The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a nationwide recall involving more than 39,000 bottles of Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief eye drops because of concerns regarding the sterility of the product.

If you use over the counter eye drops, this is another important reminder to check the products in your medicine cabinet and make sure they are not affected by an active recall.

Which Clear Eyes Drops Are Being Recalled?

The recall involves 39,060 bottles of Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief, sold in 15 mL bottles. Importantly, the recall is limited to one specific lot.

Affected product information:

Product: Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief
Bottle size: 15 mL
Lot number: 2552A
Expiration date: September 30, 2027

The drops are marketed for temporary relief of itchy eyes as well as symptoms such as dryness, burning, redness, and irritation.

Why Were the Eye Drops Recalled?

The recall was initiated because of a lack of assurance of sterility. This means that the manufacturer could not adequately guarantee that the eye drops were free from potentially harmful microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi.

Sterility is especially important for products placed directly into the eye. Contaminated eye drops can potentially introduce microorganisms to the ocular surface and lead to an eye infection.

The FDA classified this as a Class II recall. A Class II recall means that exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences, while the probability of serious adverse health consequences is considered remote.

Where Were These Eye Drops Sold?

Clear Eyes products are widely available over the counter. According to the report, the affected product has been sold through retailers including Kroger, Drug Mart, Giant Eagle, and Meijer.

Because availability can vary by store and location, the safest approach is to check the lot number on your bottle, regardless of where you purchased it.

What Should You Do If You Have the Recalled Eye Drops?

If you have a bottle of Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief, check the bottle or packaging for lot number 2552A and an expiration date of 09/30/2027.

If your bottle matches the recalled lot, discontinue using it.

If you have already used the recalled drops and are not experiencing symptoms, there is no reason to panic. At the time the recall was reported, no related adverse reactions had been identified.

However, contact an eye doctor promptly if you develop symptoms such as:

Increasing eye redness
Eye pain
Light sensitivity
Discharge
Excessive tearing
Swelling around the eye
Blurred or decreased vision

These symptoms can sometimes indicate an eye infection or another condition requiring treatment.

Choosing the Right Eye Drops

There are many different types of over the counter eye drops, and the best option depends on why your eyes are uncomfortable in the first place. Itchy eyes may be related to allergies, while burning or irritation can result from dry eye disease, contact lens problems, eyelid inflammation, or other ocular surface conditions.

Repeatedly treating symptoms without determining the underlying cause may provide only temporary relief.

At Eyes & Optics in Farmington Hills, Michigan, we can evaluate the cause of persistent itching, redness, dryness, or irritation and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. If your eyes remain uncomfortable despite using over the counter drops, schedule a comprehensive eye examination rather than continuing to try different products on your own.

Sources

Eyes On Eyecare, FDA Recalls Over 39K Bottles of CLEAR EYES Maximum Itchy Relief Drops, August 18, 2026.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Recalls Background and Definitions.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Enforcement Report, Recall Event 99532.