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Fourth EzriCare Eyedrops Death Reported

The number of individuals harmed by EzriCare Artificial Tears eyedrops has risen to 81, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC’s report reveals a dire situation as the cases of highly drug-resistant bacterial infections continue to climb. This outbreak has left 14 individuals with irreversible blindness, while four others had their eyes surgically removed. Tragically, this report marked the fourth EzriCare eyedrops death since January.   

The Bacteria Behind EzriCare Eyedrops Deaths 

A highly resistant bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is responsible for the contaminated eyedrops outbreak. However, this strain is known for its ability to defy the effects of standard antibiotics, posing significant challenges in terms of treatment.  

While most infections have been localized to the eyes, if the bacteria infiltrate the bloodstream, it can prove fatal. Once the infection spreads beyond the eye, the bacterium’s drug-resistant nature leaves patients vulnerable to severe health consequences. The CDC’s antimicrobial resistance team leader, Maroya Spalding Walters, has stressed the seriousness of these infections, describing them as catastrophic and life-altering. So far, the CDC is aware of four EzriCare eyedrops deaths.  

In some cases, the bacteria can enter the body through the eyes via the eyedrops without impacting the eyes. Furthermore, the bacteria can colonize the respiratory or digestive tract without the patient getting sick for months. Aside from direct exposure, shared medical equipment can transmit the bacteria.  

EzriCare Eyedrops Timeline  

The investigation observed that while many patients had used various brands of eyedrops, one brand stood out as a common factor among those infected: EzriCare Artificial Tears. Upon closer inspection, experts discovered that the same bacteria found in samples taken from infected patients were also present in opened bottles of EzriCare eyedrops.  

The cases were first discovered in Connecticut in the summer of 2022. Although, as of May 2023, 18 states have reported infections, including:

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Illinois
• North Carolina
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• Nevada
• New York
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington
• Wisconsin

CDC Expects More Cases as EzriCare Eyedrops Deaths Reach Four  

The 81 bacterial infections linked to the eyedrops are up from 68 cases recorded in March. The FDA and CDC continue to urge the public to stop using the eyedrops. Even though manufacturers recalled the products in February 2023, Spalding Walters said they may still be in people’s homes. The CDC anticipates EzriCare eyedrops deaths or infections to increase in the coming months.   

As cases rise, individuals are filing EzriCare Artificial Tears lawsuits against manufacturer Global Pharma Healthcare. Plaintiffs seek compensation for injuries allegedly connected to the eyedrops, including blindness, vision loss, and eye infection. If EzriCare eyedrops injured you or a loved one, call The Lake Law Firm today at (888) 525-3529 to see if you qualify for a potential claim.