Eyedrops are something we rely on to avoid dry and itchy eyes and help reduce redness or puffiness. They can help our eyes remain healthy and moisturized, and many Texas residents rely on eyedrops for this purpose.
You probably never imagined that eyedrops could cause death, but that’s exactly why a certain brand of eyedrops was recently recalled.
The bacteria allegedly caused serious infections and death
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that Global Pharma Healthcare recalled Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops for potential bacterial contamination. The contamination reportedly caused infections and even deaths in some cases.
The eyedrops were sold over the counter and the specific bacteria is called pseudomonas aeruginosa. This bacterial is commonly found in contaminated water and can cause blood, lung and post-surgical infections.
The bacteria in the eyedrops have caused over 32,000 infections and approximately 2,700 deaths in the United States in 2017. Sales and distribution of the eyedrops have stopped and the FDA has warned consumers to not use them.
This story demonstrates that defective medical products, such as these eyedrops, can be extremely dangerous. This is especially alarming when the products are sold over the counter, meaning untold numbers of innocent consumers can be harmed.
Your rights after falling victim to a dangerous medical product
Manufacturers and distributors of devices or products have a duty to thoroughly examine the products before they are released to the public. When products like these eyedrops are released and cause harm or even death, legal action can be taken.
Even if you have not experienced any personal injury after using a defective product, it is important to know your rights and understand your legal options. Some injuries, such as infections, may not be immediately apparent.
There are attorneys who focus on litigating claims involving defective medical products, and they can help you decide what to do about your situation.
