Drug-Resistant Corneal Infections Linked to Artificial Tears

Cornea specialist Dr. Travis Redd discusses the recent outbreak of extensively drug-resistant corneal infections associated with artificial tears and that has led to cases of permanent vision loss and death. Dr. Redd also reviews the challenges and risks of multi-use eye drop bottles. 

Since January 2023, the CDC, FDA, and state and local health departments have been investigating a multistate outbreak involving a rare, drug-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. As a result, the CDC has urged discontinued use of EzriCare Artificial Tears, and in February the FDA issued an additional warning about Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Eye Ointment.

To learn more, see the EyeNet Clinical Update, Contaminated Artificial Tears: Observations From the Front Lines.

For all episodes or to claim CME credit for selected episodes, visit www.aao.org/podcasts.

CME Information

Release: June 29, 2023; expires June 29, 2026

Disclosures: 
Planner/Faculty: Dr. Young reports no relevant financial disclosures.
Faculty: Dr. Redd reports no relevant financial disclosures.
Review Panel: Dr. Mazeyar Saboori receives consulting and lecture fees from Aerie Pharmaceuticals. The following reviewers report no financial disclosures: Jeffrey D. Henderer, MD; Danah Albreiki, MBBS; Ashiyani Nariani, MD, MPH; Annie Moreau, MD; and Allison Umfress, MD.

Learning Objective: Upon completion of this episode, the listener should be able to describe how multi-use bottle eye drops can pose risks to eye health and lead to potential infection.

Audience: This activity is intended for comprehensive ophthalmologists.

Accreditation: The American Academy of Ophthalmology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology designates this enduring material for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Hardware/Software Requirements: This learning activity requires a current web browser and speaker or headset capable of playing streaming audio.