FDA approves OTC Brytly for eye redness relief

On October 16, 2026, FDA approved Brytly (apraclonidine ophthalmic solution) 0.125% for the relief of eye redness due to minor irritations in adults and children aged 12 years and older. Brytly is the first nonprescription eye drop containing apraclonidine.

Eye redness is commonly caused by swollen or dilated blood vessels on the surface of the eye, often resulting from minor irritants such as dryness or dust. Higher-strength apraclonidine eye drops are already available by prescription to reduce intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma or those undergoing certain types of laser eye surgery.

Brytly should not be used more than twice daily. Patients should remove contact lenses before use and wait at least 10 minutes after applying the drops before reinserting them. If another eye drop is needed, patients should wait five minutes between products.

Patients should stop using Brytly and consult a doctor if they develop eye pain or vision changes, or if redness or irritation continues, worsens, or lasts longer than three days.

The approval expands self-care options for minor eye redness while reinforcing the need for clinical evaluation when symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by pain or vision changes.

Source: FDA. (2026 Oct 16). FDA approves new nonprescription eye drop for relief of eye redness