FDA Warns Consumers to Stop Using These Eye Drops
Please Note: The 26 brands of eyedrops in the FDA warning are considered generic or off-brand eyedrops and have never been recommended by Bedminster Eye & Laser Center for patient use.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)is warning consumers not to purchase and to immediately stop using 26 over-the-counter eye drop products due to the potential risk of eye infections that could result in partial vision loss or blindness. Patients who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection after using these products should talk to their health care provider or seek medical care immediately. These products are marketed under the following brands:
- CVS Health
- Equate (Wal-Mart)
- Leader (Cardinal Health)
- Rugby (Cardinal Health)
- Rite Aid
- Target Up & Up
- Velocity Pharma
FDA recommended the manufacturer of these products recall all lots on October 25, 2023, after agency investigators found insanitary conditions in the manufacturing facility and positive bacterial test results from environmental sampling of critical drug production areas in the facility. FDA also recommends consumers properly discard these products.
Glaucoma: A Hidden Threat to Vision Rising Swiftly
A silent disorder is rising among older people worldwide, as millions unknowingly grapple with glaucoma – an eye condition that can cause irreversible blindness but shows no obvious symptoms until late-stage disease, ophthalmologists warn.
It’s predicted that by 2050, the number of people with glaucoma will surge by more than 200%, highlighting an urgent need for heightened awareness, early detection, and advanced treatment strategies.
“That’s a lot of people with a blinding disease who don’t know they have it,” said Joel S. Schuman, MD, a professor of ophthalmology and co-director of the Glaucoma Service at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. “Late in the disease, people may notice they’re tripping over the curb, or walking into things they didn’t see. It really is only in very advanced disease that people notice there’s anything wrong.” (Please note photo, above, which depicts normal vision on the left, and vision impaired by advanced glaucoma on the right.)
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, affecting 3 million people in the United States, and yet half of those affected are unaware, according to the CDC.
What Are You Reading These Days?
We’ve noticed that many of our patients enjoy reading a good book. We collect recommendations for a “good read,” and share them in our newsletter.
Below are reading recommendations for November 2023.
Have a reading recommendation? Email it to our Newsletter Editor.
Protect Your Eyes All Year Long: Why You Should Wear Sunglasses in Winter
You probably wear sunglasses and sunscreen in the summer. Do you think about it during the winter months as well? In any season, sun exposure may increase your risk for conditions like:]
- cataracts
- growths on the eye, including cancer
- photokeratitis (including snow blindness)
Getting too much sun can increase your risk for these conditions. But the damage to the front surface of the eye that causes snow blindness is unique because it can happen quickly. You can prevent all these conditions simply by wearing sunglasses and goggles.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology Recommends Winter Eye Protection
Prevent long-term eye damage and sudden snow blindness by following the Academy’s recommendation. Wear goggles or sunglasses with UV protection when you go outside on winter days.
Learn more from the American Academy of Ophthalmology
Scroll down to see some outstanding styles offered by The Optical Shoppe.
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Oakley Sports Sunglasses
Be ready for all of your winter activites!
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Valid through December 31st, 2023
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