The outbreak of a drug-resistant strain of bacterial eye infections led the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to identify and conduct tests on 55 case-patients across 12 states in the country from May 2022 to January 2023.
The results of the tests linked the cause of the eye infections to the use of artificial tears and more than 10 brands of artificial tears were reported. The majority of the case-patients reported using EzriCare Artificial Tears, a preservative-free eye drop packaged in multidose bottles.
The Story About EzriCare
These eye drops might be dangerous
EzriCare Artificial Tears is an over-the-counter (OTC) eye lubricant produced in nondescript dark blue labeled bottles, often labeled “Artificial Tears.”
The CDC conducted a test after the outbreak of eye care infections and identified the presence of the outbreak strain in opened EzriCare Artificial Tears bottles. The sampled bottles were collected from eye care patients in two states.
Following the outcome of the tests, the CDC released guidelines and recommendations to healthcare providers, clinical laboratories, and the public about EzriCare Artificial Tears.
CDC’s Recommendations about EzriCare Artificial Tears
- Patients and healthcare providers should discontinue the use of EzriCare Artificial Tears.
- Patients who used EzriCare should monitor and report any symptoms of an eye infection such as discharge, eye pain, redness and swelling of the eye, and blurry vision.
- People should circulate warnings about EzriCare Artificial Tears.
- Patients suffering from Dry Eyes Syndrome should temporarily stay away from private-label, generic, and over-the-counter eye drops pending additional information from the CDC.
- Educate yourself and others about the different types of eye drop preservatives and dropper styles.
- Follow all CDC guidelines and recommendations.
You can read more about the CDC’s recommendations here: https://api.neonemails.com/emails/content/PYtCjFf9gxthNA61kpOLGC241ASFuN-ZuG_uZNO7-Ic=
The Dangers of Counterfeit Eye Drops and Dropper Styles
When shopping for eye drops based solely on price, buyers are sure to come across some counterfeit products. It’s important to know that…
- Knockoff eye drops will not treat your eye disease and can worsen your condition.
- Counterfeit eye drops can cause severe eye infections.
- Sharing an eye drop that has the wrong dropper style with another patient can introduce strange bacteria into your eyes.
The Ezricare drops are preservative-free, and as such, should be dispensed in specialized containers designed specifically for preservative-free drops, which look very different from conventional eye drops with preservatives.
Learn more about the types of eye drop containers and the dangers of counterfeit drops and dropper styles in this video: https://www.eyedropsafety.org/
Tips to Purchasing Safe Eye Drops
Follow these tips to ensure the eye drops you are buying are genuine.
- Look for a reputable eye drop manufacturer.
- Only buy well-packaged preservative-free eye drops. Preservative-free eye drops are packaged in a single-use vial or multi-dose preservative-free container.
- Buy eye drops from drug stores.
- Never purchase a non-preserved eye drop that is packaged in a bottle with a standard cap.
- Read the active ingredients in the eye drop to know what you are putting in your eyes.
You can read our recommendations for safe Dry Eye Treatments on our website.
Have You or Anyone You Know Used EzriCare Artificial Tears?
If you notice the symptoms of an eye infection after using EzriCare Artificial Tears, you should visit Dr.Barry Leonard for an eye exam. You can make an appointment online or call 818-891-6711 today.
