Thousands of bottles of eye drops and other eye care products sold under several brand names are being recalled because they may not be sterile, raising concerns for consumers who rely on the products for everyday eye relief.
FDA Classifies The Recall As Class II
The recall was initiated in August 2026 by Sterling Pharmaceutical Services LLC, a company based in Dupo, Illinois, and later classified by the FDA as a Class II recall, according to the agency.
A Class II designation means use of or exposure to a recalled product may cause temporary or medically reversible health effects, while the likelihood of serious health consequences is considered remote.
The action covers nine eye care products, including lubricant eye drops, hypertonicity solution and a nighttime eye ointment. Some of the affected products were distributed under recognizable retail or pharmaceutical labels, including Walgreens, AvKare, Reliable-1, TRP The Relief Products, Major Pharmaceuticals and Cameron Pharmaceuticals.
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Walgreens Lubricant Eye Drops Are Included
Two products sold under the Walgreens Lubricant Eye Drops label are part of the recall.
One is a 0.5-fluid-ounce, or 15-milliliter, bottle containing carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5%. The other is a twin pack containing two 15-milliliter bottles, for a total volume of 30 milliliters.
Carboxymethylcellulose sodium is commonly used as an eye lubricant in products intended to relieve dryness and irritation.
Consumers who regularly buy store-brand eye drops may want to compare the exact product description, bottle size and packaging in their homes with the recalled items.
AvKare Products Are Also Affected
The recall also includes two products marketed by AvKare.
The first is Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Ophthalmic Solution 0.5%, sold as sterile lubricant eye drops in a 15-milliliter bottle.
The second contains the same formulation but is sold as a two-count twin pack with two 15-milliliter bottles, totaling 30 milliliters.
Both products are intended for eye lubrication.
Reliable-1 Recall Covers Two Eye Solutions
Two Reliable-1 products are listed in the recall.
One is Sodium Chloride Hypertonicity Ophthalmic Solution, 5%, packaged in sterile 15-milliliter bottles.
Hypertonic sodium chloride eye products are generally used to draw excess fluid from the cornea and may be recommended for certain forms of corneal swelling.
The second Reliable-1 product is Lubricating Tears, also sold in sterile 15-milliliter bottles.
Consumers should pay close attention to the brand and exact product name, since eye care shelves often contain multiple products in similar packaging.
TRP Gentle Eyes Lubricant Drops Recalled
The list also includes TRP The Relief Products Gentle Eyes Lubricant Eye Drops.
The product contains carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5% and is packaged in a 0.5-fluid-ounce, or 15-milliliter, bottle.
The labeling states that the drops were manufactured exclusively for TRP Company, Inc.
Major LubriFresh Nighttime Ointment Is On The List
Not every recalled item is a liquid eye drop.
Major LubriFresh P.M. Nighttime Ointment is also included in the recall. The product is packaged in a 0.125-ounce, or 3.5-gram, tube and distributed by Major Pharmaceuticals.
Nighttime eye ointments are typically thicker than conventional drops and are designed to remain on the surface of the eye for longer periods.
Its inclusion means consumers checking their eye care supplies should inspect both dropper bottles and ointment tubes.
Cameron Pharmaceuticals Eye Drops Are Recalled
The ninth product is Lubricant Eye Drops distributed by Cameron Pharmaceuticals.
The formulation contains carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5% and comes in a 15-milliliter bottle.
As with several other products in the recall, the drops are marketed as an eye lubricant.
What Consumers Should Check
Because the recall spans several labels and packaging formats, consumers should not rely on the product category alone when determining whether an item is affected.
The recalled products include:
- AvKare Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Ophthalmic Solution 0.5%, 15 mL
- AvKare Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Ophthalmic Solution 0.5% Twin Pack, two 15 mL bottles
- Reliable-1 Sodium Chloride Hypertonicity Ophthalmic Solution 5%, 15 mL
- Reliable-1 Lubricating Tears, 15 mL
- Walgreens Lubricant Eye Drops, Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 0.5%, 15 mL
- Walgreens Lubricant Eye Drops Twin Pack, two 15 mL bottles
- TRP Gentle Eyes Lubricant Eye Drops, 15 mL
- Major LubriFresh P.M. Nighttime Ointment, 3.5 g
- Cameron Pharmaceuticals Lubricant Eye Drops, Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 0.5%, 15 mL
The recall was initiated by Sterling Pharmaceutical Services LLC in August 2026, and the FDA classified it as Class II the following month.
