The FDA is recalling 3 brands of eye drops. What Patients Need to Know

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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently recalled three brands of eye drops, including one that has been linked to serious infections, vision loss and death. UC Davis Health experts share what you need to know.

Consumers are advised to stop using the following brands and return them to their place of purchase.

Two small white bottles with blue labels and a blue cap are shown in front of a small blue box labeled
EzriCare Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops have been associated with severe eye infections and should be discarded.
  • Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.15%. Apotex Corporation initiated a voluntary recall of six batches of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution on March 1 due to cracked caps. Prescription drops are used for patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. No infections have been associated with the product.
  • Purely soothing drops 15% MSM. On March 3, the FDA announced that Pharmamedica USA is voluntarily recalling two batches of Purely Soothing Drops. This OTC product is being recalled for non-sterility. There have been no reports of illness or infection related to the product.

In addition to the drops, the FDA also recalled Global Pharma Healthcare’s artificial eye ointment due to possible bacterial contamination. No infections have been associated with this OTC product.

“If you are using any of these specific products, stop,” said Gary D. Novak, a professor at the University of California, Davis. Nowak is a clinical pharmacologist with many years of experience in the development of ophthalmic products.

“The use of contaminated artificial tears increases the risk of eye infections, which can lead to blindness or serious illness,” Novak said.

Common symptoms of an eye infection include blurred vision, discharge, pain or discomfort, redness of the eyelid or eye, feeling like something is in the eye, and increased sensitivity to light. “If you have any of these symptoms, see an ophthalmologist,” Novak said.

Artificial tears are safe when used correctly

According to Jeffrey H. Ma, an ophthalmologist at the UC Davis Eye Center, artificial tears, such as those found in recalled EzriCare drops, are the primary treatment for dry eye syndrome. Ma specializes in ocular surface diseases, diseases that damage the superficial layers of the eye.

“Dry eye disease is one of the most common eye conditions and can cause irritation, gritty feeling, redness, burning, tearing, and blurred vision. Artificial tears can help with these symptoms,” explained Ma.

He notes that patients should pay attention to reviews like those announced by the FDA, but they don’t need to stop using all eye drops that are safe when used properly.

“Drops without preservatives are available in disposable bottles. As long as people don’t touch the tip of the vial to their eyes and keep it for more than a day, preservative-free drops are safe and a great option for treating dry eyes,” Ma said. “They are generally pleasing to the eye and can be used more frequently throughout the day.”

Other steps to prevent eye infections include making sure you wash your hands before touching your eyes or eye drops. It is also important to check the expiration date.

“Patients should not use eye care products after the expiration date, as they may be unstable or sterile,” Ma explained.

Three recent recalls of eye drops appear to be unrelated. EzriCare’s artificial tears have been recalled after the CDC linked them to serious infections in several states. The recall of brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution was initiated due to manufacturing issues with the caps. Pure soothing drops with 15% MSM have been recalled due to non-sterility.

For more information about drug recalls, visit the FDA website. If you suspect you may have an eye infection, contact your ophthalmologist.

UC Davis Eye Center
The UC Davis Eye Center provides world-class eye care, pioneers collaborative vision research, and trains the next generation of professionals and researchers to become leaders in the Sacramento region and beyond. The eye center team is committed to transforming vision care and developing cures for eye diseases that cause blindness, from the cornea to the cortex.

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