| The Centers For Disease Control is warning the public to immediately stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears. According to the Louisiana Department of Health, EzriCare brand of artificial tears has been linked to a serious infection. So far, there is a reported total of 55 victims. Most of the victims used the EzriCare brand of artificial tears and then were infected with a drug resistant bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. This bacterial infection caused some to get hospitalized, others suffered vision loss and one reportedly died. The EzriCare brand eye drops are in a blue package with light blue dots. The bottles are usually blue with a light blue top. As of right now, there are no reported cases in Louisiana. But the Louisiana Department of Health has notified all healthcare providers in the state to follow the CDC’s recommendations. Below are CDC’s recommendations for the public: “Discontinue using EzriCare Artificial Tears pending additional guidance from CDC and FDA. If patients were advised to use EzriCare Artificial Tears by their healthcare provider, they should follow up with their healthcare provider for an alternative artificial tears product to use. Patients who used EzriCare Artificial Tears and who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection, such as discharge from the eye, eye pain or discomfort, redness of the eye or eyelid, feeling of something in the eye, increased sensitivity to light, or blurry vision, should seek timely medical care. At this time, CDC does not recommend testing of patients who have used this product and who are not experiencing any signs or symptoms of infection.” – From the Louisiana Department of Health |
| Source: Louisiana Department of Health |