The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning this week after preservative-free eyedrops caused one fatality and 68 reported bacterial infections across the US in recent months.
The rare bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, is resistant to antibiotics and can cause vision loss or even death.
Florida resident Clara Oliva is one of four Americans who had to surgically remove their eyes after using EzriCare Artificial Tears eyedrops. She is currently suing the product makers.
“My client is horribly injured and now legally blind. I am currently investigating others similarly injured by this recalled product,” Attorney Natasha Cortes, who is representing the grandmother, said.
The CDC said that eight people using that product and Delsam Pharma's Artificial Tears and Ointment suffered blindness after developing the infection.
“[The product] doesn't contain preservatives, which are used to fight bacterial contamination. There's likely many more people who have suffered infections who are unaware, like Ms. Oliva was,” the attorney added.
