The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now investigating 68 cases in which individuals have developed severe eye infections after using artificial tears eyedrops. The CDC investigation concerns a drug-resistant strain of bacteria that resulted in severe injuries, leading to three deaths, across the country. Eight people have lost vision, and four had to have enucleation, the procedure to remove the eyeball.
According to the CDC, the majority of patients who contracted the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa reported using artificial tears or eyedrops. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a rare, drug-resistant bacteria that had not been seen in the United States before 2022. A gram-negative aerobic bacteria, P. aeruginosa is capable of causing a wide range of infections and is considered a “superbug”.
In February, EzriCare® and Delsam Phama Artificial Tears eyedrops were recalled due to “potential microbial contamination.” The FDA also recommended the recall of Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Eye Ointment after warning that it should not be purchased or used due to potential bacterial contamination.
Early symptoms of eye infection include:
- Clear, yellow, or green fluids leaking from the eye
- Eye discomfort
- Eye or eyelid redness
- Sensation of a foreign body in the eye
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision
If you have EzriCare or Delsam Pharma eyedrops, you should stop using them. If you have eye infection symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you are diagnosed with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, follow the recommendations of your health care team and contact an attorney for legal advice. Attorney Marilyn McGoldrick leads our defective drug and medical device practice and has a proven track record in medically-related product liability cases. Call her for a free, no obligation consultation at 1-888-341-1405. You can also contact us online.
