February 2, 2023

united states centers for disease control prevention (CDC) has announced that there are people getting sick, going blind, and dying after using eye drops that have been contaminated with extremely drug resistant bacteria. the reported number of people harmed by this so far is probably way lower than reality considering there has never been a reported outbreak of this particular contaminant in US products before, so doctors have not exactly been expecting to test for it. expect to hear more about this over the coming weeks. these infections are extremely difficult to treat.

"CDC is collaborating with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and state and local health departments to investigate a multistate outbreak of an extensively drug-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The outbreak strain, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Verona integron-mediated metallo-β-lactamase and Guiana extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (VIM-GES-CRPA), had never been reported in the United States prior to this outbreak. The outbreak is associated with multiple types of infections, including eye infections. The investigation to date has identified artificial tears as a common exposure for many patients.

At this time, CDC recommends clinicians and patients stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears products pending additional guidance from CDC and FDA."

"Patients reported over 10 different brands of artificial tears and some patients used multiple brands. EzriCare Artificial Tears, a preservative-free, over-the-counter product packaged in multidose bottles, was the brand most commonly reported."

those other eye drop brands have not been named.

a recall has been issued, but has not yet been listed on the FDA recall list at the time this post went up.