An unexpected VIM-GES-CRPA Pseudomonas aeruginosa epidemic was reported in March 2023 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Three fatalities and many cases of vision loss or enucleation (surgical removal of the eyeball) have resulted from this drug-resistant strain’s spread over 68 people in 16 states.
Artificial tears, notably those manufactured by EzriCare and Delsam Pharma, have been connected to this potentially fatal epidemic.
How to Recognize and Deal with the VIM-GES-CRPA Virus
The VIM-GES-CRPA strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is extremely unusual and resistant to several antibiotics. Carbapenems are the standard-issue last-resort treatment for bacterial infections, but this strain has shown resistant to them. Because of this resistance, infections produced by this strain are notoriously difficult to cure.
Sputum, bronchial wash, cornea, urine, and blood samples are only some of the clinical sites where the VIM-GES-CRPA strain has been identified during the present epidemic.
EzriCare Artificial Tears are the most widely reported brand of artificial tears used by afflicted patients.
CDC and FDA Research and Recommendations
The CDC, the FDA, and state and local health officials worked together to investigate the incident after discovering its connection to artificial tears.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted laboratory testing and found the VIM-GES-CRPA strain in many batches of opened EzriCare Artificial Tears bottles.
Therefore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration have advised healthcare providers and patients to immediately discontinue using Artificial Tears manufactured by EzriCare or Delsam Pharma.
Use of Artificial Tears: Precautions
If you are using artificial tears, such as those made by EzriCare or Delsam Pharma, you should stop using them immediately and look for indications of infection.
If you’re looking for alternatives to traditional eye care from your doctor, please do so.
Discharge, pain or discomfort, redness, a foreign body sensation, heightened sensitivity to light, or blurred vision are all signs of an infection in the eye and should prompt prompt medical care.
Other Options Besides Synthetic Tears
Worried about using artificial tears because of the outbreak? Your doctor may recommend these alternatives.
Ointments or gels designed to lubricate the eyes can give longer-lasting comfort for dry eyes, but they might also momentarily obscure your vision.
Drops for the eyes using a new formula: Consult your doctor about other brands or formulations of artificial tears that haven’t been linked to the incident.
Modifications to one’s way of life and surroundings: Improving eyelid hygiene, increasing indoor humidity, and taking breaks from screen time have all been shown to reduce dry eye symptoms.
Always check in with your doctor before making any drastic modifications to your current eye care routine.
