Contaminated EzriCare & Delsam Pharma Eye Drops Linked to Infections and Blindness

In early 2023, a routine warning from federal health agencies spiraled into one of the most alarming public health scares of the year. Over-the-counter EzriCare and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears were reportedly linked to a nationwide outbreak of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA), a highly dangerous strain of bacteria that resists nearly all antibiotics.
 

Within weeks of using these drops, dozens of users were hospitalized with eye and bloodstream infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) traced the infections to specific lots of EzriCare and Delsam Pharma products. On February 2nd, 2023, both brands were recalled nationwide. For many patients, the warning came too late. Several patients lost their vision permanently, and at least four people died.
 

What Are EzriCare and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears?
 

EzriCare Artificial Tears were manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., an India-based pharmaceutical company. The products were distributed in the U.S. by EzriCare LLC, ARU Pharma Inc., and Delsam Pharma.
 

The company marketed these drops as preservative-free lubricating eye drops that relieve dryness and irritation. The drops were sold online and in major retail pharmacies such as Amazon and Walmart. Millions of customers purchased these drops before the recall.
 

After the FDA inspected Global Pharma’s manufacturing facility, investigators uncovered multiple violations of standarrdized good manufacturing practices. These findings included inadequate microbial testing, poor sterilization procedures, and unsanitary production conditions. Regulators believe these lapses allowed Pseudomonas aeruginosa to contaminate the bottles before shipment.
 

The Bacteria Behind the Outbreak

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium found in soil and water. While harmless to most healthy individuals, certain drug-resistant strains such as CRPA are extremely dangerous.

The bacteria can cause aggressive infections of the eyes, lungs, urinary tract, and bloodstream. Because CRPA resists most antibiotics, infections can quickly progress to sepsis, organ failure, or death. Older adults or people with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to this bacteria.
 

The CDC confirmed that the strain found in EzriCare bottles matched samples taken from infected patients. By mid-2023, the agency had documented 81 infections across 18 states, including 14 cases of vision loss, four eye removals, and four deaths.
 

Legal Action Against EzriCare, Delsam Pharma, and Distributors

As more cases came to light, injured consumers began filing lawsuits across the country. Plaintiffs allege in part that Global Pharma, EzriCare, and Delsam Pharma failed to ensure product sterility. The lawsuits allege that the defendants ignored FDA safety standards and misled consumers about product safety. Several distributors, including Amazon, Walmart, and ARU Pharma, have also been named in lawsuits for selling contaminated eye drops despite potential red flags.

The first lawsuits were filed in February 2023. Florida resident Teresa Phillips required emergency eye surgery after developing a resistant bacterial infection. Similar claims followed in California, Kentucky, and New York, with both individual injury suits and class-action complaints seeking compensation for medical bills, pain, and financial losses.

The lawsuits argue that the companies:

• Failed to perform adequate microbial testing before distribution
• Used multi-use bottles without proper preservatives
• Ignored safety protocols and tamper-evident packaging standards
• Failed to warn doctors and consumers about contamination risks

Although no settlements have been approved, dozens of cases remain pending in state and federal courts. Legal experts believe the lawsuits could eventually consolidate into a mass tort or multidistrict litigation (MDL) to streamline discovery and settlement negotiations.

Injuries and Complications Reported

Victims of the contaminated drops have reported a wide range of serious injuries. Common complications include:

• Severe eye infections resistant to antibiotic treatment
• Blurry or partial vision loss
• Permanent blindness or eye removal surgery
• Bloodstream infections leading to hospitalization
• Death from septic complications

In addition to the physical harm, many plaintiffs describe lasting emotional trauma and significant financial burdens. Some required months of hospitalization, long-term rehabilitation, or assistive devices to adapt to permanent vision loss.
 

Doctors treating affected patients report that these infections are especially difficult to control. CRPA can resist nearly every class of antibiotics, forcing physicians to attempt experimental therapies or rely on surgery to contain the spread.
 

FDA and CDC Response Timeline

• January 20, 2023: The CDC issues an alert linking EzriCare Artificial Tears to CRPA infections in 11 states.
• January 24: EzriCare releases a public statement urging customers to stop using the drops.
• February 2: The FDA announces a nationwide recall of EzriCare and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears.
• February 24: A second recall follows for Delsam Pharma Artificial Eye Ointment.
• May 2023: The CDC confirms 81 infections, including 14 cases of vision loss and four deaths.

The FDA later increased oversight of imported eye-care products and reminded consumers to check the manufacturing source of any over-the-counter medications.
 

Can Victims Still File an EzriCare Lawsuit?

Yes. As of late 2025, individuals who used EzriCare or Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears or Ointment and developed an infection, vision loss, or other complications may still be eligible to file a claim.

Attorneys nationwide are offering no-cost case evaluations to determine eligibility for compensation, which may include:

• Medical expenses for treatment and hospitalization
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Wrongful death damages for the families of deceased victims

Because these cases are still in early procedural stages, potential plaintiffs should act quickly. Each state has its own statute of limitations for product liability claims, and deadlines vary depending on where the injury occurred. Keep up with the latest news on these lawsuits by visiting OnlyClassActions.com.
 

The Path Toward Accountability

The EzriCare case illustrates how a breakdown in manufacturing oversight can have devastating results for consumers around the world. Plaintiffs claim that Global Pharma and its U.S. distributors prioritized cost savings and speed over product safety. If these allegations are proven, the case could reshape how foreign-made pharmaceuticals are regulated in the U.S.
 

Investigations by federal agencies remain ongoing, and regulators are examining whether other eye-care products may carry similar contamination risks. For the victims who trusted these products and suffered permanent harm, the lawsuits represent a path toward both accountability and justice.