In early 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration flagged a major recall involving more than 3.1 million bottles of over-the-counter eye drops manufactured by K.C. Pharmaceuticals. The recall was issued due to a lack of assurance of sterility, which means the products may not have been free from harmful microorganisms at the time they were sold to consumers.
The affected products were distributed under a wide range of brand names and were sold at major retailers across the country. If you or a loved one used any of these recalled products in Illinois and suffered an adverse reaction, such as an eye infection, you may have the right to file a product liability lawsuit in Chicago.
Continue reading to learn about what is known so far and what legal options may be available to you.
What Products Were Recalled?
The FDA classified the recall as Class II, meaning the products may cause “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.” The recall covers eight categories of eye drops, with the largest lot involving more than one million bottles of Dry Eye Relief Eye Drops alone.
Since the recalled products were sold under so many different store-brand labels, many consumers may not immediately realize that their eye drops are part of the recall. Some of the specific brand names and retailers involved include:
- Walgreens Eye Drops
- CVS Health Eye Drops
- Kroger Eye Drops
- Good Sense and GoodSense brand products
- TopCare Health
- Equaline
- Best Choice
- Foster and Thrive
- Leader brand products
- DG Health (Dollar General)
- Rugby Laboratories
If you have any over-the-counter eye drops at home, it is worth checking the FDA’s enforcement report to see whether your specific product and lot number are included in the recall. A personal injury lawyer with our legal team can also help you look into your situation during a free case review.
What Risks Do Contaminated Eye Drops Pose?
Because eye drops are applied directly to the eye, sterility is critical. When manufacturers cannot confirm that a product is sterile, it raises concerns about potential contamination with bacteria or other harmful microorganisms.
Using contaminated eye drops may lead to:
- Eye infections, including bacterial infections
- Redness, irritation, and inflammation
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Discharge or swelling
- Corneal damage or ulcers
- In more serious cases, vision impairment or long-term damage
In some instances, untreated eye infections can worsen over time and may require prescription medication or more intensive medical care. Consumers with preexisting eye conditions, recent eye surgeries, or weakened immune systems may face an increased risk of complications.
Because the eye is particularly sensitive, even minor contamination can result in noticeable symptoms and potential complications.
Filing a Product Liability Lawsuit in Illinois
If you suffered harm after using any of the recalled eye drops, Illinois law may allow you to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer and anyone else in the chain of distribution. Per Illinois product liability law, companies that place defective products into the stream of commerce can be held liable for injuries those products cause.
Illinois recognizes claims based on strict liability, negligence, and breach of warranty in the product liability context. This means you may not need to prove that the manufacturer was careless. In many cases, it is enough to show that the product was defective and that it caused your injury. It’s also possible that these cases could develop into a class action, which falls under the category of mass torts.
The statute of limitations for product liability cases in Illinois is generally two years from the date you discovered or should have discovered the injury. Taking legal action quickly is important, however, as evidence and records related to the recalled products may become harder to obtain over time.
Contact Meyers & Flowers for Help With Your Eye Drop Recall Lawsuit
If you used any of the eye drops that were recently recalled and experienced a negative health impact, you may be entitled to substantial compensation through filing a personal injury claim. Meyers & Flowers is here to help you take action and maximize what you recover. Our personal injury lawyers have recovered more than $6 billion for our clients to date and will work just as hard for you and your family.
Call (630) 912-7323 today to get started with a free consultation. We’re ready to begin working on your case as soon as you are.