Blink Tears Eye Drops Cause Infections, Vision Loss

Blink Tears Eye Drops Linked to Infections and Vision Loss

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about certain brands of artificial tear eye drops that have been connected to dangerous drug-resistant infections. Two brands, EzriCare's EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma's Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears, have been recalled after being linked to more than 60 infections in 12 states. At least three deaths have occurred as a result.

CDC Investigation into Artificial Tear Eye Drop Brands

The CDC began investigating EzriCare's EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma's Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears after receiving numerous reports about people developing drug-resistant infections after using the eye drops. Their investigation revealed over 60 infections across 12 states so far. Most of the infections were with a type of bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa that is resistant to standard antibiotics.

These antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections can cause serious damage. Many of those infected have experienced permanent vision loss and required medical interventions like surgery or injections to treat the infection. At least three deaths have also been reported that may be connected to the infected eye drops.

Dangers of Contaminated Eye Drops

Artificial tear eye drop products are meant to provide relief for people suffering from dry eyes. They work by lubricating the eyes to make them feel refreshed. However, if the eye drops become contaminated with bacteria, they can provide a direct pathway for the bacteria to enter the eye and cause an infection.

The moist environment of eye drops allows bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa to readily multiply. Pseudomonas infections of the eye can be extremely dangerous. They can eat away at the cornea, resulting in thinning or perforating of the cornea, affecting vision or even causing blindness. These infections are very difficult to treat due to the bacteria's antibiotic resistance.

Recalled Artificial Tear Brands

As a result of its investigation, the CDC has recalled EzriCare's EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma's Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears. The production, distribution, and exportation of these brands have been halted. However, some of the contaminated bottles may still be in circulation or held by consumers and medical facilities.

The CDC recommends that consumers and medical facilities stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears immediately. They advise disposing of any remaining bottles properly, even if they do not appear contaminated or if no one has reported an infection. This will prevent any further risk of infection.

Recommendations for Artificial Tear Use

The CDC investigation demonstrates the serious risks posed by contaminated artificial tear eye drops. However, artificial tears remain an important option for managing dry eye when produced properly. If continuing to use artificial tears, the CDC recommends:

• Consulting your physician on the safest product for your eyes
• Ensuring you receive artificial tears from authorized sellers in sealed, tamper-proof packaging
• Never using artificial tears beyond their expiration date or if packaging appears compromised
• Seeking medical care immediately if you experience any eye redness, swelling, pain, blurry vision, or discharge after using artificial tears

These precautions can reduce the risk of infections and other complications when using artificial tear products from reliable brands. Speak to your doctor if you have any other concerns about safely using artificial tears for dry eye relief.

Ongoing Investigations into Further Eye Drop Brands

While EzriCare's EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma's Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears have been specifically recalled and connected to dozens of drug-resistant infections, investigations are still ongoing into other brands as well. No other brands have been conclusively linked to infections at this time.

Testing Manufacturing Facilities and Inventory

Regulators are currently analyzing the production and manufacturing facilities for EzriCare, Delsam Pharma, and other artificial tear brands. They are working to identify potential contamination points in the manufacturing process that could have led to bacteria getting into the finished eye drop products that were shipped out.

Any remaining inventory for recalled or other brands is also being tested for contamination. This will ensure no further contaminated products make it to consumers while the investigations and corrected manufacturing policies are implemented.

Other Potential Contaminated Brands

While major regulators have so far only taken action against EzriCare and Delsam Pharma artificial tear products, investigations are still ongoing into other brands:

• Global Pharma Healthcare Private Limited's Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops
• Visual Field's Visual Field EyeGel UD
• ImprimisRx's EzriCare Artificial Tears

A small number of infections in Maryland were linked to bottles of Global Pharma Healthcare's artificial tears. No conclusive contamination has been identified yet, but investigations are still underway.

There have also been some reports of infections connected to Visual Field EyeGel UD. However, the CDC reports these infections may potentially be linked to contaminated EzriCare stock that was then repackaged under the Visual Field label. Again, further investigations are pending.

Medical facilities are encouraged to review their inventory for any of the brands listed above. Patients who have used these brands recently are also advised to look out for signs of eye infections and discard any remaining bottles immediately.

Exercising Caution with All Artificial Tear Brands

While no recalls or confirmed contamination have been announced outside of EzriCare and Delsam Pharma artificial tears, the CDC recommends extra caution with any brand of artificial tears at this time. Any eye drops could pose an infection risk if contaminated at some point in production, transportation, storage or use.

Consumers should inspect packaging carefully for any signs of tampering before use of artificial tears. Any bottles past expiration or with compromised seals or leakage should also be discarded. Speak to your pharmacist or doctor immediately if you notice any vision changes, eye irritation, or other concerning symptoms after using artificial tear eye drops of any brand.

Extra scrutiny is being applied across the entire drug manufacturing industry to avoid further issues like the outbreak caused by EzriCare and Delsam Pharma's contaminated products. But regulators emphasize that consumers also play an important part in ensuring product safety by carefully inspecting packaging and watching for any negative reactions when using medication.

Legal Implications for Neglectful Manufacturers

There will likely be major legal repercussions for EzriCare, Delsam Pharma, and any other manufacturers found negligent in ensuring product safety. Authorities emphasize that ultimately, manufacturers are responsible for controlling quality and preventing errors that lead to contaminated medical products.

Lawsuits from Victims

EzriCare and Delsam Pharma are already facing numerous lawsuits from victims who experienced permanent damage and vision loss from their contaminated artificial tears. These lawsuits seek compensation for factors like:

• Medical costs from hospitalizations and interventions to treat infections
• Lost wages from being unable to work during treatment and recovery
• Pain and suffering from the infection and vision impairment
• Loss of quality of life from permanent vision damage

The number of lawsuits from victims will likely continue rising as more infections get traced back to the use of EzriCare and Delsam Pharma's recalled artificial tear brands. Legal experts expect settlements and judgments to total tens of millions of dollars based on the severe harm caused.

Fines and Penalties from Regulators

On top of victim lawsuits, EzriCare, Delsam Pharma, and any other negligent manufacturers also face heavy fines and penalties from regulators at both federal and state levels. The FDA and state pharmacy boards enforce strict quality standards and production protocols to prevent contaminated medical products.

Regulators can impose fines in the hundreds of thousands or millions against manufacturers found bypassing product safety rules. Negligent production facilities may also face forced closures or suspensions until passing inspections, costing them even more in lost revenue.

Criminal Charges in Severe Cases

In the most severe cases where negligence leads to multiple deaths, federal prosecutors may pursue criminal charges against the medical product manufacturers and company leadership. These charges can include:

• Negligent homicide or manslaughter
• Reckless endangerment
• Assault

The punishment for criminal charges includes both jail time for responsible company leaders as well as harsh financial penalties against the manufacturer. State prosecutors may also pursue separate criminal charges regarding violations of local laws.

Pharmaceutical companies and manufacturers have an immense responsibility to prevent errors that cost lives when producing medical products. The devastating permanent damage and loss of life from the contaminated EzriCare and Delsam Pharma artificial tears demonstrates the tragic potential consequences of negligence. As investigations continue, these companies will face severe legal punishment for their failures.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.