US officials recently reported two more deaths and more cases of vision loss related to eye drops contaminated with drug-resistant bacteria – with the CDC now identifying the problem in 16 states, including California, New York, Illinois, Texas and Pennsylvania.
Most cases have been associated with four regional clusters. EzriCare’s drops are the only product used by patients in each group, the Associated Press reported.
EzriCare and Delsam Pharma’s eye drops were recalled in February – and health officials are continuing to track infections as they investigate the outbreak.
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The recalled drops were made by Global Pharma Healthcare in India, where the bacterium – Pseudomonas aeruginosa – is often linked to hospital outbreaks.
dr James Kelly, MD, a New York City-based eye doctor and founder of the Kelly Vision Center, appeared on Saturday’s Fox & Friends Weekend to talk about the outbreak of drug-resistant bacteria linked to eye drops.
The “contamination that affects sterility” “could have happened anywhere” in the production process to bring eye drops to the consumer. (iStock)
“The investigation is ongoing,” Kelly said on Saturday morning.
“So the contamination where sterility is compromised could have happened anywhere from manufacturing to packaging to handling and storage. Contamination can occur at any of these points.”
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He added: “I don’t think it’s known yet. So we’ll find out eventually.”
The doctor also said: “Unfortunately, we never think that eye drops could cause this type of eye drop [infection or] have deadly consequences. In this particular case, the bacteria [are] very drug-resistant bacteria.”
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He also described the bacteria as “very aggressive”.
People at home can take certain steps to reduce the chance of spreading bacteria when using eye drops. Among other tips: Wash hands before applying eye drops. Then check the bottle carefully before use. (iStock)
Kelly reiterated, “No one really knows where the contamination happened.”
Even so, he said there are specific measures people can take at home to reduce the chances of contamination spreading or harming them.
Smart steps to using eye drops
“Before using eye drops, wash your hands,” Kelly said.
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He also said: “Actually, inspect the bottle. Look for visible contamination or in the liquid contents of the bottle.”
Then, he said, once the eyedrop bottle is opened, people should not allow “the tip of the bottle” to touch or come into contact with “any surface.”
After using eye drops, immediately recap the bottle “and store in a clean, dry place,” said Dr. James Kelly of the Kelly Vision Center. (iStock)
Instead, Kelly said, “Just allow the drop to go right in [the] Eye.”
Then, he said, “seal it up immediately and store it in a clean, dry place.”
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The doctor also said that “the expiration date is important. We know that a drug’s effectiveness is reduced after its expiration date. The risk of contamination is higher – so be aware of the expiry date of your medicine, especially eye drops.”
Kelly also said that anyone experiencing “any type of pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or discharge” should “seek medical attention immediately.”
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.