Recently, many people are concerned about drug safety due to the outbreak of drug-resistant bacteria associated with eye drops.
The number of cases has increased to 30 after two more fatalities and two more cases of visual loss were reported by American authorities. The problem has been discovered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 16 states, including California, New York, Illinois, Texas, and Pennsylvania.
Most cases were associated with four regional clusters, with EzriCare drops being the only product used by patients in each group. In February, eye drops manufactured by EzriCare and Delsam Pharma were recalled due to an outbreak of drug-resistant infections. Health officials continue to investigate the situation and monitor for further cases.
India-based Global Pharma Healthcare manufactured recalled eye drops linked to an outbreak of infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This type of bacterium is commonly associated with hospital outbreaks in India.
It is quite concerning that drug-resistant germs are spreading through eye drops, especially for those with weakened immune systems or underlying medical issues. Some people might be more prone to infection and might find it harder to fight off the bacterium. In certain instances, the infection can cause irreparable harm to the eyes or even cause blindness.
James Kelly, M.D., New York City ophthalmologist and founder of the Kelly Vision Center, recently appeared on Fox & Friends Weekend to talk about the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria associated with eye drops.
Dr. Kelly emphasized the importance of good hygiene and careful medication to prevent the spread of infection.He also emphasized that patients should talk to their health care providers about their concerns and symptoms.
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Medications Safety
As the investigation into this outbreak continues, it is essential that patients remain vigilant about the safety of their medications. Anyone who has used EzriCare or Delsam Pharma eye drops should consult with their healthcare provider and watch for any signs of infection or vision loss.
Patients should also follow proper hygiene practices, including washing their hands frequently and avoiding touching their eyes or face with unwashed hands.
Dr. Kelly emphasized that the investigation into the source of contamination is ongoing and that it is still unclear where the contamination occurred.
“The contamination where sterility is compromised – it could have happened anywhere, from the manufacturing to the packaging to the handling to the storing. At any of those points, contamination can occur. I don’t think it’s known yet. So we will eventually find out,” said Dr. Kelly.
He also emphasized that the bacteria in this outbreak are very drug-resistant and very aggressive. Unfortunately, people never think of eye drops as being something that could cause this type of infection or have lethal consequences. “Where the contamination happened, no one’s really clear about that,” he reiterated.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Dr. Kelly advised people to take specific measures to decrease the chances of contamination spreading or harming them. One of the most critical measures is to wash your hands before and after using eye drops. It is also essential to avoid touching the dropper tip or the opening of the bottle to prevent contamination.
Dr. Kelly also advised against sharing eye drops with others, even family members. He emphasized the importance of following the instructions on the bottle and not using the drops past their expiration date.
Eye Drops: How to Use
First and foremost, Dr. Kelly emphasized the importance of washing hands before and after using eye drops. “Before you use eye drops, wash your hands,” said Kelly. This step can help reduce the risk of contamination and prevent the spread of infection.
Dr. Kelly also advised people to inspect the bottle of eye drops before use. “Inspect the bottle, actually. Look for any visible contamination or within the liquid contents of the bottle,” he said. Any signs of contamination, such as discoloration or particles in the liquid, should be cause for concern and prompt the user to seek a replacement.
Once the bottle of eye drops is opened, Dr. Kelly cautioned against allowing “the tip of the bottle” to touch or come in contact with “any surface.” This can increase the risk of contamination and introduce harmful bacteria into the solution. Instead, Dr. Kelly recommended that users “Just allow the drop to go directly into [the] eye.”
After using the eye drops, Dr. Kelly advised people to promptly “recap it and store it in a clean, dry location.” This can help prevent contamination and ensure the drops remain effective for their intended use.
It is also important to abide by the instructions on the bottle and not use the drops past their expiration date. Sharing eye drops with others, even family members, should be avoided to prevent the spread of infection.
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Look at Those Expiration Dates
“Expiration dates matter. We know that the effectiveness of a medication is less after the expiration date,” he said. “The risk of contamination is higher — so look at the expiration date on your medicine, especially eye drops.”
Using expired eye drops can increase the risk of contamination and reduce the effectiveness of the medication. This can lead to many issues, including the spread of infection and the failure to address underlying eye conditions.
In addition to paying attention to expiration dates, Dr. Kelly also urged anyone experiencing symptoms such as “any kind of pain, light sensitivity, blurry vision or discharge” to seek medical care immediately. These symptoms could be signs of an infection or other underlying condition that requires prompt treatment.
By being vigilant about expiration dates and seeking medical attention when necessary, we can help protect our eye health and prevent the spread of infection. It is also necessary to stay informed about the ongoing investigation and any updates or guidance from health authorities. Together, we can work to ensure the safety and well-being of ourselves and our communities.
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