The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning after one person died and three were left permanently blind after using a brand of eye drops.
Preservative-free EzriCare Artificial Tears is believed to be the culprit behind these disturbing instances. Between May 2022 and January 19th, 2023, the CDC has identified over 50 people across 11 states who have been sickened by pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacteria usually found in water and soil. Eleven patients were diagnosed with eye infections, with at least three losing sight in one eye. Others came down with respiratory or urinary tract infections. Sadly, one fatality resulted when the lethal bacterium spread to the patient’s bloodstream. Each person who fell ill reported using EzriCare Artificial Tears shortly before.
In a statement dated January 20th, the CDC confirmed that pseudomonas aeruginosa was located in bottles of the drops. Tests are underway to verify whether or not it is the same variant afflicting patients. It is believed that the drops may have been contaminated during the manufacturing process. However, if someone had the bacteria on their hands when opening the packaging, that may have also resulted in contamination.
What is most disturbing is that as of Wednesday morning, EzriCare Artificial Tears had not been officially recalled. Anyone who has used the eye medicine recently is urged to discontinue and seek medical attention.
