CDC Warns Against Using Eye Drops Linked to Infections, Death

[mysteryowl]

Source: AARP

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning consumers to stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears as it investigates at least 50 bacterial infections in 11 states that have resulted in permanent vision loss, hospitalization and one death.

The type of infection linked to the drops, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is resistant to antibiotics and poses a greater threat to those who are immunocompromised. CDC testing determined the bacteria in the products was resistant to antibiotics such as carbapenem, ceftazidime and cefepime.
snip
Although most infections were linked to the EzriCare brand of eye drops, the CDC hasn’t ruled out that other brands of preservative-free artificial tears may be at risk of contamination.

Read more: https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2023/cdc-warns-eye-drops-cause-bacterial-infections.html

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Don't use artificial tears eye drops!

[Warpy]

1. Don't use THAT BRAND of preservative free drops

I know "preservative" is a dirty word to some people, but in eyedrops in multi dose bottles, they're essential, they KILL BUGS that can make you blind, make you sick, and kill you.

Single use vials can be preservative free. This sounds like a really, really bad manufacturing problem. so read the fine print on the labels amd make sure your drops, if you use them, weren't manufactured there.

A lot of people out there will go blind without eye lubrication, so telling people to stop using artificial tears is counterproductive.

Read your labels. Throw away any from this particular manufacturer. Consider switching to the ones with preservatives to e even safer. And if you do use single does, preservative free drops from another manufacturer, toss the vials after they have been opened.

(I use the single use vials, different manufacturer. They don't make multi dose bottles with preservatives)

[dixiegrrrrl]

4. the end of the post sez CDC hasn't ruled other brands.

I had dry eye, doc said artificial tears were needed.
But I lucked out when I discovered the over head ceiling fan was blowing air on my face and that eye.

Stopped fan, and did eye squeeze method to create a few tears he recommended. All is fine now.
Very glad I didn't use the drops for more than a few times.

So does this apply to Visine, I wonder.

[Warpy]

5. Visine multi use bottles has a preservatve

as do OTC artificial tears. Careful with that Visine, it's dependency producing.

If this involves other single use vials, they're going to have to start investigating whether or not people were contaminating the tips and then using them again or they were really sloppy and leaving them open, using them again a few days down the line. Lots of things could have happened.

I'm glad your dry eye had an easy fix. People with autoimmune diseases and dry eye after surgery don't have easy fixes, sorry.

[gab13by13]

2. My ophthalmologist recommended

preservative-free Refresh Optive. I had lens replacement and have very dry eyes.

[Rebl2]

3. Same here

I have very dry eyes, but I use a different brand recommended by my ophthalmologist.

[riversedge]

7. In a statement, EzriCare said that it has not received any consumer complaints and has not been aske

Glad to see the company warn to not use. The product should be PULLED from shelves IMHO.


.............In a statement, EzriCare said that it has not received any consumer complaints and has not been asked by any regulatory agency to conduct a recall of any its products. However, in an abundance of caution, the company recommends that consumers discontinue using the product until more details are found.

[Stargazer99]

6. Another example how capitalism failed and harmed people

what is that quote, to do something over and over again resulting in harm or death is insane. Looks like the company that produced the product couldn't bother making sure their product was safe (cuts into profits you know-the expense of make sure product was safe cuts profits...isn't it time to stop worshiping evil and try something else more humane?

[SouthernDem4ever]

8. I wonder where these are manufactured

If they are manufactured overseas, that's a problem as with all pharma not made in the U.S. Now they see it's a bacterial infection not native to the US in those drops.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/03/23/clara-oliva-ezricare-eye-drop-lawsuit/11517556002/

[mysteryowl]

9. India is what the TV news said