The CDC is warning that a brand of eye drops sold at Walmart and other stores has led to the death of 1 person and left 3 others blinded due to a bacterial infection – what you need to know.
CDC warns eye drops sold at Walmart and other stores can cause blindness, even death
Consumers are being warned after one person died and three others were left with permanent vision loss after they contracted a bacterial infection that has been linked with a brand of over-the-counter eye drops.
The majority of people who were affected reported using the over-the-counter preservative-free EzriCare Artificial Tears before they became ill, according to a statement issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Drops create drug-resistant infections
The CDC found and is investigating a “multistate cluster of Verona Integron‐mediated Metallo‐β‐lactamase (VIM)‐ and Guiana‐Extended Spectrum‐β‐Lactamase (GES) producing carbapenem‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM‐GES‐CRPA) associated with multiple different infection types, including eye infections.”
Simply stated, according to the CDC: “Antimicrobial resistance happens when germs like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. That means the germs are not killed and continue to grow. Resistant infections can be difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat.”
No recall yet, but company urges discontinuing use of drops
The CDC has not yet ordered a recall of EzriCare Artificial Tears. However, the company has been proactive in urging consumers to discontinue the use of the product.
On January 24, 2023, EzriCare created a dedicated website with an urgent warning to consumers to discontinue the use of EzriCare Artificial Tears after the ongoing CDC investigation found adverse effects in various over-the-counter eye drops.
According to EzriCare, the company: “does not manufacture the Lubricant Eye Drops (Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium, 10mg in 1mL) in ½ fl. oz (15mL) containers (NDC: 79503-0101-15).”
“The EzriCare Artificial Tears were formulated, designed, and imported by Aru Pharma Inc in the US and were manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare PVT LTD in India,” according to the company.
1 dead, 3 left with permanent blindness after use of eyedrops; 50 cases in 11 states
At least 50 people in 11 states have been identified with Pseudomonas aeruginosa by the CDC, a type of bacteria resistant to most antibiotics, NBC reported.
So far, cases have been identified in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Texas, Utah, and Washington.
Among those reported cases, 11 people developed infections, with at least three people who were permanently blinded in one eye. Others developed respiratory or urinary tract infections. One person died after the bacterium entered their bloodstream, Fox reported.
