EzriCare® Artificial Tears Eye Infection Investigation

Photo Credit: Unsplash | Updated: June 22, 2023

Claim Form Deadline: Ongoing

Estimated Payout: Varies

Proof required: Yes

Did you use EzriCare artificial tears to treat dry or irritated eyes? Did you get an eye infection?

EzriCare Artificial Tears Discontinued Use Investigation

Simmons Hanly Conroy, a National Law Firm, along with its affiliated firm, Siri & Glimstad LLP, is investigating claims that EzriCare Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops caused eye infections in people who used them. EzriCare is sold over the counter to relieve dry and irritated eyes. Recently, there have been a significant number of cases where people developed antibiotic-resistant eye infections following use of artificial tears. Some infections became so severe they led to permanent vision loss, hospitalization and even death when an infection got into the bloodstream.

As of June 2023, EzriCare has an urgent notice warning users to discontinue use of its EzriCare Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops, containing Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium, 10mg in 1mL in one-half fl. oz, or 15 milliliter containers. The FDA, along with the CDC, and in collaboration with the parent company that produces and markets EzriCare Artificial Tears eye drops, Global Pharma Ltd., has warned consumers and health care specialists to discontinue purchasing and cease using EzriCare Artificial Tears.

According to the CDC and the FDA, some of these specific EzriCare tear drop products are liable to lead to serious consumer injuries that might include some of the following:

• Severe Eye Damage,
• Vision Loss,
• Serious Bacterial Infections,
• Death.

As part of the recall investigations and announcements, EzriCare has taken every possible step in order to notify consumers of the serious potential consequences of continuing use of the EzriCare eye drops. Possible symptoms of infection from EzriCare eye drops can be:

• Eye pain or discomfort,
• Headaches,
• Vision problems.

The FDA recall website urges consumers to reach out via the EzriCare eye drops recall information hotline using the following number: 516-715-5181. Health care professionals are being encouraged to report any quality issues with these eye drops, as well as any adverse effects to patients and consumers by reaching out to the FDA, or calling the above number for the FDA hotline. The FDA has an online reporting system for medical recalls such as the EzriCare eye drop consumer recall, called MedWatch. Consumers can also reach out and report negative interactions with EzriCare using the FDA consumer complaint site.

Additionally, the CDC has issued a warning that EzriCare was reported to contain a certain strain of antibiotic resistant bacteria. The CDC conducted lab tests, which successfully identified the presence of this bacteria, known as "VIM-GES-CRPA" in certain bottles of EzriCare artificial tear products, from several different batches of products. The bottles were received from consumers with and without eye infections after having consumed the EzriCare dry eye products.

How Do I Qualify?

If you suffered an eye infection following the use of EzriCare artificial tears, reach out below. The Attorneys at Siri & Glimstad are working to help those who were injured as a result of EzriCare artificial tears product use. Please fill out the questionnaire if you believe you qualify, and a representative from the Siri & Glimstad law firm will review your case and contact you if they find that you are qualified. If you do not qualify for the Ezricare artificial tears investigation, there is a similar investigation over Delsam Pharma eye ointments.