FDA Approves Brytly for Minor Eye Redness Relief
The new nonprescription eye drop is approved for use by adults and children ages 12 and older.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Allergies
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The FDA has approved Brytly, a new nonprescription eye drop formulated to treat redness caused by minor irritations. The medication is approved for use by adults and children ages 12 and older.
Why it matters
This approval provides a new over-the-counter option for managing minor eye redness, offering a nonprescription path for relief. Patients should use the product cautiously to ensure eye safety and avoid potential complications.
The FDA approved Brytly as a 0.125% apraclonidine ophthalmic solution for nonprescription use. While apraclonidine is already utilized in higher, prescription-only concentrations for glaucoma or surgical procedures, the efficacy of this lower-dose formulation for minor redness is established.
The players
FDA
The federal agency responsible for regulating food, tobacco, and medical products in the United States.
Alcon
A pharmaceutical company specializing in eye care products and vision technology.
The details
Brytly is designed to temporarily alleviate redness resulting from minor eye irritations. To ensure proper absorption and safety, users must remove contact lenses before applying the drops and wait 10 minutes before reinserting them. Furthermore, individuals using multiple types of eye products should allow 5 minutes between each application to prevent drug interaction or dilution.
Timeline
The FDA approved Brytly nonprescription eye drops on October 16, 2026.
Users must consult a doctor if redness persists for more than 3 days.
Health Landscape
This approval follows the established FDA drug approval process for transitioning ophthalmologic therapies from prescription to nonprescription status. It expands the range of self-care options available to patients for addressing minor ocular surface irritation.
If you use contact lenses, you must remove them before using these drops and wait 10 minutes to reinsert them. It is important to discontinue use and speak with your doctor if you experience eye pain, vision changes, or if your redness persists for more than 3 days.
The takeaway
Brytly offers a new nonprescription alternative for minor eye redness relief, limited to twice-daily use. If you are experiencing persistent irritation, track your symptoms over the 3-day window and consult your physician to rule out underlying conditions.
Further reading
For more information on eye care and irritation, visit Allergies.
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Do you trust over-the-counter eye drops to treat persistent redness without a doctor's visit?
