US eye drops infection worsens

An outbreak of eye infections in the US has affected 68 patients in 16 states, including one death, eight reports of vision loss and four reports of enucleation.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the drug-resistant strain of pseudomonas aeruginosa was linked to the use of artificial tears.

Patients reported using EzriCare Artificial Tears, a preservative-free, over-the-counter product and ongoing testing of unopened bottles aimed to identify if contamination occurred during manufacture.

Patients and eye care professionals were advised to immediately stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears and to await further information and guidance from the CDC and Food and Drug Administration.