Eye Drops Recall 2023: What You Should Know About the Recent Outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
The recent outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa has caused concern and confusion among the public in relation to certain eye drops. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak has infected at least 68 people in 16 states.
IMPORTANT: Eye Drops Offered By LasikPlus‘ Not Affected
It is important to note that LasikPlus has never offered or sold the recalled eye drop brands. Patients who have received LASIK surgery at our centers can rest assured that their post-operative care and recommended eye care products have not been affected by the recall.
What is Pseudomonas aeruginosa and How Does it Affect Eye Drops?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a type of aggressive bacterium that can be found all over the environment, including in water, soil, and human waste. It can enter eye drops through contamination with environmental agents during handling. The bacterium is resistant to most antibiotics and is particularly dangerous in healthcare settings and for people with weakened immune systems.
Several eye drop products have been recalled, including EzriCare and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears, which have been associated with the bacterial infection. Pharmedica USA’s Purely Soothing, 15% MSM Drops, and Apotex’s Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.15%, were also recalled for other reasons not related to the bacterial infection.
What Are the Symptoms of Eye Infection to Watch Out For?
If you have used EzriCare and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears, you should look out for symptoms such as yellow, green, or clear discharge from the eye, eye pain or discomfort, redness of the eye or eyelid, a sensation that there is something in your eye, increased sensitivity to light, and blurry vision, according to the CDC. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you seek medical care immediately.
General Caution When Using Eye Drops
It is essential to exercise general caution when using artificial tears. Avoid contaminating the tip of the dropper with fingers or any object other than the cap. In fact, replace the dropper cap immediately without wiping or rinsing off the dropper to avoid contamination. You also want to review the expiration date and keep the dropper in a temperature-controlled environment (avoid keeping them in a car on a hot summer day), according to Dr. Robert Dinga of LasikPlus. “Prescribed or over-the-counter eye drops should not make things worse,” states Dr. Dinga, “contact your eye care professional immediately if they do.”
The recent outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa linked to certain eye drops has resulted in several recalls of eye drop products. LasikPlus has never offered or sold these recalled products, and patients who have received LASIK surgery at our vision centers can rest assured that their post-operative care and recommended eye care products have not been affected. If you have used the recalled eye drops and experience any symptoms of an eye infection, it is important to seek medical care immediately. In general, it is important to exercise caution when using eye drops to help reduce the risk of eye infections and other eye problems.