In February 2023, the Washington Post reported on the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), warning people using EzriCare Artificial Tears to immediately stop using it. The CDC asserted that these eye drops could be the root cause of infections that led to vision loss, hospitalization, and even death.
The CDC even decided to issue this warning after nearly 55 patients in 12 states reported infections resulting from strain from the “Pseudomonas aeruginosa” bacteria from May to January. While investigating the Food and Drug Administration, the CDC said that maximum patients had applied artificial tears before the condition had onset.
The eye drops were sold through retail giant Walmart and various other stores, advertised as the ‘dry-eye treatment’ that moisturizes, lubricates, and refreshes. The Mayo Clinic shares that eyedrops free of preservatives contain fewer additives and are recommended for people who need to use the eye drop almost 4 times a day.
However, commenting on this situation, an EzriCare distributor mentioned that they weren’t aware of any testing that connects Pseudomonas aeruginosa spread to EzriCare Artificial Tears. Nevertheless, the company took instant initiatives to halt any further sales or distribution of this product.
Florida Patient Sues EzriCare Eye Drops Maker
In February 2023, NBC News reported on a Florida woman, Teresa Philip, who filed a lawsuit against Walmart and EzriCare artificial tears because she suffered from an acute bacterial infection after using the eye drops.
Teresa, who is 60 and is from Bradford County, shared that the lawsuit was initially filed nationwide for the injuries linked with eye drops. A drug-resistant bacterial infection termed Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the root cause of the infection. The news report stated that the lawsuit was filed for the Middle District of Florida in the U.S. District Court.
Based on the EzriCare Artificial Tears lawsuit, Teresa bought the eye drops a few weeks before the infection took place. Later on, she said that she had an itchy sensation to start with. After that, it resulted in excruciating eye pain. She took several antibiotics to heal from this. But after one week it was evident that the antibiotics weren’t helping her in any way.
Ultimately, Teresa had to undergo surgery to completely recover from this problem. Even though a huge part of the infection has gone down, she still faces a few symptoms recurrently.
The NBC News report, while narrating Teresa’s story, also shared that the FDA hasn’t approved EzriCare drops. Despite that, it gets marketed, which leads to over-the-counter sales that caters to specific requirements. The FDA neither approves nor pre-reviews such products.
Fatal Side-Effects of EzriCare Artificial Tears
In May 2023, Drugwatch reported that the fatal effects of EzriCare Artificial tears include drug-resistant infections, vision loss, and sometimes death. The infection symptoms are:
- Pain in the eye or prolonged discomfort
- Clear, green, or yellow discharge from the eyes
- Redness in the eyelid or eye
- Feeling that something has gone into your eyes
- Heightened sensitivity to light
Other than these fatal, long-term side effects, there can be a few short-term side effects that might not be very serious. It can comprise allergic reactions, such as itching, hives or even swelling in lips, tongue, and face. At times, there can be eye pain and changes in vision. For the side effects, it is necessary that you get a medical check-up to remedy it and not allow things to go out of hand.
Walking the Legal Path by Filing a Lawsuit
Not many people know about the side effects of EzriCare Artificial Tears while using it. As a result, an infection is inevitable. But there is no need to suffer and not take any action. First and foremost, it’s essential to get a medical diagnosis to prove that your eye discomfort, swelling, or discharge is a result of using EzriCare eye drops. Once that gets confirmed, you can file a lawsuit.
TorHoerman Law states that the symptoms of EzriCare eye drop infection at times surpass the discomforts in the eye. It can lead to blood infections, urinary tract infections, and respiratory issues. Keeping medical documents handy to use as evidence is the correct way to file a lawsuit. Also, purchase receipts of the eyedrops can also prove useful to make the legal case stronger.
Conclusion
EzriCare Artificial Tears have raised significant concerns among patients and healthcare authorities alike. As individuals affected by this health crisis seek justice and answers, the legal path becomes an essential avenue for seeking recourse and accountability.
As the legal process unfolds, it will be vital to balance the interests of the affected patients seeking compensation and resolution with the need for comprehensive investigations into the causes of the infections. Medical experts, legal representatives, and regulatory bodies must work collaboratively to ascertain any potential connection between EzriCare Artificial Tears and the outbreak of “Pseudomonas aeruginosa” infections.