The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in a letter sent to drug controllers in states and union territories said that ‘Sodium Hyaluronate Eye Drops 0.3%’ is being manufactured and sold without the mandatory approval from the central authority.Officials said the formulation falls under the “new drug” category, meaning it must be approved before being sold in the market. Without approval, its safety and effectiveness are not confirmed.These eye drops are commonly used to treat dry eyes and irritation, acting like artificial tears to keep the eyes moist and reduce discomfort. But experts warn that using non-approved products — even for routine conditions — can lead to complications.To the public, CDSCO’s advice was clear – use eye drops only on doctor’s advice and buy medicines from reliable sources. What may seem like a simple solution may have risks if it is not cleaned properly.Dr Namrata Sharma, Professor of Ophthalmology, Dr Rajendra Prasad Center for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS-Delhi, said, “Using non-approved eye drops for dry eyes is risky as it can cause irritation, increase dryness and increase the risk of infections like conjunctivitis. Since dry eyes already have a compromised surface, untested products can cause more harm than good. Approved eye drops should also be discarded one month after opening.”Dr Ashu Aggarwal, ophthalmologist, Apollo Hospitals, Delhi, said, “Unapproved eye drops are unsafe as their quality, sterility and formulation are not ensured. Poor manufacturing can lead to infections and improper formulations can lead to reduced effectiveness. Patients should only use doctor-prescribed products from trusted companies.”