On Aug. 22, 2023, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning for consumers not to purchase and cease use Dr. Berne’s MSM Drops 5% Solution and LightEyez MSM eye drops due to bacterial and fungal contamination.
In addition to the bacterial and fungal contamination, Dr. Berne’s and LightEyez eye drop products contain methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) as an active ingredient. However, this active ingredient is illegal to market and sell in the United States. No drugs containing MSM as an active ingredient are legal to market in the US.
Eye Drops Contaminated with 3 Different Types of Bacteria & Fungal Contamination
The FDA managed sampling and testing on Dr. Berne’s and LightEyez’s eye drop products, and found that they were not sterile, and contaminated with microbes. Eye drops, under law, must be sterile to be safe for use.
According to the FDA, Dr. Berne’s eye drops contained the Bacillus bacterium, and Exophiala fungus, and LightEyez eye drops contained three different kinds of bacterial contamination: Pseudomonas, Mycobacterium, Mycolicibacterium and Methylorubrum.
The FDA also indicated that using contaminated eye drops could cause serious eye infections leading to vision loss, and potentially lead to a life-threatening infection.
Dr. Berne agreed to recall Dr. Berne’s MSM Drops 5% solution, however LightEyez Limited has not responded to or acted upon FDA’s concerns.
Earlier this year, the FDA announced a nationwide recall of another brand of eye drops due to bacterial contamination, EzriCare and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears. Since the FDA investigation of contaminated eye drops leading to 14 patients’ blindness and four people’s removal of one eye, the FDA has been diligently monitoring for nonsterile eye drops on the market.
The FDA advises consumers to dispose of the contaminated eye drops according to the company’s guidelines.
Questions About an Eye Drop Infection Lawsuit? Contact a Johnson//Becker Lawyer for a Free Case Review.
If you or a loved one were infected by a contaminated eye drop product, you may want to speak with the lawyers at Johnson//Becker. We are currently accepting new eye drop lawsuits across the country, and you may be entitled to financial compensation.
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