The FDA alerted consumers about eyedrops recalls this week over concerns they could cause bacterial infections, with consequences including blindness. Last month, several products made in India were linked to infections. One death and five permanent vision loss cases were reported.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating a cluster of multistate bacterial infections that are believed to be associated with the tear drops. As many as 55 reports of adverse reactions to the drops were reported.

Global Pharma Healthcare said that consumers who use the contaminated eye drops could go blind.

“Global Pharma Healthcare is voluntarily recalling all lots within expiry of their Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops, distributed by /EzriCare, LLC- and Delsam Pharma, to the consumer level, due to possible contamination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerted FDA to an investigation of a multi-state cluster of Verona Integron-mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM)- and Guiana-Extended Spectrum-β-Lactamase (GES)- producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-GES-CRPA) infections possibly associated with the use of the artificial tears manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare,” the statement read.

The FDA further posted recall notices for eyedrops distributed by Pharmedica and Apotex. The companies said that they voluntarily pulling several lots of their products.

Pharmedica said it is recalling two lots of Purely Soothing 15% MSM Drops. Apotex recalled six lots of prescription eyedrops used to treat a form of glaucoma, saying it found cracks in a handful of bottle caps. The drops are distributed as Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution.

In all,  EzriCare and Delsam Pharma “Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops”, Delsam Pharma “Artificial Eye Ointment”,  Apotex “Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.15%, Pharmedica “Purely Soothing, 15% MSM Drops have been recalled.