Dr. Berne’s MSM Eye Drops have been linked to a risk of severe, life-threatening infections with fungus and bacteria.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Dr. Berne’s MSM Eye Drops induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with a severe eye infection after using eye drops, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: Dr. Berne’s Recalls Eye Drops After Infections Reported
On August 26, 2023, Dr. Berne’s Whole Health Products issued a recall for several types of eye drops due to a risk of serious infections. Two adverse events were also reported in the recall notice:
“Using contaminated eye drops could result in minor to serious vision-threatening infection which could possibly progress to a life-threatening infection. To date, Dr. Berne’s has received 2 reports of adverse events related to this recall.”
The recall includes the following eye drop products:
- Dr. Berne’s MSM 5% Solution Eye Drops
- Dr. Berne’s MSM 15% Solution Eye Drops
- Dr. Berne’s Castor Oil Eye Drops
- Dr. Berne’s MSM MIST Drops 5% Solution
Dr. Berne’s MSM Eye Drops Linked to Deadly Infection Risk
In August 2023, the FDA warned consumers to stop using Dr. Berne’s MSM Eye Drops 5% Solution due to a risk of severe infections.
What is the Problem?
Laboratory testing discovered fungal and bacterial contamination in Dr. Berne’s MSM Eye Drops, according to the FDA. Tests also found dangerous bacteria in a similar product called LightEyez MSM Eye Drops.
People who use these eye drops could suffer severe eye infections, vision loss, blindness, and death:
“Using contaminated eye drops could result in minor to serious vision-threatening infection which could possibly progress to a life-threatening infection.”
What Should I Do?
Health officials urge anyone who used Dr. Berne’s MSM Eye Drops to seek medical care immediately if they have symptoms of an eye infection, such as eye pain, eye discharge, eye or eyelid redness or swelling, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, itching eyes, and more.
Eye Drops Linked to Deadly Eye Infection Outbreak
The warning follows an outbreak of deadly eye infections that was linked to EzriCare Artificial Tears, another brand of eye drops that were contaminated with Pseudomonas and other bacteria.
Dr. Berne’s MSM Eye Drops Test Positive for Fungus, Bacteria
Dr. Berne’s MSM Eye Drops 5% Solution were contaminated with the fungus Exophiala and the bacteria Bacillus, both of which may cause severe eye infections, according to the FDA.
These microbes included Bacillus bacteria. Some types of this bacteria can cause a “highly explosive infection of the eye that commonly results in rapid inflammation and vision loss, if not loss of the eye itself, within a few days,” according to this study published in 2005.
Eye infections with the fungus Exophiala are uncommon, but there are reports of people who developed abscesses, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), ulcers, and other severe eye problems.
Is MSM a “Miracle Cure” for Aging Eyes?
Dr. Berne’s MSM Eye Drops have been advertised as a cure for eye problems like dryness, floaters, and uveitis (eye inflammation), without any scientific evidence that they actually work. There is also a risk of severe, life-threatening infections if the eye drops are contaminated.
Are MSM Eye Drops Safe?
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a chemical that is used as a supplement by some people for a wide range of health problems, including osteoarthritis and hay fever, but “there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses,” according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
MSM Eye Drops Are Illegal, Unapproved Drugs
The FDA warns that all MSM eye drops “are unapproved drugs and illegally marketed in the U.S. There are no legally marketed ophthalmic drugs that contain MSM as an active ingredient.”
What is the Risk?
- Eye infections
- Vision loss
- Permanent blindness
- Loss of the eye
- Sepsis (bloodstream infection)
- Infection spreads to other parts of the body
- Antibiotic-resistant infections
- Death
Do I have a Dr. Berne’s MSM Eye Drops Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Dr. Berne’s MSM Eye Drops induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with a severe eye infection after using eye drops, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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