Whether your eyes are itchy, red, dry, or irritated, sometimes they need a little extra relief and hydration. And plenty of people can relate—according to Stony Brook Medicine, around 22 million Americans experience these uncomfortable symptoms, which tend to flare up during spring and summer.
For some, over-the-counter eye drops aren’t enough, especially in more severe cases when inflammation is involved. In those situations, doctors may prescribe corticosteroid eye drops—often a type called prednisolone—which can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation, says the Mayo Clinic.
For those who rely on these types of prescription eye medications, a newly announced recall may be worth checking.
AbbVie Inc., based in Chicago, first initiated a voluntary nationwide recall on May 18 of PRED MILD—a prescription-only prednisolone eye drop—for quality concerns related to “failed stability specifications.” According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), the eye drops are “indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate noninfectious allergic and inflammatory disorders of the lid, conjunctiva, cornea, and sclera (including chemical and thermal burns).”
As of Wednesday, May 27, the agency has now designated the recall as Class III—the FDA’s lowest risk level—meaning the drug “is not likely to cause adverse health consequences.”
For those with prescription eye drops, confirm if yours are affected by referencing the provided product details:
PRED MILD (prednisolone acetate ophthalmic suspension), 0.12%, 10 mL, Sterile, Rx only
Quantity: 2,736 bottles
Lot numbers: 402805, 407596 (both expire 08/2026)
Reason: Failed Stability Specifications
If you have questions about your medication, or notice worsening eye symptoms after using a recalled lot, it’s best to contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider for further guidance.
For daily wellness updates, subscribe to The Healthy newsletter and follow The Healthy on Facebook and Instagram. Keep reading: