Across the United States, people are experiencing eye infections and injuries from using EzriCare eye drops. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that there is a Pseudomonas aeruginosa outbreak in at least 16 states. The investigation is currently ongoing, but many infections and injuries linked to EzriCare Artificial Tears are expected.
What type of injuries have resulted from EzriCare eye drops?
The CDC’s most recent update reported that there are now close to 70 people who have been diagnosed with Pseudomonas aeruginosa after using EzriCare eye drops. These patients belong to 16 states, which are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is very difficult to treat as it is resistant to many antibiotics. Therefore, when someone is infected with this bacterium, the results may be severe or even deadly. Here are the types of injuries that have resulted from EzriCare eye drops so far:
- Eight people have reported vision loss.
- Four people have reported surgical removal of their eyeballs.
- More than 10 people reported severe eye infections.
- Several people reported urinary tract infections.
- Three people have died.
It is important to know that anyone can become infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This is a bacterium that thrives in wet environments, making the eyes a perfect place to attack. It is commonly found in soil and water, but it can be transmitted to humans through bodily contact with an infected person or surface. If you have open wounds, burns, or an illness that weakens the immune system, you are likely to suffer deadly and dangerous side effects from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
How can I know if I have an infection from using EzriCare Artificial Tears?
If you think that you have an infection or injury after using EzriCare Artificial Tears, it is highly recommended that you get medical help as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, there is currently no way to test individuals who have used EzriCare eye drops and do not have any symptoms of infection, but you can monitor yourself for any signs of infection. The following are some of the signs and symptoms you should look for to determine if you might have an eye infection:
- Any color discharge in or around the eye
- Blurry vision
- Vision loss
- Red eyes or eyelids
- Eye discomfort
- Eye pain
- Sensitivity to lights
- Swollen eyelids
- Red eyes
Even though Pseudomonas aeruginosa is hard to get rid of, you will have a better chance of getting relief and curing your infection if you seek medical assistance immediately after noticing any indicators of an infection.
What treatment options do I have if diagnosed with Pseudomonas aeruginosa?
Depending on the severity of your case, there are a variety of different treatment options that may be presented to you by a licensed medical provider, such as:
- Antibiotics: Although Pseudomonas aeruginosa is resistant to many antibiotics, your doctor may initially decide to try a few different antibiotics. This may depend on the strain of bacteria that you have, how long you have been infected, and its sensitivity to certain antibiotics.
- Drops and ointments: When a person has a minor infection that was caught early, they often can be treated with drops or ointments. Individuals may need to apply the ointment or drops for several months before the infection is completely gone.
- Removing or draining infected parts of the eye: This is most likely the most severe and unpleasant form of treatment. It consists of draining an abscess or removing specific tissues that have been infected. Some patients may even need their entire eyeball removed to get rid of the infection.
Have you been injured by EzriCare eye drops? If so, contact a personal injury attorney from Kwartler Manus LLC today!
At Kwartler Manus LLC, we have the knowledge, experience, and skills to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for hazardous products. Our personal injury lawyers will fight for your right to the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering, lost income, growing medical expenses, loss of quality of life, and more.
To ensure that your rights are protected, you can call or fill out this contact form today. We will help you decide which legal options may be best for your claim at no cost to you.