DRY EYE DROPS IN THE US LINKED TO VISION LOSS
A recent recall of a commercially available eye drop in the US serves as a strong reminder to be careful with products that are not recommended by your eye doctor. Global Pharma has been ordered by the US Food and Drug Administration to immediately recall an eyedrop known as “EzriCare Artificial Tears” marketed to treat dry eyes. Use of these products has been linked to bacterial contamination causing serious eye infections, permanent vision loss, and even death.
The US Center for Disease Control found 55 patients in 12 different US states who had eye infections from a rare, drug resistant bacterial strain of P. Aeruginosa. These patients had recently used EzriCare Artificial Tears. The outcomes of these infections included hospitalization, permanent vision loss, and in one case, death from infection of the bloodstream.
The product’s parent company, Global Pharma, has been found to be in violation of safe pharmaceutical preparation practices, including inappropriate packaging and failure to test properly for microbial contamination.
At MVO our doctors will only prescribe products that come from reputable, known manufacturers. Packaging of our artificial tears (especially preservative-free) must comply with standards that ensure patient safety and guarantee sterility. Your protection is our number one priority. Please use caution when purchasing eye drops not specifically recommended by your eye doctor.