Alert: FDA orders withdrawal of eye drops in pharmacies due to risk of infection and blindness

by time news

2023-10-31 23:09:10

Las health authorities in the United States issued a warning to consumers regarding 26 over the counter eye care products due to the potential risk of developing eye infections that could end in blindness.

Photo: iStock

What eye drops did the FDA order to recall?

Through a statement, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that it updated the list of over the counter eye drops that must be withdrawn from the market. Among the products mentioned are drops and gels from recognized brands such as:

CVS HealthLeader y Rugby (Cardinal Health)Rite AidTargetVelocity Pharma.

Why did the FDA order eye drops to be removed from pharmacies?

Although he use of eye drops is considered safe, the reason why it is decided to remove the ophthalmic products It’s because FDA investigators found unsanitary conditions at a manufacturing plant that produced eye drops.

To make bacterial tests In environmental samples from critical production areas, the results were positive. However, the agency did not provide further details about the plant. production of eye drops.

Photo: iStock

So far, the FDA reveals that it has not received reports of infections related to the use of these ophthalmic productsfor which he called on all people to present eye infection symptoms after applying eye drops to seek medical attention immediately.

What happens if I use eye drops that are contaminated?

To use contaminated eye drops can be dangerous and harmful to the eye health. According to a article published by the American Society for Microbiology, las eye infections They are one of the main risks, since they can introduce bacteria, viruses or fungi into the eye, causing the following eye problems:

Conjunctivitis (infection of the membrane that covers the eye) Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) Endophthalmitis (infection inside the eye) Damage to the cornea Loss of vision Worsening of pre-existing conditions

Photo: iStock

To reduce the risk of developing problems from use of eye dropsit is best to follow the following recommendations:

Do not use eye drops that have expired. Do not share eye drops with other people (they are personal). Avoid touching the area around the eyes before applying the drops. Wash your hands thoroughly before applying the drops and use a proper technique to avoid contamination of the applicator. Do not use drops that have been exposed to adverse or unhealthy environmental conditions, such as high temperatures or direct sunlight or contaminated production.

In the case of pharmaceutical companies that produce eye drops, Both CVS, Rite Aid and Target have quickly responded to the FDA warning and have begun removing their products from stores, supermarkets and websites, following the recommendations of the highest health authority in the United States.

Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA urged consumers to stop using artificial tears of the EzriCare and Delsam Pharma brands when linked to a drug-resistant strain of the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, causing at least four deaths and blindness in 14 patients.

Now that you know Why the FDA ordered a recall of some eye drops, make sure they are not the ones you use. Take care of yourself!

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If you are interested in knowing what is conjunctivitis, stay to watch the next video.

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