K.C. Pharmaceuticals recalled more than 3.1 million bottles of lubricating eye drops due to sterility issues. The recall was initiated on March 3, 2026.
Eight products are being recalled, including Dry Eye Relief Eye Drops and Artificial Tears Sterile Lubricant Eye Drops. These products were sold under various names at major retailers including Walgreens, CVS, and Kroger.
The expiration dates for the recalled products range from April 30, 2026, to October 31, 2026. No infections from the recalled eye drops have been reported as of early April 2026.
The FDA has previously identified sterility issues at K.C. Pharmaceuticals. In fact, in 2023, a separate incident linked to contaminated eye drops resulted in severe infections for 81 people, leading to multiple recalls.
The FDA had inspected over-the-counter eye drop manufacturers only a few times before the outbreak in 2023. It identified two specific products—EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsem Pharma’s Artificial Tears—as culprits in that case.
As a precautionary measure, the FDA issued a warning letter to K.C. Pharmaceuticals regarding their manufacturing practices. Still, details remain unconfirmed about the full extent of the current recall’s implications.
Clinical pharmacologists warn that using nonsterile eye drops can lead to severe infections due to bacteria and fungus present in the product. “If you find your product has been recalled, stop using it and bring it back to the store for a refund,” an expert advised.
The findings from ongoing investigations continue to reveal concerning patterns in ocular health linked to these products, highlighting a need for closer scrutiny of manufacturing practices in the industry.