Dr. Berne’s recalled several types of eye drops after infections were reported and FDA tests found bacterial and fungal contamination.
Need a Texas Dr. Berne’s Eye Drops Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you were diagnosed with an infection after using Dr. Berne’s Eye Drops, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
Dr. Berne’s Eye Drops Recalled After 2 Infections Reported
On August 26, 2023, Dr. Berne’s Whole Health Products announced a voluntary recall for eye drops that may cause infections.
The recall involves all lots of the following eye drops:
- Dr. Berne’s MSM Eye Drops 5%
- Dr Berne’s MSM Eye Drops 15% Solution
- Dr. Berne’s Organic Castor Oil Eye Drops
- Dr. Berne’s MSM MIST 15% Solution
These products were sold online by Sun Star Organics and Dr. Sam Berne, at the websites drsamberne.com and www.SunStarOrganics.com.
What Happened?
FDA tests found fungal and bacterial contamination in Lot #6786 of Dr. Berne’s MSM Drops 5% Solution. After it failed sterility testing, Dr. Berne’s recalled all other lots of MSM Solution (5% and 15% strength), all lots of Organic Castor Oil Eye Drops, and MSM MIST 15% Solution. Use of these products could result in severe infections.
FDA testing also found dangerous bacterial contamination in another product called LightEyez MSM Eye Drops, but the manufacturer never responded to the FDA or recalled the product.
How Many People Were Infected?
There were 2 adverse events reported in the recall notice. No deaths were reported, but infections could cause vision loss, blindness, or spread in the body and cause death. According to the FDA:
“Using contaminated eye drops could result in minor to serious vision-threatening infection which could possibly progress to a life-threatening infection.”
What Did the FDA Find in Dr. Berne’s Eye Drops?
The bottle of Dr. Berne’s MSM Eye Drops 5% Solution tested positive for both fungal and bacterial contamination, according to the FDA warning issued on August 22, 2023.
The bacteria was Bacillus bacteria. In this study, researchers warned that some species of Bacillus can cause “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.”
The fungus found in Dr. Berne’s MSM Eye Drops was a species called Exophiala, which has been linked to reports of eye infections, abscesses, keratitis, inflammation, eye ulcers, vision loss, and more.
What is the Problem?
Dr. Berne’s MSM Eye Drops contain methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) as an active ingredient. These products are “unapproved drugs and illegally marketed in the U.S.,” according to the FDA.
Even so, MSM eye drops are advertised to treat a variety of eye problems, including floaters, dryness, or inflammation, without evidence that they actually work. Instead, MSM eye drops may pose a risk of severe, life-threatening fungal and bacterial infections.
What is MSM?
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a chemical that is used in supplements to treat everything from osteoarthritis to hay fever, “but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses,” according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
What Should I Do?
Anyone who used Dr. Berne’s Eye Drops should seek medical attention right away if they develop symptoms of an infection, such as:
- Eye discharge (yellow, green or clear)
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Red eyes or eyelid
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Eye infection
- Blurry vision
- Vision loss
- Blindness
- Sepsis (bloodstream infection)
- And more
Need a Dr. Berne’s Eye Drops Lawyer in Texas?
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Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
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