A spate of deaths and blindness in the US caused by contaminated eye drops has caused panic across the country.
Across the country, 68 people have been blinded by contaminated eye drops, including two women whose cases were confirmed on Friday.
Artificial tears manufactured by EzriCare are contaminated with P. aeruginosa, a deadly bacteria usually found only in hospitals. Others have been recalled due to the risk of contamination, but nothing has been confirmed.
Three people died, four had their eyes removed and eight lost their sight.
Renee told CNN that she now has severe and permanent corneal scarring that has resulted in vision loss and can now only see partially with glasses that feel like they’ve been dipped in oil.
As of March 14, 68 patients in 16 states were infected with this “rare strain” of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
EzriCare Artificial Tears has been recalled
- Artificial tears by EzriCare
EzriCare’s artificial tears were recalled in January over links to eye infections.
At the time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an urgent warning for the products of the India-based Global Pharma.
Tests by the agency found that the drug-resistant strain of P. aeruginosa — which normally spreads in hospitals — was collected from patients in open bottles.
The drops are at the heart of dozens of eye infections in as many as 16 states, with cases dating back to May 2022. They include at least one death and several others that caused “permanent blindness.”
The authorities do not yet know whether the drops were contaminated during production or after they left the factory.
These drops have been recalled
- Delsam’s artificial eye ointment
In February, a second recall was issued for Delsam’s artificial eye ointment.
It was ordered due to “possible microbial contamination”.
The drops were sold in stores across the country, including Walmart, Target, CVS and Amazon.
They are also manufactured by Global Pharma based in India.
A statement on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website said: “Using a contaminated eye ointment can cause side effects, including an eye infection that can lead to blindness.”
They said the company failed to adequately test its products for bacterial contamination.
These prescription drops have been recalled
- Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution
Earlier this month, Florida-based company Apotex recalled six lots of its Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution eye drops.
Unlike the others, it is only available by prescription.
The recall was ordered after at least four closures developed cracks that compromised the sterility of the contents.
This posed the risk of potentially dangerous bacteria ending up in the solutions and then accidentally ending up in the patient’s eyeballs. The recall was published on March 1.
Pictured above is the eye drop label
- Pure Smoothing 15% MSM drops
Also this month, Purely Smoothing’s 15% MSM drops were recalled.
This was because of their “non-sterility,” according to a statement on the FDA’s website.
They are manufactured and distributed nationally by Pharmadica USA LLC based in Arizona.
The eye drops are used as an anti-inflammatory to help with symptoms of eye irritation and/or swelling.
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
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