Recalled Eye Drops Cause Deaths and Eye Removal

Several eye drop products recalled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have been linked to serious bacterial infections. These infections have caused numerous deaths and require eye removal in some surviving patients. As of May 2023, infections have been identified in 18 states nationwide.

Those who suffered injuries, vision loss, and other serious effects following an eye infection are already beginning to file suit against the manufacturers of these products. If you or a loved one developed a serious eye infection after using recalled drops, you can work with a mass torts lawyer to learn more about your legal options.

What Causes Serious Infections, Eye Removal, and Deaths from These Eye Drops?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 80 cases of serious infection were linked to eye drop products by May of 2023. Four of those affected had passed away from infections that spread to their bloodstream. The agency stated that more than ten different brands of ophthalmic drugs might be contaminated with the Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain.

This Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a rare and recent drug-resistant bacteria strain identified in opened bottles of these eye drop solutions. more testing is being done on these bottles to find out if sealed bottles were contaminated at the factory during manufacture or if there is another way this bacteria is spreading.

While some eye infections are cleared with traditional drug treatment, others must take stronger medications with serious side effects, undergo surgery, or even have the affected eye surgically removed.

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What Eye Drops Are Linked to Severe Infections and Death?

Initially, the CDC listed several types of eye drops as contaminated. The FDA asked consumers to stop using them and dispose of them properly. Then, the following eyedrops were recalled:

EzriCare Artificial Tears
Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears
Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Eye Ointment

All of these drops were identified as containing the Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain and being linked to infections. The most common was EzriCare Artificial Tears.

As they investigated further, there were more recalls. While these drops have not yet been linked to serious infections, other recalled products include:

Berne’s MSM Drops 5% Solution, contaminated with Exophiala fungi
LightEyez MSM Eye Drops Eye Repair, contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium, Mycolicibacterium, and Methylorubrum

There were also other eye drop products recalled in 2023. These companies recalled specific lots or batches because of questions about their sterility. They include:

Select lots of Purely Soothing 15% MSM Drops
Select batches of Clear Eyes Once Daily, Eye Allergy Itch Relief
Some Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.15% products

None of these products have been linked to serious infections or other concerns.

What Are the Risks Associated With the Recalled Eye Drops?

According to the warnings issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),

“using contaminated eye drops could result in minor to serious vision-threatening infection which could progress to a life-threatening infection.”

As of May 2023, the statistics included:

81 known infections across 18 states
14 reports of vision loss
4 patients underwent eye removal surgery
4 others passed away from a systemic infection

The symptoms of these infections generally begin like any other. This includes discharge from the eye, redness, blurry vision, eye pain, and increased sensitivity to light. However, the infection often does not respond to medication. It may spread to other parts of the body or enter the bloodstream. It is resistant to most common antibiotics, and there are no gold-standard treatment approaches at this time.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Recalled Eye Drops

When it comes to recalled eye drops, some of the questions people ask include:

What Brand of Eye Drops Is Causing Death and Blindness?

There are numerous brands listed in the recall, but the most common eye drop brand linked to serious infections is EzriCare Artificial Tears. Several Delsam Pharma products were also recalled for causing severe eye infections.

How Many People Have Died from Recalled Eye Drops in 2023?

As of May 2023, the CDC reported four deaths linked to the recalled eye drop products. This number could increase as some patients are still fighting infections. If you used any of the recalled products, we encourage you to visit your healthcare provider right away.

How Many People Have Gone Blind from Contaminated Eye Care Products?

In May 2023, the CDC reported 14 patients with significant vision loss linked to these infections. Four required eye removal surgery. This number may be underreported.

Are There Any Pending Lawsuits Against the Eye Drop Manufacturers?

There are several pending lawsuits against the eye drop manufacturers. These cases are in their earliest stages, so there is no way to predict a possible outcome or whether they will form a mass tort later. However, we know many more consumers used affected eye drops. There are likely a lot more victims out there who could join the lawsuits already in progress.

What Should You do If You Develop an Infection After Using Recalled Eye Drops?

If you believe you may have a case based on your symptoms, necessary medical care, and diagnosis, you can reach out to a defective drug attorney. You may want to consider discussing your options with our team as soon as possible.

Lawsuits are already underway based on these recalled eye drop products, and many more are expected as cases of bacterial eye infections continue. You can join these consumers in attempting to hold the drop manufacturers accountable. You could recover compensation for your medical care, income losses, and pain and suffering.

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Discuss Your Next Steps With Our Defective Drugs Law Firm for Free

Van Law provides free initial consultations for consumers who have questions or want a case assessment based on their injuries. We are now handling cases based on recalled eye drops and dangerous infections.

You could file an eye drop infection lawsuit to pay for the costs of your emergency care, lost income, and more. So, what are you waiting for? Our expert legal team is here, ready to answer all of your questions! Contact us now to get started with a free initial consultation.

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