3.1 million bottles of eye drops sold at Walgreens, CVS and more are recalled. Here’s what to know.

3.1 Million Eye Drops Recall 2026 at Walgreens, CVS, Kroger & More: Full List, Sterility Issues Explained & What to Do Now

Updated: April 4, 2026

More than 3.1 million bottles of over-the-counter eye drops sold at major retailers including Walgreens, CVS, Kroger, Rite Aid, H-E-B, and others have been recalled due to a “lack of assurance of sterility.” The manufacturer, K.C. Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Pomona, California), voluntarily initiated the recall on March 3, 2026. The FDA officially classified it as a Class II recall on March 31, 2026.

This massive eye drops recall affects multiple store-brand and generic products such as **Dry Eye Relief Eye Drops, Artificial Tears Sterile Lubricant Eye Drops**, Advanced Relief, Redness Relief, and more. No injuries or infections have been reported so far, but the FDA is urging consumers to stop using affected bottles immediately because non-sterile eye drops can potentially lead to eye infections or other temporary health issues.

If you regularly use eye drops from Walgreens, CVS, or any major pharmacy, check your cabinet right now. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the recalled eye drops, including the full product list with quantities, affected retailers, what to do, safe alternatives, and expert-backed safety tips.

Why Were These Eye Drops Recalled? (Sterility Issues Explained)

The recall was triggered by manufacturing process concerns at K.C. Pharmaceuticals. The company could not provide sufficient assurance that the products remained completely sterile throughout production. While no actual contamination was confirmed in testing, the possibility of microbial presence exists.

This is classified as a Class II recall, which means the product “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences” with a low probability of serious harm. However, because eye drops are applied directly to the eyes, even a small risk is taken seriously by the FDA.

Important Note: This 2026 recall by K.C. Pharmaceuticals is separate from previous eye drop recalls (such as those in 2023–2024 involving different manufacturers and confirmed contamination).

Full List of Recalled Eye Drops (Total: 3,111,072 Bottles)

All products are 0.5 fl. oz. (15 mL) bottles unless otherwise noted. Check the lot number and expiration date printed on your bottle or box.

Product NameQuantityActive IngredientsMajor Retailers / BrandsKey Lot Codes & Expiration DatesDry Eye Relief Eye Drops1,023,096Glycerin 0.2%, hypromellose 0.2%, polyethylene glycol 400 1%Rite Aid, H-E-B, Meijer, Harris Teeter, GeriCare, Leader, DG Health, TopCare, military exchangesLT24E01–LT24E03 (05/31/26), LT24F01 (06/30/26), LT24G01 (07/31/26), LT24M01–LT24M02 (10/31/26)Artificial Tears Sterile Lubricant Eye Drops589,848Polyvinyl alcohol 0.5%, povidone 0.6%Kroger, Publix, Leader, TopCare, Good Neighbor Pharmacy, Good SenseCheck bottle (various AT lots, exp. into 2026)Sterile Eye Drops Original Formula378,144Tetrahydrozoline HCl 0.05%Walgreens, Kroger, CVS, H-E-B, Dollar General, Circle K, LeaderVarious lots exp. 2026Eye Drops Advanced Relief303,216Dextran 70 0.1%, polyethylene glycol 400 1%, tetrahydrozoline HCl 0.05%Walgreens, Kroger, CVS, QC-Quality Choice, GoodSense, DG HealthAR24D01 (04/30/26), AR24G01–AR24G02 (07/31/26), AR24M01 (10/31/26)Ultra Lubricating Eye Drops245,184Polyethylene glycol 400 0.4%, propylene glycol 0.3%Leader, Harris TeeterSU24E01–SU24E03 (05/31/26), SU24K01 (09/30/26)Sterile Eye Drops A.C.182,424Tetrahydrozoline HCl 0.05%, zinc sulfate 0.25%Walgreens, Meijer, H-E-B, CareOne, Equaline, TopCareAC24E01 (05/31/26)Sterile Eye Drops Redness Lubricant~315,000Glycerin 0.25%, naphazoline HCl 0.012%Walgreens, Rite Aid, Leader, EqualineVarious lots exp. 2026Sterile Eye Drops Soothing Tears~74,000Polyethylene glycol 400 0.4%, propylene glycol 0.3%Walgreens, Rugby LaboratoriesVarious lots exp. 2026

Pro Tip: Lot codes often start with AC, AR, LT, SU, AT followed by numbers. Most affected products expire between April and October 2026. If your bottle matches, treat it as recalled.

Retailer-Specific Information (Walgreens, CVS, Kroger & More)

• Walgreens eye drops recall: **Heavily impacted** — includes Original Formula, Advanced Relief, Redness Lubricant, Soothing Tears, and more.
• CVS eye drops recall: Includes Advanced Relief and some Lubricant variants (check SKUs like 797076, 895160).
• Kroger, H-E-B, Rite Aid: Many store-brand versions (Dry Eye Relief, Artificial Tears) are among the largest affected quantities.
• Other retailers: Publix, Meijer, Dollar General, Harris Teeter, military exchanges, and wholesale distributors.

Products were distributed nationwide. If you purchased eye drops at any major chain in recent months, verify the lot number carefully.

What Should You Do Immediately? (Step-by-Step Action Plan)

1. Stop using any potentially affected eye drops right away.
2. Return to the store (Walgreens, CVS, Kroger, etc.) for a full refund — most retailers accept returns even without a receipt.
3. Dispose safely if return is not possible: Do not flush or pour down the drain. Follow local medication take-back programs or FDA disposal guidelines.
4. Monitor for symptoms: Watch for redness, pain, discharge, blurred vision, swelling, or irritation. Contact your eye doctor or healthcare provider if symptoms appear.
5. Check the official FDA page regularly for updates: FDA Enforcement Report — Event #98533.

How to Check If Your Eye Drops Are Safe

• Locate the lot number and expiration date on the bottle label or carton.
• Compare with the lists above or the official FDA notice.
• Still unsure? It’s safest to discard the product and replace it.

Safe Alternatives During This Eye Drops Recall

Choose well-known, preservative-free options from **trusted** manufacturers with strong sterility records, such as:

• Refresh (single-use vials)
• Systane Ultra or Complete
• TheraTears
• Blink Tears

Always verify the latest FDA updates before purchasing. For chronic dry eye or redness, consult an ophthalmologist for personalized recommendations rather than relying solely on over-the-counter drops.

Health Risks & Why Sterility Matters

Eyes are highly sensitive. Non-sterile drops can introduce bacteria or fungi, potentially causing conjunctivitis, keratitis, or more serious infections in rare cases. While the risk here is considered low (Class II), the FDA’s precautionary approach protects public health, especially for contact lens users, elderly individuals, or those with compromised immune systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are there any reported illnesses from this recall? A: No illnesses or infections have been reported to date.

Q: Is this recall only for specific lots or all eye drops from these brands? A: Only specific lots and products manufactured by K.C. Pharmaceuticals are affected. Many other eye drops remain safe.

Q: Can I still buy eye drops at Walgreens or CVS? A: Yes — stores have removed affected products. Always check lot numbers on new purchases.

Q: What if I already used the recalled eye drops? A: Most people experience no issues. Monitor symptoms and seek medical advice if concerned.

Q: How does this compare to past eye drop recalls? A: This is a separate voluntary recall focused on sterility assurance, unlike some earlier cases with confirmed contamination.

This eye drops recall 2026 highlights the importance of checking product details before use. By acting quickly, you can protect your eye health with minimal disruption.