Bausch and Lomb PreserVision Eye Vitamin Recall: Choking Hazard

Bausch and Lomb’s PreserVision Eye Vitamin soft gel pills are being recalled because they have been found to be difficult for some consumers to swallow safely, which could cause a chocking sensation, particularly among the older consumers.

The PreserVision eye vitamin recall was announced on Tuesday by the FDA and Bausch and Lomb. The manufacturer has received several reports indicating some users were feeling like they were choking after having difficulty swallowing. Most of the reports came from people 70 or older, the company said.

The recall is limited to the PreserVision Eye Vitamin AREDS 2 Formula with Omega 3 soft gels, which is only available in the United States. Bausch and Lomb says that the formulation is safe and that most customers have no problem swallowing the pills, but the difficulties experienced by elderly consumers has made them reconsider the soft gel design used in the pill.

The affected pills are sold in 60-count bottles and are taken twice per day, two pills per dose. The recalled vitamins have a UPC code of 24208 62584, and have the following lot numbers: 0923BK103, 0924BK103, 0924BK103A, 0925BK103A, 0926BK103A, 0927BK103A, 0928BK103A, 0929BK103A, and 0930BK103A. The pills have an expiration date of 8/31/2011.

Both U.S. retailers and eye care professionals have been alerted regarding the recall. Bausch and Lomb recommends anyone who has the recalled eye vitamins return the product to the company for reimbursement, even if they are comfortable swallowing the pills. The company’s customer service number is 1-800-553-5340.