ALEXANDRIA, Va.—The American Optometric Association (AOA) has issued a new alert urging consumers to consult with their local AOA doctor of optometry before purchasing or using over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops that claim to change eye color. The alert comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter to a company producing these products. According to the AOA, there are no FDA-tested or approved color-changing eye drops on the market today. The organization does not recommend the use of these products and said that FDA-approved eye drops are safe when manufactured and used properly.

The AOA advises patients who have questions about the use of eye drops or have used eye drops claiming to have color-changing benefits to contact their local AOA doctor of optometry.

“The AOA, representing almost 50,000 doctors of optometry, America’s primary eye health care providers, takes threats to eye health and vision seriously and took action to immediately warn patients about these unapproved products,” AOA president Dr. Steven Reed told VMAIL. “Patients need to be vigilant and consult with their doctor of optometry regarding any product they use for their eyes to ensure they are safe and effective.”

The AOA advises patients that have used these products and experience any new and/or prolonged irritation in their eyes to visit AOA.org to book an appointment with an AOA doctor of optometry. To find an AOA doctor of optometry near you, visit the AOA.org Doctor Locator.