Bausch + Lomb Stellaris Elite Vision Enhancement System, 23 ga. Posterior Mid-Field Elite Pack, REF SE5423MV (containing the Stellaris Elite 23 GA Vit Cutter, Model BL5627), packaged in sterile trays, 6 trays/shipper.

Recall Insight

This FDA Devices action (record #Z-3269-2018) was formally reported on October 3, 2018, with the manufacturer initiating the action on August 8, 2018. It is classified under Moderate severity (Class II), with a current status of Terminated. Bausch & Lomb Inc is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of Saint Louis, MO. Federal records indicate 19.33 cases units are affected.

The documented reason for this recall is: The back cap separates from the body of the vitrectomy cutter. Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: Distribution was made to AL, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, ME, MO, MT, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, UT, and WV. There was government distribution but no military distribution. Foreign distribution…. Distribution scope directly affects the consumer exposure window and determines whether a recall remains regional or escalates into a nationwide advisory.

To put this record in context, PlainRecalls indexes 83,949 recalls across the FDA, CPSC, NHTSA and USDA FSIS going back to 1995. Within the same product category, the database holds 6 closely related recalls, of which 6 were also issued by FDA Devices. That clustering is a signal — repeated actions in a narrow category often indicate a systemic quality-control issue, a supplier-wide contamination, or a design defect that has propagated across product lines. This recall is roughly 8 years old; older recalls can remain relevant because many units enter resale, rental, and secondary-market channels where the original warning never reaches the end user. Always cross-check the recall number against the official agency page before relying on any summary.