Eyedrops recalled due to possible ‘life-threatening’ fungal contamination

A popular household brand of eye drops has been recalled after a ‘potentially life-threatening’ fungal contamination was discovered.

Alcon Laboratories told users on December 21 to ‘immediately’ stop using Systane Lubricant Eye Drops from one lot after a consumer complaint.

Fungal contamination in eye drops can ‘potentially’ lead to ‘vision-threatening’ eye infections, according to the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA warned that the fungal contamination risked a ‘life-threatening’ infection in ‘very rare cases’ for ‘immunocompromised patients’.

Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF is used in the US and UK by those suffering from burning and irritation from dry eyes.

The affected package was sold at US supermarket chain Publix, according to a statement from the company.

The potentially dangerous product, which can be identified by its green and pink packaging, has a lot number 10101 and an expiration date of 2025/09.

The warning was sounded by Alcon Laboratories after a customer complained about a ‘foreign material’ they spotted inside the container.

The Texas-based company then evaluated the product and ‘determined’ that the material in question was ‘fungal in nature.’

The contamination ‘appears to be isolated to the single unit returned by a customer,’ Alcon spokesperson Steven Smith told NBC News.

The company has not received any reports of infections from the eye drops.

Symptoms of fungal eye infections include eye pain, redness, discharge and blurred vision, according to the US Centres for Disease Control.

Metro has contacted Alcon Laboratories for comment.

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