Tainted eyedrops: U.S reveals 4 deaths, 14 vision loss cases

On May 21, 2023

Health officials in the United States Of America have reported another death and several more cases of vision loss from illnesses linked to eyedrops tainted with drug-resistant bacteria.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that the bacteria has infected 81 people, which consists of four who have died and 14 people who lost their vision. That’s an increase from three deaths and eight cases of vision loss earlier reported in March. The CDC also said four people have undergone surgery to remove an eyeball due to the infections.

The outbreak is considered particularly problematic because the bacteria driving it — Pseudomonas aeruginosa — is resistant to standard antibiotics.

Investigators say most patients had used certain brands of eye drops, and products from EzriCare and Delsam Pharma were recalled in February. At least seven patients were diagnosed after the recall.

After the recall, U.S. health inspectors visited the plant in India that made the eyedrops and uncovered problems with how the drops were made and tested, including inadequate sterility measures.

18 states — California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin have reported cases.

AP/S.S