FDA Recalls 6 Brands of Artificial Tears

If you have not already heard, we wanted to make you aware that on October 25, 2023, the FDA recalled a number of artificial tears, all of which are generic brands sold under the following names:

• CVS Health
• Leader (Cardinal Health)
• Rugby (Cardinal Health)
• Rite Aid
• Target Up&Up
• Velocity Pharma

For more information and a full list of all drops recalled, click here.

There have been no reported cases of eye infection from the use of these drops at this time. However, if you are currently using any of the above eyedrops and notice symptoms of eye redness, pain, discharge or vision change, please call our office and speak with one of our clinicians.

Bottle vs. Single-Use Vials?

Eye care providers often recommend artificial tears to their patients for the treatment of dry eyes or for general relief from discomfort. If you are not using your eyedrops more than 4 times a day, you may use an artificial tear that is available in a bottle. Drops in a bottle will contain a small amount of preservatives to prevent bacterial contamination. Pictured below are brands that have not been recalled.

Many of our patients are sensitive to preservatives, especially if they’re already using medicated eye drops such as glaucoma medications, which often contain preservatives. Our doctors therefore often recommend preservative-free drops that only contain lubricants for more severe forms of dry eye, or for those using artificial tears more than 4 times a day. These are available as single use vials or in a vacuum-packed bottle such as those pictured below. Note that preservative-free sterile drops have a short shelf-life and should be discarded soon after opening.

What if I use an ointment at bedtime?

For those with dryness and irritation upon awakening in the morning, ointments are often recommended for use at bedtime. At this time, there have been no reported cases of bacterial contamination with eye ointments. It is recommended that you wash your hands before handling your ointment and to not touch the tip of the ointment to your eye, eyelid, or unsanitized surface.

What if I choose to stop using artificial tears?

You may develop more discomfort such as grittiness, burning and redness of your eyes. In some cases, you may notice blurry vision or intermittent blur that changes with each blink. Adjusting the humidity of your environment with a humidifier can help.

I’m nervous about buying artificial tears now.

The brand names pictured above have had no reported issues with contamination. If you are uncertain whether you are buying a genuine branded product, you may purchase artificial tears at our office. We have a limited supply of Retaine MGD, Thera Tears (both in single-use vials) and Retaine PM ointment which we purchase direct from manufacturer.

As always please feel free to call our office if you have any further questions or concerns.

Scholarship Winner Sam Grotenstein!

Congratulations to our 2023 South Pasadena Optometric Group SPHS Scholarship Winner, Sam Grotenstein! It is always a wonderful experience to meet the exceptional students that the SPHS Scholarship Committee consistently chooses for this award which recognizes a student for his character and integrity. As described by his teachers, Sam “is a force of nature”, a great mentor and leader; he is unconventional, curious, friendly, enthusiastic, and endearingly wacky. We hope he’s enjoying his first year at Berkeley!

Call now to schedule your visit before the end of the year

Please contact us soon if you’d like to make an appointment for yourself or your college student who’s in town for the holiday break. Our schedule is filling up quickly and we’d like to accommodate all those who need to be seen during this time. We have two Saturdays open if you need an appointment or wanted to choose eyewear.

Copyright (C) 2023 SOUTH PASADENA OPTOMETRIC GROUP. All rights reserved.

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