Dangerous Microbes Found in More Eye Drops: What You Need to Know

In early 2023, EzraCare Artificial Tears were recalled due to contamination with Pseudomonas bacteria, leading to severe complications, including vision loss, enucleation (removal of the eye), and even death. Since then, the FDA has intensified its scrutiny of other eye drops on the market, leading to the recall of two additional products.

Recent Recalls:

1. Dr. Burns' MSM Eye Drops 5% Solution: Contaminated with Bacillus species and Exophiala fungus.
2. LightEyez MSM Eye Drops Eye Repair: Contaminated with four species of bacteria, including Pseudomonas, Mycobacterium, and Methylobacterium.

Dr. Burns has voluntarily recalled the affected eye drops and all other related products. Their website now includes a popup warning about the recall, and the eye drops are no longer available for purchase. LightEyez has marked the affected drops as "sold out" on their website without a specific recall notice.

Why This Matters: All eye drops should be sterile. The presence of microbes can lead to severe ocular infections, especially if the eye's surface is damaged. Symptoms of an ocular infection include pain, light sensitivity, redness, discharge, tearing, foreign body sensation, and blurry vision. Fungal infections may present with little or no pain, so other symptoms are crucial to monitor.

Investigation Findings: The exact source of contamination for these eye drops remains unclear. Earlier, EzraCare's contamination was linked to the absence of preservatives in multi-use bottles, allowing bacteria to proliferate. Dr. Burns' and LightEyez's products list organic coconut-derived ingredients as preservatives, but their effectiveness is questionable.

FDA and MSM: Both recalled products contain MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), an unapproved ingredient for topical use in the United States. Although MSM is popular as a dietary supplement for its anti-inflammatory properties, its use in eye drops is problematic and potentially dangerous.

Safety Measures:

1. Discard any recalled eye drops immediately.
2. Avoid purchasing eye drops from unverified online marketplaces.
3. Consult your eye care provider for recommended and safe eye drops.
4. Ensure preservative-free eye drops come in single-use vials or special bottles to prevent contamination.

Stay informed and subscribe for updates as more information becomes available. Prioritize your eye health by using only approved and safe eye drops, and contact your doctor if you experience any symptoms of infection.