The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it’s investigating the possible contamination of a popular brand of artificial tears after receiving reports of eye infections that led to blindness in some patients.
The food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers not to use or purchase Ezri Care Artificial Tears for human use. According to the FDA’s adverse event reports, patients experienced eye irritation, blurred vision, and other symptoms that were reported as being consistent with an infection after applying the product. No additional information is available from the FDA at this time. The manufacturer of this product is not aware of any adverse events related to its use and is continuing to investigate the cause of the infections. As a precaution, EzriCare Artificial Tears should be discontinued until further notice.
EzriCare Artificial Tears is promoted on various websites, with claims that the product is “natural,” has been developed by ophthalmologists, and is suitable for use with contact lenses. The FDA has received adverse event reports from four patients who experienced blurry vision after using this product.
Any consumer who uses the product risks contracting an infection that can cause blindness, the FDA said. The CDC reported infections related to the artificial tears in 50 patients in 11 states. Most of the bacterial infections are resistant to antibiotics, according to the agency. Results in some patients included “permanent vision loss resulting from ocular infection, hospitalization and [the] death of one patient with bloodstream infection,” the CDC said, noting that the bacterial infections are often resistant to antibiotics.
The EzriCare website has been updated with a notice, stating that the company is “actively investigating several potential sources of contamination, including natural elements such as dust, mold and bacteria.
The FDA will likely recall or pull the product from the shelves, pending further investigation. If you have already bought and used this product, there is a good chance you had no idea it could potentially cause blindness. Staying aware of the latest recalls and warning can save you a lot of trouble.
If you experience blurred vision or discomfort, stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears immediately and consult a health care professional.