If Your Surgery Is on Hold Because of Bss Ophthalmic Solution, You're Not Alone

You've been scheduled for cataract surgery or another eye procedure, and suddenly there's a delay. Your surgeon's office tells you they're having trouble getting Bss Ophthalmic Solution — a product that's essential for nearly every eye surgery performed in the United States. It sounds alarming, but it's a problem that thousands of patients and surgical centers have been dealing with in recent years.

In this article, we'll explain what Bss Ophthalmic Solution is, why it's been so difficult to find, and what steps you can take to make sure your surgery stays on track.

What Is Bss Ophthalmic Solution?

Bss Ophthalmic Solution — often called Balanced Salt Solution or simply BSS — is a sterile, isotonic irrigating solution used during eye surgeries. It contains essential electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in concentrations that closely mimic the natural fluid inside your eye (called aqueous humor).

During procedures like cataract extraction, corneal transplantation, and other anterior segment surgeries, your surgeon uses BSS to keep your eye hydrated and protected. Without it, delicate eye tissues could dry out or become damaged during the operation.

BSS is manufactured primarily by Alcon Laboratories and is available in several forms, including BSS Sterile Irrigating Solution (for procedures under 60 minutes) and BSS Plus (enriched with bicarbonate, dextrose, and glutathione for longer surgeries). Other brands include Endosol Extra and Navstel.

For a deeper look at what this drug is and how it's used, check out our guide: What Is Bss Ophthalmic Solution? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.

Why Is Bss Ophthalmic Solution So Hard to Find in 2026?

There are several reasons why surgical centers and patients have been affected by BSS supply issues. Here are the main factors:

1. Limited Number of FDA-Approved Manufacturers

In 2008, the FDA took enforcement action against several companies — including B. Braun, Baxter, and Hospira — that were manufacturing unapproved versions of Balanced Salt Solution. The FDA required these companies to stop production, leaving Alcon as the dominant manufacturer of FDA-approved BSS products.

With fewer manufacturers in the market, any production disruption at Alcon can create a ripple effect across the entire supply chain. When one factory has a delay, there aren't many alternatives to pick up the slack.

2. Rising Demand for Eye Surgeries

The aging population in the United States means more cataract surgeries, more glaucoma procedures, and more corneal transplants every year. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, over 4 million cataract surgeries are performed annually in the U.S. alone. Each one requires BSS. That's a massive and growing demand for a product with a limited supply base.

3. Manufacturing and Supply Chain Challenges

Producing sterile ophthalmic solutions requires strict quality controls and specialized manufacturing equipment. Any issue — from raw material shortages to equipment maintenance to regulatory inspections — can slow down production. Global supply chain disruptions in recent years have compounded these challenges.

4. No Retail Pharmacy Distribution

Unlike most prescription medications, BSS Ophthalmic Solution is not dispensed at retail pharmacies. It's a professional surgical product ordered directly by hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and ophthalmology clinics through medical supply distributors. This means patients can't simply call around to local pharmacies to find it — the supply chain is entirely institutional.

What Can You Do If Your Surgery Is Affected?

If your eye surgery has been delayed or you've heard that your surgical center is having trouble sourcing BSS, here are some practical steps:

Talk to Your Surgeon's Office

Your ophthalmologist's team is your best resource. They track supply availability closely and may have access to alternative products like BSS Plus, Endosol Extra, or Navstel. Ask them directly about the timeline and whether any substitutions are available.

Consider Alternative Surgical Centers

Different hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers source their supplies through different distributors. If one facility is experiencing a shortage, another nearby may have stock. Your surgeon may have privileges at more than one location.

Use Medfinder to Track Availability

Tools like Medfinder can help you stay informed about where medications and surgical supplies are available. For more tips, see our article on How to Find Bss Ophthalmic Solution in Stock Near You.

Ask About Alternatives

In some cases, your surgeon may be able to use a different irrigating solution. We cover this topic in detail in our post on Alternatives to Bss Ophthalmic Solution. Always let your doctor decide what's medically appropriate for your specific procedure.

Will the Shortage Get Better?

The BSS supply situation has improved somewhat since the initial FDA crackdown, but the market remains vulnerable. With Alcon as the primary manufacturer and demand continuing to grow, any production hiccup can cause temporary shortages.

There's reason for cautious optimism: additional manufacturers like ZEISS have entered the BSS market with products like Puri Clear, and surgical centers are getting better at managing inventory and building buffer supplies. But for the foreseeable future, BSS availability will remain something that surgical teams need to monitor closely.

For the latest shortage information, read our Bss Ophthalmic Solution Shortage Update for 2026.

Final Thoughts

Bss Ophthalmic Solution is one of those products most people never think about — until their surgery depends on it. The supply challenges are real, but they're manageable. By staying informed, communicating with your surgical team, and knowing your options, you can navigate this situation with confidence.

If you're trying to find Bss Ophthalmic Solution or need help locating a surgical center with adequate supply, visit Medfinder to search for availability near you.