In recent months, there has been an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a drug-resistant bacterium linked to certain eye drops, that has caused concern and confusion among the public. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the outbreak has infected at least 68 people in 16 states. In response, several eye drop products have been recalled, including EzriCare and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears, which have been associated with the bacterial infection.
LASIK Vision Institutes has NEVER offered these eye drop brands
It is important to note that The Lasik Vision Institute Centers have 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.
Which Eye Drops Have Been Recalled?
At least four eye drop products have been recalled in recent months. The two products that have been associated with the bacterial infection are EzriCare and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears. The other two products, Pharmedica USA’s Purely Soothing, 15% MSM Drops, and Apotex’s Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.15%, were recalled for other reasons not related to the bacterial infection.
Pharmedica USA’s Purely Soothing, 15% MSM Drops were recalled in March due to concerns that the product is not sterile, which could increase the risk of eye infections that could result in blindness. Similarly, Apotex Corp. recalled Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.15% “out of an abundance of caution” due to cracks in some of the bottles’ caps, which could affect the product’s sterility.
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.
What is Pseudomonas aeruginosa?
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.
Infections can present in ways such as keratitis, sepsis, and respiratory and urinary tract infections. It is essential to exercise general caution when using artificial tears, such as avoiding contaminating them with fingers and disposing of them within the advised time frame, according to Dr.Robert Dinga of LASIK Vision Institute.
Conclusion
The recent outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa linked to certain eye drops has resulted in several recalls of eye drop products. Lasik Vision Institute Centers have never offered or sold these recalled products, and 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. It is crucial to be aware of the symptoms of an eye infection and seek medical care immediately if you have used the recalled eye drops and experience any of these symptoms
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