FDA Announces Recall For Three Eye Drop Brands, Including EzriCare

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently recalled three brands of eye drops, including one, EzriCare Artificial Tears, that have been linked to serious infections, vision loss and death.  The cause is an outbreak of a highly antibiotic-resistant strain of a bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, found in certain drops.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), at least 4 deaths have been reported, another 14 users lost their eyesight, and four people needed to have an eye removed surgically. Across the United States, a total of 81 cases in at least 18 states have been reported as of May 15. To date, 25 cases have been reported in Connecticut, according to the CT Department of Public Health.

Symptoms can include yellow, green, or clear discharge from the eye, eye pain, redness, a feeling of something in the eye, blurry vision, and/or increased sensitivity to light.

According to the CDC, the bacteria can also cause infections in the blood, lungs, and other parts of the body.

As a precaution, 2 other brands — Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.15%., manufactured by Apotex Corp., and Purely Soothing 15% MSM Drops, manufactured by Pharmedica USA —  have also been recalled by the manufacturers. No infections have been reported with these brands.

Below are links to FDA recall notices, which include more information about the recalled products:

• EzriCare Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops 
• Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.15%.
• Purely Soothing 15% MSM Drops