FDA decisions in eye care: A first-half 2026 recap

The first half of 2026 has delivered a notable mix of FDA approvals, complete response letters, and regulatory milestones across several therapeutic areas relevant to optometric practice. From first-in-class presbyopia drops and EDOF contact lenses to new tools for thyroid eye disease and ongoing setbacks in dry eye, the regulatory landscape has moved quickly. Below is a summary of the major decisions optometrists should be aware of heading into the second half of the year.