According to the Food and Drug Administration, over 75,000 cases of AvKare eye drops and artificial tears were recalled due to deviations from Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). CGMP regulations ensure the “identity, strength, quality and purity of drug products.” Shipped from May 26, 2023, through April 21, 2025, AvKare states that these are the items that were recalled:
- NDC# 50268-043-15 Artificial Tears Ophthalmic Solution
- NDC# 50268-066-15 Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Ophthalmic Gel 1%
- NDC# 50268-068-15 Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Ophthalmic Solution
- NDC# 50268-126-15 Lubricant Eye Drops Solution
- NDC# 50268-678-15 Polyvinyl Alcohol Ophthalmic Solution
If you purchased any of these eye drops, stop using them. To get a refund for your purchase, AvKare states that you must complete the “Quantity to Return” column and customer information block on its recall form. You can then fax this to 931-292-6229 or email customerservice@avkare.com.
How to find safe eye drops
Eye drops are used to treat many conditions, from minor irritants to chronic vision problems. Optometrists and ophthalmologists can prescribe them to help patients heal after surgeries and to prevent infections. You can buy many of them over the counter to deal with dry eyes or an allergy flare-up.
With so many options available, careful research is critical to ensure you choose the best eye drops for your particular eye issues. Ingredients vary widely by the type of eye drops, and using the wrong type can cause more problems than it solves.
Know the different types of eye drops
Some eye drops can be purchased over the counter, while others require a prescription. The most common ones include:
- Lubricating drops: Also known as artificial tears, these are designed to relieve dryness and any associated redness or irritation. Common active ingredients include polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol. The nighttime version of these drops is thicker and comes in a gel or ointment.
- Anti-allergy drops: Antihistamine drops relieve itchiness, redness and other irritation caused by reactions to allergens like pollen or pet dander. Several options are on the market, and active ingredients vary by brand. Common ingredients include ketotifen, olopatadine, carboxymethylcellulose and glycerin.
- Anti-redness drops: These eye drops usually contain tetrahydrozoline or brimonidine to reduce the swelling of the blood vessels in your eye. They’re designed to be used sparingly.
- Antibiotic drops: These prescription eye drops treat infections such as pink eye or corneal ulcers caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Common drugs include gentamicin sulfate and ciprofloxacin.
- Steroid drops: Steroid eye drops are prescribed to reduce symptoms of inflammation like swelling or redness — for example, after eye surgery.
- Drops for treating certain health conditions: Eye doctors may prescribe various other types of eye drops to treat a range of conditions, like myopia and glaucoma.
Consult your eye doctor
One way to avoid problems with recalled over-the-counter brands is to go to a professional, rather than picking out eye drops yourself. In fact, you should always check with your eye doctor about the right type to buy and how to use them safely.
“People don’t always pay attention to what they’re buying or why they’re buying it,” said Dr. Ronald Benner, an optometrist at Southern Montana Optometric Center who has been practicing for more than 30 years. “We strongly recommend that all patients consult with their local optometrist to make sure that they’re using the right drop for the right reasons.”
