During the spring and fall months, many people experience seasonal allergies. As a result, they may begin searching for eye drops that treat dry, watery, and itchy eyes. However, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) recently warned the public not to purchase or use a name-brand eye drop called EzriCare Artificial Tears.
What are EzriCare Artificial Tears eye drops?
EzriCare Artificial Tears is an over-the-counter eye drop product. It is created in India by Global Pharma Healthcare Private Limited and sent to the United States, where it can be purchased from places like Amazon and Walmart to treat red, itchy, and dry eyes.
The ingredient used in EzriCare eye drops to protect and relieve its users from irritated eyes is called carboxymethylcellulose sodium. This specific ingredient lubricates the eye quickly, which is why it can be found in several other over-the-counter eye drop products as well.
These drops were believed to be effective and safe as they moisturize the eyes and prevent any further dryness, burning, or itching. However, after several hazardous reports linked to the product, it was recalled in early 2023.
Why are EzriCare eye drops dangerous?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has been conducting an ongoing investigation to determine the dangers of EzriCare eye drops. In January 2023, they found Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections linked to the product. This type of infection has been reported among people in various states, such as:
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- New York
- Texas
- Washington
- Utah
- Wisconsin
In these states, several individuals developed serious eye infections, three people became blind in at least one of their eyes, and one person passed away after using the product.
What is a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection?
According to WebMD, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a type of “bacteria that’s commonly found in the environment, for example in soil and water.” It is spread to humans by touching any surface or person where the bacteria is present, such as countertops, tools, equipment, or one’s hands. Pseudomonas aeruginosa can remain and grow on people’s skin as it thrives in moist areas. This can lead to a Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.
Since Pseudomonas aeruginosa prefers wet and moist areas, it makes sense that it can attack the eyes. This bacteria also does not need much oxygen, which gives it the opportunity to control both artificial and natural environments. That said, Pseudomonas aeruginosa is dangerous to humans as it has the ability to seriously infect those with weakened immune systems or damaged tissue. To make matters worse, it is resistant to many antibiotics, making it very difficult to treat.
Patients who have surgery wounds, cancer, burns, diabetes, HIV, or cystic fibrosis can experience severe and deadly side effects from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In fact, if the infection spreads to vital organs, death may occur.
What type of symptoms should a person who has used EzriCare eye drops look for?
If you have used EzriCare eye drops, it is important that you are aware of the symptoms that you should look out for. Here are a few of the most common symptoms that indicate you may have an infection:
- Feeling pain or discomfort in one or both eyes
- Loss of vision or blurred vision
- Red eyes
- Green, clear, or yellow liquid coming from the eye
- Light sensitivity
- Feeling like there is something in your eye
While it is extremely important that you seek medical attention if these symptoms are present, many antibiotics are unable to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa. When this happens, serious complications may occur, including sepsis, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, keratitis, endophthalmitis, and more.
Hire a personal injury attorney from Kwartler Manus LLC today
If you have suffered harm after using EzriCare eye drops, our personal injury lawyers at Kwartler Manus LLC are here to help. We take these cases very seriously and will do everything we can to prove that your injuries were caused by the manufacturer’s negligence.
Call or fill out our contact form to begin discussing your options with our team. We look forward to speaking with you soon and helping you navigate the legal process.