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Given the recent spate of eye drop recalls, it’s an important time to revisit eye drop safety. The FDA has issued a set of “consumer tips” that strongly advise against using certain eye drops—specifically any labeled as homeopathic. Below, we’ll break down what to avoid and the reasons behind it.
Why Many Eye Drops Are Risky
Our immune system is highly effective at defending against infections, but it doesn’t always respond the same way when it comes to infections in our eyes. Scientifically speaking, the eyes are considered 'immune privileged.' This means the body generally trusts the eyes to manage their own defenses, leading to minimal inflammation (a key response to infection). Other immune privileged areas include the brain, testes, placenta, and fetus.
Immune privilege in the eyes is thought to be beneficial because it helps prevent swelling. However, the downside is that when infections do occur, they are harder to fight off. There have been cases where infections from contaminated eye drops have led to vision loss or even death.
Because our eyes are so susceptible to infection, it’s critical to avoid introducing anything unnecessary into them. That’s why the FDA cautions against using eye drops that lack a proven therapeutic benefit. All eye drops carry some degree of risk, so it’s essential to evaluate whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Below are the types of eye drops you should avoid.
Homeopathic Eye Drops
You might think of homeopathy as another term for natural or home remedies, but it’s actually a specific medical theory that has long been debunked. It originated in an era before we understood the role of germs in disease, and was once considered a more gentle alternative to treatments like bloodletting.
FDA regulations include a provision that allows homeopathic “drugs” to be sold alongside approved medications, even though they aren’t FDA-approved and have never been proven safe or effective. The FDA and FTC have been working to crack down on misleading or unsafe products. For now, homeopathic items are still on the market but must include a disclaimer that reads: 'Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence.'
The FDA’s recommendation is clear: “Do not use ophthalmic [eye] products labeled as homeopathic, as they should not be on the market.”
You can identify homeopathic products by the word “homeopathic” typically displayed on the front of the packaging. Additionally, the ingredients are listed as a dilution (denoted by a number followed by X, C, or CK), rather than in a precise measurement like milligrams. An example would be “Cineraria maritima HPUS 6X” for a diluted homeopathic ingredient. The FDA offers more details here on how to spot and avoid homeopathic products.
Eye Drops for Serious Conditions
If your doctor prescribes eye drops for serious conditions like cataracts or glaucoma, you can have confidence in them. However, avoid relying on over-the-counter eye drops that claim to treat these issues on your own.
The FDA is again clear: there are no over-the-counter eye drops approved for treating serious eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, retinopathy, or macular degeneration.
Eye drops with MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)
A chemical called methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, has been studied for its potential health benefits. It may be anti-inflammatory; it’s legal to use as an ingredient in food or supplements.
But if you see it in eye drops, steer clear. The FDA says of MSM drops: “These products are unapproved drugs and illegally marketed in the U.S. There are no legally marketed ophthalmic drugs that contain MSM as an active ingredient.”
Eye drops containing silver
Silver sulfate and argentum are two names for medication ingredients that may contain silver (the metal). Over time, silver can cause the whites of your eyes to turn gray.
A similar condition occurs in individuals who take high doses of silver (like colloidal silver) over long periods. This condition is called argyria.
Just like with the eye drops mentioned earlier, silver-containing eye drops offer no known clinical benefits and can cause your eyes to turn gray. Additionally, they carry the risk of contaminating your eyes if not properly manufactured or packaged.
The FDA recommends that everyone inspect their eye drops for ingredients like silver, MSM, or any homeopathic substances, and check if the product appears on any recent recall or warning lists. You can read more from the FDA here.
