A brand of over-the-counter eyedrops recently made national headlines, but not for its effectiveness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), EzriCare Artificial Tears has been linked to one death and several cases of permanent vision loss from drug-resistant bacterial infections.*

Infections in 11 states thus far

In a January 20, 2023 statement, the CDC described a “multistate cluster” of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a type of bacteria largely resistant to antibiotics. Thus far, the CDC has identified a minimum of 50 infections in 11 states:

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Florida
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• Nevada
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington

Though the CDC hasn’t definitely traced the infections to the eyedrops, most affected patients reported having used EzriCare Artificial Tears prior to getting sick. 

• Eleven (11) people had eye infections, with at least three (3) blinded in one eye. 
• Other people had lung or urinary tract infections.
• One person died after the bacteria found its way into their bloodstream.

EzriCare and the CDC advise people to “immediately discontinue the use of EzriCare Artificial Tears until the epidemiological investigation and laboratory analyses are complete.”

About Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria are often found in soil, water, and even on hands. People most susceptible to infection are those with weakened immunity in hospital settings.

Standard antibiotics are typically ineffective against this bacteria, which is “what’s so concerning” to tropical medicine and infectious disease expert Jill Weaterhead, M.D., M.Sc. of Baylor of Medicine in Houston. She says standard treatments are no longer an option for treating this infection.

EzriCare eyedrops contain no preservatives, so there is nothing to prevent bacterial growth. It’s unclear whether the product became tainted during manufacturing or if someone with infected hands later opened the bottles.

Symptoms of eye infection

Experts advise seeking immediate care if any of these symptoms arise:

• Eye pain
• Eye swelling
• Eye discharge
• Redness
• Blurred vision
• Light sensitivity
• Sensation of a foreign object in the eye

Bacteria was found in the eyedrop bottles, and the CDC is now determining whether or not it matches the strain seen in patients. It isn’t yet known if infected patients had pre-existing conditions, such as glaucoma or cataracts, that would have made them more vulnerable.

*Edwards, E. (2023, January 31). CDC warns that a brand of eyedrops may be linked to drug-resistant bacterial infections. TODAY. https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/cdc-warns-that-a-brand-of-eyedrops-may-be-linked-to-drug-resistant-bacterial-infections/ar-AA16XM1i