Eye Drops Brand Recalled Over ‘Life-Threatening’ Risk

A major eye drops brand has recalled four products after evidence of bacteria was discovered.

Dr. Berne’s is pulling the following products: MSM Drops five percent and 15 percent solution, Dr. Berne's Organic Castor Oil Eye Drops, and Dr. Berne's MSM Mist 15 percent solution. Food and Drug Administration testing identified bacterial and fungal contamination in one of the five percent solutions. Out of an abundance of caution, the company decided to recall all of their five and 15 percent solutions.

Dr. Berne’s has confirmed two reports of adverse reactions from the items, though no details were divulged. In a statement, the FDA told consumers to immediately stop using these products, as they "could result in minor to serious vision-threatening infection which could possibly progress to a life-threatening infection."

The news comes after a bevy of eye-drop recalls this year alone. In January, the CDC told consumers to stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears after a strain of drug-resistant bacteria was discovered in one of the products. EzriCare has been linked to 81 infections in 18 states, including at least four deaths. Four patients had to have an eyeball surgically removed, and eight infections led to permanent loss of vision.

The FDA also advised against using the LightEyez brand, specifically their MSM Eye Drops for Eye Repair. They warned it could lead to serious medical consequences, including blindness and death. LightEyez has not responded to FDA’s inquiry, nor have they recalled the contaminated drops.

Those who wish to return or exchange their recalled Dr. Berne’s product may do so by emailing hello@drsamberne.com.