Here’s what you need to know about the flurry of eye drop reviews

The Food and Drug Administration recently announced the recall of several brands of eye drops over concerns that they could cause bacterial infections with potentially devastating health consequences, including blindness.

Millions of consumers use over-the-counter eye drops daily as a remedy for dry, irritated, and other mild eye conditions. But the flurry of reviews is causing some regular users of the products to wonder if they are safe. Here’s what you should know.

What brands of drops have been recalled?

EzriCare and Delsam Pharma Eye drops that lubricate artificial tears. Global Pharma Healthcare, February 2 remembered all batches of his EzriCare and Delsam Pharma branded “artificial tear eye drops,” which he says can be contaminated with bacteria.

The recall comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched an investigation into a cluster of bacterial infections in several states that it believes were linked to teardrops. At the time of the recall, there were 55 reports of adverse reactions to the drops, including eye infections, permanent vision loss, and one death from a bloodstream infection.

This is stated in the message of Global Pharma Healthcare. statement that consumers using contaminated eye drops may become blind.

Clients were advised to stop using the drops immediately.

Delsam Pharma “Artificial eye ointment”. Global Pharma February 24 also remembered on a batch of a product distributed by Delsam Pharma, “Artificial Ophthalmic Ointment”, again due to possible microbial contamination.

The company has stated that use of a contaminated ointment can lead to infections that cause blindness, although there have been no reports of injury related to the product.

Apotex “Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15%.” another manufacturer, On March 1, Apotex recalled six batches of its own brand of glaucoma drops called Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.15%, which are intended for patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

The company regrets that it initiated a “precautionary” recall due to concerns that cracks in the caps of some devices could compromise the sterility of the drops and lead to infection.

Pharmedica “Exceptionally soothing drops with 15% MSM.” Pharmaceutical firm In March, Pharmedica USA recalled two batches of Purely Soothing, 15% MSM Drops, also due to sterility issues.

Pharmaceuticals has warned that patients using contaminated eye drops risk going blind, but the company said it has not received any reports of infections or illnesses associated with its product.

How were problems with eye drops first discovered?

A patient from Los Angeles County, California who visited an ophthalmologist in the spring of 2022 developed an eye infection, according to the Associated Press. In the following months, local health authorities identified several more cases in which patients reported inflammation of the eyes with thick yellow pus covering most of the pupil.

The hospital that reported the first infection determined that it was caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause infections in the blood, lungs, or other parts of the body. The institution also determined that the bacteria are resistant to many antibiotics.

During the year other states received numerous reports of drug-resistant Pseudomonas, including a man in Washington who died after suffering a bloodstream infection.

In January, testing confirmed that the cases of Pseudomonas in the cases were caused by the same strain of bacteria as the cases in California, Connecticut and Utah. On January 20, the CDC advised physicians not to recommend the EzriCare product.

What are the risks?

As of March 1, CDC identified 64 patients in 13 states with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Health officials said the outbreak was linked to the use of artificial tears. According to the CDC, eight patients have reported loss of vision, and one person has died.

People who got sick most often reported using EzriCare brand eye drops, while some patients used multiple brands.

Eye drops can cause infections in other parts of the body because the eye connects to the nasal cavity. through tear ducts and microbes can move from the nasal cavity to the lungs.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which occurs naturally in the environment, can be transmitted to people who come into contact with contaminated water or soil. According to the CDC, Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be passed from one person to another through contaminated hands, equipment, or surfaces. Drug-resistant strains of bacteria cause more than 30,000 infections among hospitalized patients in the US every year and more than 2,500 deaths.

What if I use recalled drops?

The CDC and FDA are urging patients to stop using the recalled eye drops immediately, even if they have not experienced any adverse reactions.

Patients who have previously used potentially unsafe products should contact their physician and ask for a safe substitute product.

When should I see a doctor?

Patients who have used recalled eye drops should evaluate if they have any of the following symptoms commonly associated with eye infections:

  • Discharge from the eyes
  • Pain or discomfort in the eyes
  • Redness of the eye or eyelid
  • Feeling something in the eyes
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • blurred vision

Patients with any signs of infection should contact their healthcare provider immediately for evaluation and treatment. Patients without symptoms do not need to be tested.

Are my eye drops safe?

Over-the-counter medical products are not as heavily regulated as prescription drugs, said CBS News medical officer Dr. David Agus.

“The safety of any of these things is almost never tested, so when something comes up, it’s because there have been complaints, or in this case, drug-resistant bacteria have been linked to a bunch of cases,” he told CBS MoneyWatch. .

As for products and brands that stay on the market and don’t get recalled, he advised patients to “stick to the big brands you trust.” He also urged consumers to consider whether they really need to use eye drops.

“Ask your optometrist if you really need them,” Agus said. “If we don’t really need something, then we probably shouldn’t use it. If it’s not a real problem – maybe we have a bit of dryness – we probably shouldn’t put anything in our eyes,” he said. said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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