- EzriCare eye drops were recalled after they were linked to dangerous bacterial infections.
- The drug-resistant bacteria can cause blindness, and even death.
Both the US Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have warned consumers not to use the over-the-counter products EzriCare Artificial Tears or Delsam Pharma's Artificial Tears.
Their Indian-based manufacturer, Global Pharma, has issued a voluntary recall after more than 50 people using the drops across 12 US states suffered eye infections, permanent vision loss, and — in the most serious case that's been reported — a bloodstream infection that resulted in death.
The issue with the drops seems to stem from bacterial contamination with a tough-to-treat, drug-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This common bacteria can grow in both soil and water, and it is very good at evading antibiotic treatment.
But eye experts told Insider that there's no reason to panic about the news. These eye infections are still very rare, and there are a few simple things you can do to ensure that you are using eye drops safely.
Here are 3 things you can do to make using eye drops safer
1. Check the label
Make sure you're not using either of the recalled products — EzriCare artificial tears, or Delsam Pharma's artificial tears. While you're at it, double check that your drops are not expired.
2. Make sure that preservative-free drops are single-use only
Dr. Christopher Starr, a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, told Insider that preservative-free eye drops that come in multi-use bottles (like EzriCare's) are inherently at higher risk for contamination. "Without antimicrobial preservatives, bacteria and fungus can proliferate, potentially leading to sight-threatening infections," he said.
If you're opting for a multi-use product, ensure that it contains preservatives and that the bottle tip stays clean.
Eye drops formulated with preservatives can also have their drawbacks, though, because they may irritate the surface of the eye — especially if you're using them frequently throughout the day.
That's why "we generally recommend preservative-free drops in single-use disposable containers for most people," Starr said.
3. Know the signs of an eye infection
If your eyes are unusually red, painful, or begin to develop discharge after using eye drops, see a doctor. Most bacterial eye infections can be treated swiftly with topical antibiotics, which are generally administered via eye drops or eye ointment. There are also antifungal eye treatments and anti-viral eye drops available for non-bacterial eye issues, which is why it's important to get a proper diagnosis. Early treatment can almost always prevent serious complications, like vision loss.