Eye drops recall: Deadly bacteria outbreak linked to vision loss, removal of eyeballs

article

Global Pharma Healthcare is recalling all lots within the expiry of their Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops, distributed by /EzriCare, LLC- and Delsam Pharma, due to possible contamination. (Credit: FDA)

A drug-resistant bacteria outbreak linked to over-the-counter eye drops has sickened 68 people in 16 states and caused vision loss, eyeball removals and one death.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shared an update on the EzriCare Artificial Tears and Global Pharma Healthcare’s Artificial Eye Ointment recalls this week. The recall was first issued in early February and was later expanded to include the eye ointment.

The infections were caused by a bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It’s the first time the rare and "extensively" drug-resistant bacteria has spread in the U.S.

According to the CDC, 37 cases were linked to clusters at four healthcare facilities. Eight people have reported vision loss, and four have had an enucleation, or surgical removal of the eyeball. One person has died.

Some of the infections were found in blood, urine and lungs.

So far, infections have been identified in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.

History of the CDC

From malaria to the COVID-19 pandemic, here is a look at the CDC's history and the health of the United States.

Investigators detected the outbreak strain in open EzriCare bottles, but patients reported using over 10 different brands of artificial tears. Some used multiple brands.

The outbreak is considered particularly worrisome because the bacteria driving it are resistant to standard antibiotics, but a newer antibiotic named cefiderocol did seem to work.

What are the symptoms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa?

The CDC says to stop using the recalled products until further notice. Anyone who has used the eye drops or eye ointment and has signs of an eye infection should seek care immediately.