NIH: Eye Experts Weigh In on Artificial Tears in Midst of Infectious Outbreak

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating how the virulent strain of P. aeruginosa ended up in EzriCare and Delsam Pharma artificial tears. According to an article on the National Eye Institute's website, it’s uncertain if contamination occurred during or after manufacturing. Testing of unopened bottles by the CDC is ongoing. And further details are sought about each case of infection.  

“We are actively gathering more information about long-term patient outcomes, particularly for patients with eye infections,” said Curtis Gill, a spokesperson for the CDC.

Earlier this year, federal agencies warned people to stop using EzriCare and Delsam Pharma artificial tears after tests of opened bottles used by those affected found a rare, extensively drug-resistant strain of P. aeruginosa. The strain had never been reported in the United States. Infections has involved 64 people in 13 states, including 8 cases of vision loss, as well as lung and urinary tract infections, and one death.

Read the full National Eye Institute article here.