A nationwide recall of Clear Eyes eye drops is getting attention across the U.S. after federal recall information showed that nearly 40,000 bottles are affected. CBS News reported that Prestige Consumer Healthcare initiated the recall on July 29, 2026, because of a “lack of assurance of sterility.” The FDA later classified it as a Class II recall.
The important detail for consumers is that this is not a recall of every Clear Eyes product. The action applies to a specific product, bottle size, lot number, and expiration date. If you have Clear Eyes at home, checking the label is the fastest way to know whether your bottle is part of the recall.
Which Clear Eyes Eye Drops Are Recalled?
The affected product is Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief in a 15 mL (0.5 fl oz) dropper bottle. News coverage and recall notices consistently identify one specific lot.
| Recall detail | What to check |
| Product | Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief |
| Bottle size | 15 mL / 0.5 fl oz |
| Lot code | 2552A |
| Expiration date | September 30, 2027 |
| NDC | 67172-999-01 |
| UPC | 6 78112 65920 3 |
| Recall number | D-0766-2026 |
| Quantity recalled | 39,060 bottles |
| Distribution | Nationwide in the United States |
| FDA classification | Class II |
Source note: Core recall details are consistent with CBS News, current recall reporting, and FDA classification information.
Why Were the Eye Drops Recalled?
The reason given for the recall is a lack of assurance of sterility. CBS News reported that the FDA notice described the recall as being due to potential contamination. That wording matters: it means the manufacturer could not fully assure that the affected product met sterility expectations. It does not prove that every recalled bottle contains bacteria, fungi, or another contaminant.
Eye products are expected to be sterile because they are applied directly to the eye. A sterility problem can create a risk that should not be ignored, which is why consumers are being advised to identify the affected lot and stop using it.
What Does a Class II Recall Mean?
The FDA uses Class I, II, and III categories to describe the relative health risk of a recall. According to the FDA’s official recall definitions, a Class II recall is one in which use of the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences, or where the chance of serious health consequences is remote.
In simple terms, Class II is serious enough to take action, but it is not the FDA’s highest-risk category. The recall should still be followed carefully because the product is used in the eye and the issue involves sterility.
How to Check Whether Your Bottle Is Affected
Look at the bottle and package for the product name, lot number, and expiration date. Your bottle matches the recall only if the key details line up with the recall information.
- Product name: Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief
- Bottle size: 15 mL / 0.5 fl oz
- Lot: 2552A
- Expiration date: September 30, 2027
If your Clear Eyes bottle has a different product name or a different lot number, it is not automatically part of this specific recall. Do not assume that every Clear Eyes formula is affected.
Applying eye drops. Photo: National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0.
What Should You Do If You Have the Recalled Lot?
If you have a bottle that matches the recalled lot, the safest step is to stop using that bottle and follow the return, refund, or disposal instructions from the retailer or manufacturer. Current recall reporting from NBC Chicago says consumers with the affected product are being urged to stop using it and return it to the point of purchase.
If you have already used the product and have eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation, or symptoms that are getting worse, contact a healthcare professional. Those warning signs are also listed on the official DailyMed label for Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief.
Are All Clear Eyes Eye Drops Recalled?
No. Based on the current recall information, the action is limited to Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief, 15 mL, lot 2552A. Clear Eyes sells multiple eye-drop formulas, and those should not be treated as recalled unless they are specifically named in an official recall.
This distinction is important because broad social-media posts can make a product recall sound larger than it is. Checking the exact lot is more reliable than reacting to the brand name alone.
What Is Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief?
According to DailyMed, Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief is an over-the-counter ophthalmic product. Its active ingredients are glycerin 0.25%, naphazoline hydrochloride 0.012%, and zinc sulfate 0.25%. The label says it is used for temporary relief of dryness, burning, irritation, and redness caused by minor eye irritation.
The label also tells users not to touch the bottle tip to any surface, to replace the cap after use, and to stop using the product and ask a doctor if eye pain, vision changes, ongoing irritation, or worsening symptoms occur.
Why This Recall Is Trending
The story is trending because Clear Eyes is a widely recognized over-the-counter eye-care brand and the recall affects tens of thousands of bottles distributed nationwide. The news also follows other eye-drop recalls in recent years, so consumers are paying closer attention to sterility and contamination warnings.
For publishers and readers, the most useful part of this story is not the headline alone. It is the ability to quickly answer three questions: Which product is affected? Which lot is affected? What should I do if I have it? Keeping those details clear helps readers avoid unnecessary panic while still taking the recall seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Clear Eyes eye drops are recalled?
The recall affects Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief in 15 mL (0.5 fl oz) bottles from lot 2552A.
How many bottles are affected?
The recall covers 39,060 bottles distributed nationwide in the United States.
What is the expiration date on the recalled Clear Eyes bottles?
The affected bottles have an expiration date of September 30, 2027.
Why were the eye drops recalled?
The recall was initiated because of a lack of assurance of sterility and potential contamination.
Is this a Class I recall?
No. The FDA classified it as Class II, which generally means temporary or medically reversible health effects are possible, while the probability of serious health consequences is remote.
Are all Clear Eyes products recalled?
No. Current information identifies one specific product and lot: Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief, 15 mL, lot 2552A.
What should I do if my bottle matches the recall?
Stop using the affected bottle and follow retailer or manufacturer instructions for return, refund, or disposal. If you develop concerning eye symptoms after use, contact a healthcare professional.
Bottom Line
The Clear Eyes eye drops recall is specific, not brand-wide. Consumers should check for Clear Eyes Maximum Itchy Eye Relief, 15 mL, lot 2552A, expiration September 30, 2027. If the details match, stop using the bottle and follow recall instructions. The recall was issued over sterility concerns, so the clearest and most accurate approach is to rely on the exact lot information and official recall guidance.
Health note: This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
