Waking up with a "sticky" eye is a universal nightmare. You look in the mirror, see that tell-tale angry red hue, and immediately start Googling. For a lot of people, the first thing that pops up is Similasan for pink eye. It sounds like the perfect middle ground: natural, Swiss-made, and available at the corner CVS without a doctor’s note.
But things have changed.
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If you’ve tried to find a bottle lately, you might have noticed the shelves are suspiciously bare. Or maybe you've heard whispers about FDA warnings. Honestly, the world of homeopathic eye care has become a bit of a mess over the last couple of years, and if you’re trying to treat an infection, you need to know exactly what you’re putting in your eye.
The Reality of the Similasan Shortage
Let’s get the big elephant out of the room first. In late 2023 and throughout 2024, the FDA basically dropped a hammer on the homeopathic eye drop industry. Similasan, along with several other brands, received a warning letter.
Why? It wasn't because someone went blind—Similasan actually has a pretty stellar safety record over the last 30+ years. The issue was more about regulatory red tape and a specific ingredient: silver sulfate. The FDA started looking at these drops as "unapproved new drugs." Since the eye is so sensitive, the government decided that "homeopathic" shouldn't mean "unregulated."
Similasan ended up voluntarily suspending sales in the U.S. for a while. You might still find it in Canada or Europe, or maybe in a dusty corner of a local health food store, but it’s no longer the easy-to-grab remedy it used to be.
What’s Actually Inside the Bottle?
If you do manage to get your hands on a bottle, you'll see a list of ingredients that look like they belong in a medieval apothecary.
- Belladonna 6X: This is the big one. In its raw form, Belladonna is toxic. In a 6X homeopathic dilution, it’s basically non-existent, but the goal is to target redness and that "burning" feeling.
- Euphrasia Officinalis (Eyebright): This plant has been used for centuries. It’s supposed to help with the "gritty" sensation and watery discharge.
- Hepar Sulphuris 12X: Used for stinging and sensitivity.
These aren't antibiotics. They won't kill bacteria. They’re meant to stimulate your body’s own defenses. If you have a bacterial infection—the kind where your eye is glued shut with yellow goo—these drops are essentially bringing a squirt gun to a house fire.
When It Works (and When It Definitely Doesn't)
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, comes in three main flavors: viral, allergic, and bacterial.
Most cases are viral. Antibiotics do zero for a virus. In those cases, something like Similasan for pink eye might actually be better than a prescription because it’s just trying to soothe the symptoms while your body fights the virus. It’s like taking a lozenge for a sore throat. It feels nice, but it isn't the cure.
However, if you have a high fever, blurred vision, or if the "gunk" is thick and colorful, stop. Don't reach for the homeopathic bottle. Go to an urgent care.
Real talk: silver sulfate, the preservative Similasan used, has been flagged by the FDA because long-term use can theoretically cause argyria—a permanent bluish-gray tint to the eye. While the company claims they’ve sold millions of bottles without an issue, the FDA isn't taking chances anymore.
Using It Safely (If You Still Have a Stash)
If you’re using an old bottle or bought one abroad, follow the rules. Don't touch the tip of the dropper to your eye. That’s a fast-track way to turn a minor irritation into a full-blown ocular catastrophe.
- Discard after 30 days: These "natural" drops don't have the heavy-duty preservatives that keep them sterile forever.
- One person, one bottle: Sharing eye drops is the fastest way to give the whole family pink eye.
- The 72-hour rule: if you aren't better in three days, the experiment is over. See a pro.
The Actionable Bottom Line
The landscape of eye care is shifting. While Similasan was a staple for decades, the 2023-2025 regulatory crackdown has made it a "use at your own risk" product in the eyes of the law.
Next Steps for You:
- Identify your discharge: If it’s clear and watery, it’s likely viral or allergic. If it’s thick and yellow/green, it’s bacterial.
- Check for silver: Look at the label of any "natural" drop for silver sulfate; if you’re worried about long-term staining, skip it.
- Try a warm compress first: Before buying any drops, a clean, warm washcloth over the eye for 5 minutes can do wonders for the "gritty" feeling.
- Verify the seal: Never use a bottle if the tamper-evident ring is loose or missing, especially given the recent manufacturing concerns raised by the FDA.