Eye Drops Cause Vision Loss & One Death In 11 States, Idaho Next?

Could your eye drops be linked to drug-resistant infections?

According to Insider.com, there have been 50 people in 11 states including California, Utah, and Washington who have tested positive for the bacterium called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This has also been linked to one death.

"Patient outcomes include permanent vision loss resulting from ocular infection, hospitalization, and death of one patient with a bloodstream infection."

Why should people "immediately" stop using eye drops?

"The recommendation is a precaution after "permanent vision loss" resulting from an eye infection was reported and one person died from a bloodstream infection, the CDC said. The patients tested positive for a multi-drug resistant bacterium."

Patients with positive samples stated that they used eye drops before being tested and the most common brand used was EzriCare Artificial Tears.

The CDC said: 

"Laboratory testing of EzriCare Artificial Tears by CDC identified the presence of VIM‐CRPA in opened EzriCare bottles; these VIM‐CRPA are undergoing further characterization, including testing for GES and to determine ST, to assess if they match the outbreak strain. Testing of unopened bottles of EzriCare Artificial Tears is ongoing. "

What is Pseudomonas Aeruginosa?

"Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause infections in the blood, lungs, or wounds, is becoming more difficult to treat as it's evolving defense mechanisms against antibiotics, known as antibiotic resistance. The bacteria usually spreads to people in hospitals or other healthcare settings when they're exposed to contaminated water or soil, where it typically lives, according to the CDC."

If you or someone you know is using eye drops make sure they read this!