CVS Recalls Clear Eyes Redness Relief Drops Nationwide Over Sterility Concerns

CVS Pharmacy has issued a nationwide recall involving certain bottles of Clear Eyes Redness Relief Lubricant Eye Drops because of concerns about sterility assurance.

The recall affects 0.5 fluid ounce bottles sold through CVS Pharmacy locations. CVS lists the recall notice for Clear Eyes Redness Relief Lubricant Eye Drops, SKU 318160, with a recall date of September 17, 2026.

Consumers who have the product at home should check the lot information on their bottles and stop using affected products.

Which Clear Eyes Products Are Affected?

The recall covers specific lots of Clear Eyes Redness Relief Lubricant Eye Drops in 0.5 fluid ounce bottles.

The 15 affected lot codes are:

RL25G02, RL25K04, RL25M01, RL25G03, RL25M02, RL25G04, RL25M03, RL25H02, RL25H03, RL25N01, RL25H04, RL25N02, RL25K01, RL25K02, and RL25N04.

The affected bottles have expiration dates ranging from July 2027 through November 2027.

Consumers should compare the lot code and expiration date printed on their bottle with the recalled product information. Anyone who finds that their bottle is included should discontinue use.

Why Were the CVS Eye Drops Recalled?

The issue behind the recall involves a lack of assurance that the affected eye drops are sterile.

Sterility is especially important for products intended for use in the eyes. Unlike products applied to intact skin, eye drops come into direct contact with sensitive eye tissue. Introducing microorganisms into the eye can potentially cause an infection.

Previous incidents involving contaminated eye products demonstrate why regulators and retailers treat sterility concerns seriously.

In 2023, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention investigated an outbreak of extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa associated with artificial tears. Reported outcomes included eye infections, permanent vision loss, hospitalization and, in one case involving systemic infection, death.

That outbreak involved different products and should not be confused with the current Clear Eyes recall. It does, however, illustrate the potential consequences that can arise when harmful microorganisms contaminate products used in the eyes.

What Should Consumers Do?

People who purchased Clear Eyes Redness Relief Lubricant Eye Drops from CVS should inspect the bottle before using it again.

If the lot number matches one included in the recall, consumers should stop using the product.

CVS states that when a non-prescription product is recalled or withdrawn, the company works to prevent additional sales and remove affected inventory from distribution. The retailer also provides instructions to customers regarding recalled products and refunds.

Consumers with questions about whether a particular bottle is affected can contact CVS or speak with staff at a CVS Pharmacy location.

People who have already used recalled drops should pay attention to unusual eye symptoms. Symptoms such as increasing eye pain, redness, sensitivity to light, unusual tearing, discharge or sudden blurred vision can occur with serious eye infections.

The CDC recommends promptly seeking professional eye care when concerning symptoms of an eye infection occur.

Why Sterility Matters for Eye Drops

The eye has delicate tissues that can become damaged by infection or inflammation. One serious condition is microbial keratitis, which occurs when microorganisms infect the cornea.

The CDC explains that microbial keratitis can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites. Severe infections may lead to vision loss and, in some circumstances, require a corneal transplant.

Bacterial keratitis can produce symptoms including eye pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing and discharge.

Anyone experiencing significant or rapidly worsening symptoms after using an eye product should seek medical attention rather than waiting to see whether the problem resolves on its own.

Contact lens users should be particularly careful. The CDC advises people experiencing unusual irritation to remove their contact lenses and avoid wearing them again until advised by an eye care professional.

CVS Says Customer Safety Is a Priority

CVS Pharmacy states in its recall policy that customer health and safety are a top priority.

When a recall or withdrawal occurs, the company says it acts to prevent the affected item from continuing to be sold and removes recalled inventory from its distribution system.

The retailer maintains an online list of recalls and notices involving non-prescription products. However, CVS notes that the page should not be considered a comprehensive list of every recall.

Consumers who regularly purchase medications and health products may therefore want to monitor both retailer notices and FDA recall information.

Eye Drop Recalls Have Received Increased Attention

The Clear Eyes action is not the first eye product recall to attract attention over sterility concerns.

Eye drop safety became a major national issue in 2023 after federal health authorities investigated infections associated with contaminated artificial tears.

Later that year, the FDA warned consumers not to purchase or use more than two dozen over-the-counter eye drop products from several major brands because investigators found unsanitary conditions at a manufacturing facility and positive bacterial test results from environmental sampling.

Products marketed under brands or retailers including CVS Health, Rite Aid, Target, Leader, Rugby and Velocity Pharma appeared in that FDA warning.

The FDA said at the time that it had not received reports of eye infections associated with those particular products. Retailers including CVS, Rite Aid and Target removed the affected products from stores and websites.

Those earlier warnings involved different products and circumstances from the September 2026 Clear Eyes recall.

What to Look for Before Using Eye Drops

Consumers can take a few basic precautions when using over-the-counter eye drops.

Always check the product label and expiration date before use. Avoid touching the bottle tip directly to the eye, eyelid, fingers or other surfaces because doing so can introduce contamination.

Do not use a product if the container appears damaged, the seal has been compromised, or the liquid looks unusual.

Consumers should also periodically check recall notices for medicines and health products they keep at home, particularly products used directly in sensitive areas such as the eyes.

Most importantly, a recalled product should not continue to be used simply because it looks normal. Problems involving sterility are not necessarily visible to the consumer.

Bottom Line

CVS Pharmacy's September 2026 recall affects specific lots of 0.5 fluid ounce Clear Eyes Redness Relief Lubricant Eye Drops because of a lack of sterility assurance.

Consumers should check their bottles against the affected lot codes and discontinue use if their product is included.

Anyone who develops eye pain, significant redness, light sensitivity, discharge, blurred vision or other concerning symptoms should contact an eye care professional promptly.

Sources

CVS Pharmacy, “Recalls,” including the September 17, 2026 notice for Clear Eyes Redness Relief Lubricant Eye Drops.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “Recalls, Market Withdrawals, & Safety Alerts.”

U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “FDA Warns Consumers Not to Purchase or Use Certain Eye Drops From Several Major Brands Due to Risk of Eye Infection.”

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health Alert Network, “Outbreak of Extensively Drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Associated with Artificial Tears.”

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, guidance on microbial and bacterial keratitis.

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Recall details may be updated after publication. Consumers should check the latest information from CVS, the FDA or the product manufacturer. Anyone experiencing eye pain, vision changes, significant redness, discharge, light sensitivity or other concerning symptoms should contact a qualified healthcare or eye care professional.