Millions of consumers use nonprescription, over-the-counter drops daily to relieve dry and irritated eyes, redness, and other mild conditions. But the sudden wave of recalls is making people think, are they safe to use? Here is what you should know.
On February 2, 2023, EzriCare Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops were recalled due to a reported outbreak of the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This strain of bacteria had never been reported in the United States, and it is particularly dangerous due to its high resistance to most antibiotics. The bacteria has been found in samples from infected people that date back to May 2022 and continue on into the early months of 2023. As of March 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that 64 patients in 13 states suffered infections, one person died, and others have suffered vision loss. On February 24, Global Pharma Healthcare also issued another voluntary recall due to “possible contamination” in their Artificial Eye Ointment.
It is unclear whether the eye drops were contaminated before or after the bottles were opened. However, the FDA recommended the recall due to the company not adequately testing its products for bacterial contamination and their failure to package the artificial tears in multiple-use bottles with adequate preservatives, which is a violation of the FDA’s Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations. On March 3, 2023, Pharmedica USA also recalled two lots of Purely Soothing, 15% MSM Drops due to sterility concerns. The CDC and FDA recommend that patients who have used recalled eye drops should assess if they have any of the following symptoms:
- Discharge from the eye
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Redness of the eye or eyelid
- Feeling something in the eye
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
Patients with any signs of infection should immediately contact their healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.
