In February 2023, the CDC cautioned against using EzriCare eye drops due to their association with drug-resistant bacterial infections that can lead to vision loss and death. A case study published by researchers in Cleveland documents a 72-year-old woman diagnosed with a corneal ulcer caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, traced back to contaminated eye drops she used prior to the CDC’s warning. P. aeruginosa is a pathogenic, drug-resistant gram-negative bacterium typically not associated with eye infections. The identification of the bacteria took significant time and effort, as initial treatments were ineffective.
After her condition worsened despite treatment with strong antibiotics by ophthalmologists, further investigation revealed the contaminated eye drops were the source of the infection. The patient was ultimately treated with cefiderocol, a potent antibiotic, but it remains uncertain if she will fully regain her vision. While EzriCare products have been removed from the market, the risk persists, as individuals may still have them at home. This case underscores the importance of awareness among healthcare providers regarding potential risks linked to over-the-counter products, particularly in patients presenting with unusual infections.
