How Rare Bacteria Was Linked To EzriCare Artificial Tears

An artificial tears product designed to treat dry eyes has been linked to dozens of serious infections, and a new report shows how doctors made the connection. In February, the FDA recalled EzriCare Artificial Tears, Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears, and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Eye Ointment because of evidence that the products were contaminated with a rare drug-resistant bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The specific strain of the bacteria was only reported in the U.S. after this outbreak. At least four people have died after developing infections, and others have suffered vision loss. Some patients have needed their eyeballs surgically removed due to infection complications.

An article published in the Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy journal last week documents the experience of a 72-year-old woman who was prescribed artificial tears for bilateral dry eye syndrome. After she started using the artificial tears, the woman noticed unusual symptoms. Her vision was suffering in one eye, and she had yellow discharge on her pillow. She didn’t wear contact lenses and hadn’t swum in any bodies of water recently, both common infection causes. Her doctor prescribed antibiotics, but she didn’t improve. From there, a specialist physician identified the bacteria as Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Doctors tested the eye drop products the woman had been using and discovered the bacteria in the patient’s EzriCare Artificial Tears. The woman was treated with various medications before being discharged from the hospital, but she is unlikely to recover vision in her eye. 

Pseudomonas aeruginosa isn’t common in the U.S., but it’s frequently found in India, where EzriCare Artificial Tears are manufactured. The bacteria are found in water and soil and can spread in the body through the nasal cavity. The FDA placed EzriCare manufacturer Global Pharma on import alert after the recall to stop the products from entering the United States.

What To Do If You’ve Used EzriCare Artificial Tears

Dry eyes is one of the most frequently diagnosed eye conditions, affecting more than three million people nationwide yearly. It occurs when the eyes aren’t producing enough tears naturally, and it can cause symptoms like stinging, irritation, burning, and an inability to wear contact lenses. While dry eyes can be mild, the condition can cause severe problems like corneal scarring and vision loss. Artificial tears are the most common treatment for dry eyes. They are sold over the counter and typically inexpensive, with many available under $10. The side effects are usually minimal. 

EzriCare Artificial Tears were one of the top-selling dry eye products on the market, and retailers like Walmart and Amazon sold thousands of the product before the recall went into effect. If you are using EzriCareArtificial Tears, you should stop immediately and be aware of potential side effects. You should seek medical attention if you experience any signs of blurry vision, eye discharge, pain or discomfort, or increased sensitivity to light. If you’ve experienced any symptoms, you can submit an adverse effect report to the FDA. Patients who develop health problems after using EzriCare products can also consider seeking legal action to recover damages. 

Finding An EzriCare Eye Drop Injury Attorney

Unexpected blindness can be a traumatic experience, especially from a product that’s supposed to help you. If you’ve suffered vision loss after using EzriCare products, consult an attorney familiar with product liability cases to discuss your legal options. You can file an EzriCare eye drop injury lawsuit against the product manufacturer and sue the retailer for distributing a hazardous product. A dedicated product liability attorney is essential to your case for many reasons. A lawyer can analyze medical records, find expert witnesses, and negotiate on your behalf. You can receive compensation for losses like medical bills and reduced wages due to injuries. 

They can also help pinpoint how much to ask for when seeking non-economic damages. Unlike economic damages, which are quantifiable financial losses, non-economic damages are losses like pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and lost enjoyment of life. If you are searching for an attorney experienced with personal injury and dangerous products law who can help you with your EzriCare case, contact Childers, Schlueter & Smith. Our team of attorneys advocates for victims nationwide and can help you win your case. Call us today at 1-800-641-0098 or schedule a free consultation online to discuss your legal options.