In February 2023, Global Pharma Healthcare voluntarily recalled all bottles of their EzriCare Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops. This is an eye drop product used to relieve allergy symptoms, such as dry, itchy, red, or irritated eyes. However, many of the EzriCare bottles were found to be contaminated after several people reported eye infections after using the product.
What happened to the people who experienced infections from EzriCare eye drops?
According to NBC News, close to 60 people reported eye infections after applying EzriCare eye drops. Of these individuals, 11 reported severe eye infections, three became blind in at least one eye, and one passed away after the bacteria entered their bloodstream. Several people also reported having urinary tract infections.
If you are wondering if you live in a state where people were affected by using EzriCare eye drops, here is the list of the 12 states in which reports were made:
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Nevada
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- Wisconsin
What is Pseudomonas aeruginosa?
WebMD describes Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a type of bacteria that can be found in soil and water. This bacterium prefers wet or moist environments, making the eyes a perfect place for it to thrive. Humans can spread Pseudomonas aeruginosa by touching infected hands, surfaces, or products.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently conducting investigations on EzriCare Artificial Tears and has found Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections linked to the product. Therefore, the public is urged to stop use of EzriCare eye drops as this bacterium is very dangerous to humans, especially those with tissue damage or weak immune systems.
That said, people who recently had surgery or been diagnosed with cancer, HIV, diabetes, or cystic fibrosis are at extreme risk of severe and deadly side effects caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
What can I do if I used EzriCare eye drops before?
Global Pharma Healthcare stated that “Use of contaminated artificial tears can result in eye infections that could result in blindness.” Therefore, if you currently use or own EzriCare eye drops, it is highly suggested that you stop using this product and discard it right away.
If you used EzriCare eye drops recently or in the past, it is important that you are aware of eye infection symptoms, which include the following:
- Eye discomfort
- Eye pain
- Vision loss
- Blurry vision
- Green, clear, or yellow discharge leaking from the eyes
- Feeling like something foreign is in your eye
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical treatment from a licensed physician as quickly as possible. The sooner you can begin treatment, the better chance you have of removing the infection.
How can a personal injury lawyer help me with this case?
If you suffer injuries from using EzriCare eye drops, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer and receive compensation to pay for your accumulating expenses. At Kwartler Manus LLC, we are compassionate and understanding towards our clients who are going through this difficult time, and we will do everything possible to ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable for the hardships they have caused you.
We encourage you to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury attorney from our firm, and we will go over the legal options that we think you should pursue to get the best results possible for your case. However, keep in mind that you must have proof that you have used EzriCare eye drops in the past and that you suffered injuries, infections, or blindness as a direct result of the product. Our team will be glad to help you collect the proper evidence to support your case.
Reach out to Kwartler Manus LLC today to begin discussing your legal options
If you have been harmed by EzriCare Artificial Tears and are ready to take legal action against those responsible, reach out to our personal injury lawyers at Kwartler Manus LLC today. We offer free, no-obligation consultations, where you can tell us about your experience and learn about how our attorneys can help you. Call or contact our team at your earliest opportunity to get started.