FDA Approves Brytly For Nonprescription Redness Relief

The FDA has authorized the use of Brytly eye drops for individuals aged 12 and older seeking relief from minor eye irritation.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Allergies

Isometric editorial illustration featuring a single glass eye-dropper bottle on a clean surface, representing a new nonprescription pharmaceutical product. — The FDA has approved Alcon's over-the-counter eye drop, Brytly, providing a new nonprescription option for managing minor eye redness for patients 12 and older. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The FDA has granted approval for Brytly, an over-the-counter apraclonidine ophthalmic solution designed to treat eye redness. The medication is formulated for use by adults and children at least 12 years of age.

Why it matters

This approval provides consumers with a new nonprescription option for managing minor eye irritation. The medication allows for relief without the need for a formal doctor visit, provided symptoms do not persist beyond a three-day window.

Brytly features an apraclonidine concentration of 0.125% and is approved for use twice daily. The product requires a 5-minute interval between applications of different eye drop medications.

The players

FDA

The Food and Drug Administration is the federal agency responsible for regulating food, drugs, and medical devices in the United States.

Alcon

Alcon is a global medical company specializing in eye care products, including surgical equipment and vision care supplies.

The details

Manufactured by Alcon, the solution requires users to remove contact lenses prior to application and wait 10 minutes before reinserting them. Patients are instructed to discontinue use immediately if they experience eye pain or changes in vision.

October 16, 2026: The FDA officially approved the use of Brytly.
3 days: The maximum duration individuals should use the product before seeking medical consultation.

Health Landscape

This approval expands the availability of eye care treatments by leveraging the FDA's over-the-counter drug monograph system. It marks a shift toward providing patients with direct access to specialized solutions previously confined to clinical or surgical settings.

Users must remember to remove contact lenses before applying the drops and wait 10 minutes before reinserting them. If irritation or redness continues for more than three days, the user should stop applying the medication and consult a medical professional.

The takeaway

Patients should follow the label instructions carefully to avoid complications during usage. Always monitor symptoms closely and discontinue the drops if vision quality changes.