US FDA wants you to ditch these 2 eye drops

US FDA drops warning on two eye drop brands following recall

You reach out for those trusty eye drops thinking they are your vision’s superheroes, but you might want to think twice before dropping them on your peepers as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning for contaminated and unapproved eye drops that could wreak havoc on your eyes.

The FDA warning involves Dr. Berne’s MSM Drops 5% Solution and LightEyez MSM Eye Drops — Eye Repair “due to bacterial contamination, fungal contamination, or both.” Both brands also contain the active ingredient methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which, according to the release, isn’t found in any “legally marketed ophthalmic drugs.”

According to the FDA, five different strains of bacteria were found between the two eye products—with Dr.Berne’s drops having fungal contamination as well.

FDA recalls eye drop brand over potential bacterial, fungal contamination
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— FOX Carolina News (@foxcarolinanews) August 28, 2023

Under legal law, eye drops must be safe for human use. In accordance with the FDA’s warnings, Dr. Berne announced a nationwide voluntary recall of their eye drops. On Aug. 26, the company officially announced a recall of the following:

• Dr. Berne’s Organic Castor Oil Eye Drops
• Dr. Berne’s MSM Drops 5% and 15% Solution
• Dr. Berne’s MSM Mist 15% Solution.

The company also confirmed receiving two reports of adverse effects from users. However, they didn’t disclose the severity of the cases.

Meanwhile, LightEyez Limited, manufacturer of LightEyez MSM drops, hasn’t responded to the FDA yet. “To date, LightEyez has not responded to the FDA or taken action to protect consumers,” the agency confirms.

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What other eye drops have been recalled in 2023?

But the eye drop drama doesn’t end there. This year’s list of recalls features the following products for various reasons:

• EzriCare and Delsam Pharma “Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops”
• Delsam Pharma “Artificial Eye Ointment”
• Apotex “Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.15%”
• Pharmedica “Purely Soothing, 15% MSM Drops”

“Using contaminated eye drops could result in minor to serious vision-threatening infection, which could possibly progress to a life-threatening infection,” the FDA said.

It also advises, if you’re experiencing signs or symptoms of eye infection, to “seek medical care immediately” or you can reach out and send a complaint to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.

It wouldn’t hurt to check your med stash from time to time; after all, turning a blind eye to important details like these might literally make you blind.