According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a bacterial infection that could be linked to a particular brand of over-the-counter eye drops has resulted in one fatality and at least three others suffering from permanent vision loss. The majority of the affected individuals had used preservative-free EzriCare Artificial Tears before falling ill, as stated in a recent statement from the CDC dated January 20th.
The CDC has not yet definitively linked the infections to the eyedrops; however, they have advised patients to stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears until their investigation and laboratory analysis is complete. The CDC has identified 50 people in 11 states infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium resistant to most antibiotics.
Artificial Tears with Bacterial Infection
The states where cases have been reported include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Texas, Utah, and Washington. The majority of patients reported using EzriCare Artificial Tears before becoming ill. Eleven patients developed eye infections, with at least three losing sight in one eye. Some others had respiratory or urinary tract infections, as reported by NBC News.
One person passed away due to the bacterium entering their bloodstream. The existence of underlying eye conditions, such as glaucoma or cataracts, that could have made the patients more susceptible is uncertain. The symptoms of an eye infection include pain, swelling, discharge, redness, blurry vision, light sensitivity, and a feeling of a foreign object being stuck in the eye. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a type of bacterium that is commonly found in water, soil, and even in the hands of healthy individuals.
Typically, infections caused by this bacterium occur in hospitals among people with compromised immune systems. The bacterium in question is frequently resistant to typical antibiotics, causing concern among experts. According to Dr. Jill Weatherhead, an assistant professor of tropical medicine and infectious diseases at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, our standard treatment options are no longer effective in treating the infection.
A brand of artificial tears has been linked to dozens of bacterial infections.
ALSO READ: Origins of Antibiotic Resistance Gene: How a Nasty Bacterium Caused Thousands of Deaths
No 'Drop' on Eyedrops
The eyedrops being investigated are marked as preservative-free, meaning they don't contain any substances to prevent the growth of microorganisms. The product may have been contaminated during manufacturing or when a person carrying the bacteria on their skin opened the container. The CDC discovered the bacteria in bottles of eyedrops and is currently testing to determine if it matches the strain in patients.
As of Tuesday, no recall has been issued for EzriCare Artificial Tears, sold on Amazon and in retailers such as Walmart. EzriCare has recently become aware of the ongoing investigation by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding adverse events related to various over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops. To date, EzriCare has not received any consumer complaints or adverse event reports related to the investigation.
Any regulatory agencies have not communicated with the company about the outcome or details of the investigation, nor has it been asked to conduct a recall. EzriCare does not manufacture the lubricant eye drops in question; they are formulated, designed, and imported by Aru Pharma Inc and manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare PVT LTD.
RELATED ARTICLE: Scientists Say They Can Revive the Retinas of a Deceased Organ Donor
Check out more news and information on Medicine and Health in Science Times.
