The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned consumers to stop using “EzriCare Artificial Tears” due to a multistate cluster of eye infections linked to Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, an antibiotic resistant bacteria which has resulted in one death and three cases of blindness.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a type of Gram-negative bacterium that is commonly found in the environment, including soil, water, and plants. It can cause infections in humans, particularly in people with weakened immune systems or pre-existing medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis, burn wounds, or cancer. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections can affect various parts of the body, including the eye, urinary tract, bloodstream, and respiratory system.
One of the challenges of treating infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is that it is often antibiotic-resistant. This means that it is not effectively killed by many of the antibiotics typically used to treat bacterial infections. The bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics through mechanisms such as mutation and the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between bacteria. Antibiotic resistance can make infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications.
The risks of being infected by an antibiotic-resistant bacterium like Pseudomonas aeruginosa include longer and more severe infections, a higher risk of complications and death, and the potential for the bacteria to spread to others and contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance in the broader population. It is important for healthcare providers to take steps to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as using infection control measures and only prescribing antibiotics when they are truly necessary. Patients should also take steps to prevent infection, such as washing their hands frequently and avoiding close contact with individuals who are infected.
“The situation is concerning,” according to Dr. Jill Weatherhead, an assistant professor of tropical medicine and infectious diseases at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “Our conventional treatments are no longer effective in treating this type of infection,” she added.
The “EzriCare Artificial Tears” product, sold at Walmart and other stores, is a lubricant eye drop intended to soothe and protect the eye from further irritation or dryness. It is formulated without preservatives to offer temporary relief from discomfort caused by minor eye irritations.
AWKO is a national litigation firm with extensive experience handling eye infection related product liability cases. Our lead attorneys have secured significant compensation for patients suffering injuries including:
2006: Bausch & Lomb ReNu contact lens solution causing fusarium keratitis;
2007: Advanced Medical Optics (AMD) contact lens solution causing acanthamoeba keratitis;
2021: Elmiron bladder drug causing maculopathy and eyesight loss.
With our Team of Ophthalmologist and Optometrist experts, we will review your case promptly and vigorously protect your rights.