Amazon Pulls 7 Eye Drop Brands After FDA Warning!

Understanding Unapproved Eye Drops & Ophthalmic Products

Eye health products sold without U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval or oversight pose worrying risks. Learn to recognize unapproved eye drops, gels and ointments so you can keep your eyes safe.

FDA Regulation of Eye Products

The FDA oversees testing and manufacturing quality of non-prescription eye products through regulatory pathways before granting legal marketing approval in the United States. Without review, eyes are exposed to:

• Contamination
• Incorrect ingredients
• Improper sterilization procedures
• Harmful preservatives

Risks of Unapproved Eye Medications

Unapproved eye products can harm sensitive eye tissues, impair vision, or worsen underlying eye conditions. Bacterial infections are also worryingly common.

Of particular concern are snake oil products marketed for glaucoma treatment despite no scientific efficacy data.

How Unapproved Eye Products Reach Consumers

Foreign-made products enter illegally or get intentionally mislabeled to bypass customs rules. E-commerce platforms have enabled broader access to non-FDA regulated eye drops.

Sale on E-Commerce Sites

Consumer watchdog groups discovered numerous unapproved eye products for sale on Amazon, eBay, Walmart Marketplace and Wish. These third-party marketplace models have lax oversight compared to pharmacy retailers.

Across International Borders

Customers risk buying unapproved foreign eye drops directly from international pharmacies online. Saving money comes at the cost of proper regulatory vetting.

Local Stores & Gas Stations

Investigations have even turned up dangerous eye products at the neighborhood level in ethnic grocery stores, local pharmacies, convenience stores and gas stations.

Recognizing Unapproved Eye Medications

Learn techniques to evaluate legitimacy and FDA oversight on any eye drops, gels or ointments before purchasing:

Label Evaluation

Inspect product labels for:

• NDC drug code
• Manufacturer details
• Expiration dates
• Clear active & inactive ingredients
• Directions matching condition
• FDA establishment facility registration number

Research Manufacturer

Verify drug makers against FDA databases like:

• Drug Registration and Listing System
• Establishment Registration & Device Listing

Investigate Claims

Doubting lofty product claims? Look for data from clinical trials or scientific literature backing use for the eye condition.

Dangers of Specific Unapproved Eye Products

While risks vary product to product, research links some common unapproved eye drop ingredients or categories to safety issues:

Antibiotic Drops

Taking antibiotics you dont need breeds resistant bacteria. Also associated with corneal damage and impaired wound healing.

Anesthetic Eye Drops

Used short-term medically to enable eye exams. Long-term abuse delays healing and increases infections.

Glaucoma Eye Drops

Unapproved products may interact with glaucoma meds or contain steroids linked to further eye pressure increases over time.

Contact Lens Solutions

Illegal contact lens products have caused eye irritation, vision impairment, and severe keratitis infections.

Whitening Eye Drops

Limited evidence exists demonstrating product safety and effectiveness for cosmetic eye whitening.

Protecting Your Eyes from Unapproved Products

You play a crucial role in prioritizing your eye safety. Reduce risks by:

Verify Before Buying

Thoroughly investigating labels, manufacturers, claims and ingredients using the checklist strategies.

Rely on Trusted Retailers

Purchasing eye products exclusively from reputable pharmacies (online or brick-and-mortar) who require verification before selling healthcare goods.

Talk to Your Eye Doctor

Consulting your ophthalmologist or optometrist before trying new eye treatments, especially for prescription eye conditions.

Seeking professional medical advice can help avoid dangerous vision consequences from risky unapproved products.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.