risks.
Symptoms of an eye infection include redness, swelling, pain, discharge, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light. If you have used any recalled product and experience these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
What to Do If You Have Affected Products
Stop using the product immediately, even if it appears normal. Do not attempt to test or evaluate the product yourself. Check the lot number printed on the bottom or side of the packaging against the list above. If your product matches, you have several options for obtaining a refund.
CVS is offering full refunds at any store location with or without a receipt for recalled items. Walgreens is processing refunds at customer service counters and through their app. Rite Aid is accepting returns at all remaining locations.
You can also report adverse effects to the FDA MedWatch program online or by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Safe Alternatives
While the recalled products are off shelves, consumers can look for eye drops from manufacturers not affected by this recall. Name-brand options from Bausch and Lomb, Alcon, and Allergan have not been included in any recent recalls. Single-use preservative-free vials are generally considered the safest option as they reduce contamination risk.
Consult your pharmacist or eye care provider if you need help selecting a replacement product, especially if you use eye drops daily for chronic dry eye or allergy management.
