Struggling to find BSS Ophthalmic Solution in 2026? Learn why this surgical eye irrigation solution faces supply issues and what you can do about it.
Whether you have an upcoming eye surgery or your ophthalmologist's office is scrambling to stock their shelves, BSS Ophthalmic Solution — also known as Balanced Salt Solution — has been increasingly difficult to locate. If you've been told your procedure might be delayed due to supply issues, or you've heard your surgical center is rationing BSS, this article explains exactly what's going on and what you can do about it.
BSS stands for Balanced Salt Solution. It's a sterile irrigating solution used during eye surgeries like cataract removal, vitrectomy, and other ophthalmic procedures. Manufactured primarily by Alcon Laboratories, BSS is designed to mimic the natural fluid inside your eye — maintaining the right pH (approximately 7.5) and salt concentration to keep your eye tissues healthy during surgery.
BSS is not a medication you take at home. It's a critical surgical supply that ophthalmologists and surgical centers rely on for nearly every intraocular procedure. Without it, eye surgeries can face delays or cancellations.
To learn more about what BSS is and how it's used, check out our detailed guide: What Is BSS Ophthalmic Solution? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know.
Several factors have converged to make BSS Ophthalmic Solution harder to source in 2026:
In 2008 and 2009, the FDA took enforcement action against multiple manufacturers who were producing unapproved versions of Balanced Salt Solution. The agency required these companies to stop manufacturing and selling their products. This dramatically reduced the number of BSS suppliers in the U.S. market, leaving Alcon as the primary FDA-approved manufacturer of BSS.
Baxter, which had been one of the few other suppliers of an approved balanced salt solution, decided to discontinue its product. A Baxter spokesperson described it as "an older niche product." This further consolidated the market and left even fewer options for surgical centers.
With Alcon essentially serving as the sole major supplier of FDA-approved BSS, any manufacturing disruption — whether from equipment maintenance, raw material shortages, or increased demand — can ripple through the entire supply chain. Surgical centers that perform high volumes of cataract and other eye surgeries are particularly vulnerable to these bottlenecks.
The aging U.S. population means more cataract surgeries, more vitrectomies, and more ophthalmic procedures overall. The American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates that cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed procedures in the country. This growing demand puts additional pressure on an already constrained BSS supply.
If you're a patient whose surgery depends on BSS availability, or a practice struggling to keep it in stock, here are some practical steps:
Our tool at Medfinder helps you locate pharmacies and surgical suppliers that currently have BSS Ophthalmic Solution in stock. Instead of calling around to dozens of suppliers, you can check availability in real time.
BSS Plus is an enriched version of Balanced Salt Solution made by Alcon that includes bicarbonate, dextrose, and glutathione. It's designed for longer surgical procedures (over 60 minutes) but can sometimes be used when standard BSS is unavailable. Talk to your surgeon about whether BSS Plus is an appropriate substitute. Learn more about alternatives in our post: Alternatives to BSS Ophthalmic Solution.
Independent and specialty surgical suppliers may have stock that larger distributors don't. It's worth reaching out to multiple suppliers, especially those that focus on ophthalmic products.
If you have an upcoming eye surgery, ask your surgical center well in advance about their BSS supply. The earlier they can identify and address a potential shortage, the better your chances of staying on schedule.
For more tips, read: How to Find BSS Ophthalmic Solution in Stock Near You.
BSS Ophthalmic Solution is a critical but often overlooked component of eye surgery. The combination of FDA enforcement actions, manufacturer exits, and rising surgical demand has created a challenging supply landscape. The good news is that by staying informed and using the right tools, patients and providers can navigate these shortages more effectively.
If your surgery has been affected by BSS availability issues, don't panic. Work with your ophthalmologist, explore alternatives like BSS Plus, and use resources like Medfinder to stay ahead of the curve.
For the latest shortage updates, see: BSS Ophthalmic Solution Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026.
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