Contaminated Eye Drops Linked to Increasing Deaths and Infections.

Two brands of over-the-counter eyedrops, EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears and Artificial Eye Ointment, have been recalled after being linked to at least 68 cases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterial infection that has resulted in three deaths and blindness in eight patients. The CDC and FDA have recommended that users cease using both products and ordered clinicians not to recommend or provide them. Two patients from Florida have filed lawsuits against the manufacturers and Amazon, which distributed the drops. Consumers are cautioned against purchasing eyedrops abroad.