Several eye drop brands have issued recalls as health officials investigate a severe bacterial outbreak that has been linked to blindness, eye loss, and three deaths.
List of recalled eye drops
Federal health investigators are learning more about an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an uncommon strain of bacteria that are increasingly being linked to eye drops. This bacterium can cause debilitating eye infections that may result in permanent blindness or surgical removal of the eye. At least one woman in Florida recently had to undergo surgical eye removal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first warned about the increase in bacterial infections in January 2023, and since then, CDC agents have identified nearly 70 patients in 16 different states with drug-resistant infections and multiple symptoms. There have been three deaths linked back to exposure through eye drops specifically, and federal investigators may soon learn of additional illnesses. The CDC reports that EzriCare Artificial Tears were the most commonly cited in the majority of reported infections thus far, but officials are still actively investigating the source of bacterial contamination, and additional recalls might take place in the future.
The bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a naturally occurring bacteria found in water, soil, and human waste and is usually resistant to antibiotic treatments. It can be especially dangerous for those with weakened immune systems and those who receive care in hospital and clinic settings. CNN reports that eight patients have developed blindness due to the outbreak, and four people tragically had their eyeballs surgically removed to prevent further side effects or more serious symptoms. While it is unclear how this bacteria ended up in eye drops, it is more likely that artificial tears are being contaminated during the manufacturing process and are not sterile when solutions are packaged and released to the public. Cases thus far have been recorded in 16 states, and the CDC officials have noted that P. aeruginosa caused upwards of 2,700 deaths in 2017.
Not every recall currently in place involving eye drops is explicitly linked to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Two distinct eye drop products were recalled in February and have been directly linked to a risk of bacterial infection — Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops branded by EzriCare and Delsam Pharma, manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare. It is unclear, based on the FDA’s recall announcement when these artificial tears were initially manufactured. Affected customers are being instructed to verify products implicated in these recalls by checking UPC codes on the eye drop’s exterior packaging.
Symptoms associated with bacterial eye infections can include a wide array of eye-related discomfort and pain, including yellow, green, or clear discharge; redness of the eye or eyelid; increased light sensitivity; consistent blurry vision; and an inner-eye irritation that feels like an itch, according to CDC officials. Anyone experiencing symptoms and who has used either of the two branded eye drops recently should seek immediate emergency medical care. Severe eye infections may often go ignored or misdiagnosed without clinical care, if left untreated, they could cause life-threatening complications, especially with drug-resistant strains of bacteria like the one being tracked by CDC officials.
Several eye drops and one other eye ointment have been recalled concurrently in the same period as the two eye care products above, but not due to the exact potential bacterial exposure. Two specific eye drop products have been linked to the current Pseudomonas aeruginosa outbreak, while three other recalled eye-care products have yet to be linked to the 68 current cases of bacterial infections logged across the U.S.
Here is a full list of recalled eye drops and more context on why federal regulators have placed these on recall lists in the first place:
- Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution
- Clear Eyes Once Daily, Eye Allergy Itch Relief
- Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops
- Delsam Pharma Artificial Eye Ointment
- EzriCare Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops
- Purely Soothing 15% MSM Drops
Additionally, officials have indicated that there are still ongoing investigations into the source of the bacterial contamination. It is possible that more recalls may take place as healthcare providers learn more about those impacted by tainted eye drops. The CDC has noted that patients reported using over ten different brands of artificial tears, and some patients used multiple brands. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the current recalls and symptoms of bacterial eye infections.
Those affected by bacterial eye infections may experience symptoms such as pain, discharge, and blurry vision. According to healthcare providers at the University of California, Davis’s Eye Center, this particular strain of bacteria destroys the cornea specifically, leading to severe eye damage. Although this specific strain of bacteria has not been linked to eye drops previously, it has caused infections through sepsis or respiratory and urinary tract infections in the past.
If you experience any symptoms, seek immediate emergency medical care. The CDC recommends that individuals who use eye drops should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid touching the tip of the dropper to any surface to prevent contamination.
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