What you need know about the January 2023 eyedrop recall

There has been much concern and confusion about this recall as of Friday, April 7, 2023. The CDC has identified 68 patients with infections along with three deaths associated with the outbreak from the recalled eyedrops in 16 states. More than half of the cases have been found in long-term healthcare facilities. Most cases are found to have been linked to contaminated eyedrops that had been imported from India. Eight patients needed corneal transplants or had at least one eye removed. Even with recalled batches of eyedrops being removed from stores, shelves, and healthcare facilities, the CDC expects more cases to be found in the coming weeks and months. 

Many patients use daily drops to combat dryness when wearing contacts or as a treatment for other eye diseases.

The FDA released a preliminary report on Monday, April 3, 2023, from an inspection at the Global Pharma healthcare facility in India, finding problems with the manufacturing process and sterility issues. Global Pharma and the distributors of its products that are recalled include Ezri Care artificial tears, Dalsam Pharma artificial tears, and artificial Eye Ointment.

The outbreak from these eyedrops was caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, A common bacteria that is one of the most common causes of eye infections. The strain found in the recalled products has never been found in the US, until now. It turns out that this bacterium is antibiotic resistant.

The bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa is aggressive and can be found in many types of environments, including water, soil, and human waste.

Most healthy people can fight this bacterium, but for someone with corneal cell damage caused by injury, or illness, or are immunocompromised, or have chronic dry eye, the bacteria can destroy the cornea in 24 to 48 hours. 

Another danger of this infection is that with the eyes being so intricately linked to the nasal cavity, the bacteria can move into the respiratory tract leading to pneumonia. Pseudomonas aeruginosa can affect almost any tissue in the body as it travels through the bloodstream, and it can cause sepsis.

If symptoms of infection appear, seek medical care as soon as possible. The symptoms include:

• Yellow, green, or clear discharge from the eye
• Eye pain or discomfort
• Redness of the eye or eyelid
• Feeling the sensation of something being in your eye
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision

Scientists are concerned that the rare treatment-resistant bacteria found in the eyedrops can spread person-to-person and poses a risk of establishing itself as a recurrent problem in the United States. In most cases, the best way to prevent an eye infection is to use common sense hygiene practices:

• Wash your hands
• Don't rub your eyes
• Clean your contacts (again wash your hands before putting the contacts in your eyes)
• Clean your contact lens case (replace it every three months)

If you do find you have an eye infection:

• Do not reuse a washcloth after washing your face
• Launder, linens, bedding, or clothing that has come in contact with your face and eyes
• Clean surfaces someone with the infection has come in contact with, (Hydrogen peroxide and sodium hypochlorite disinfectants are more effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa).

Sources:

www.washingtonpost.com

www.UTswmed.org

www.nbcnews.com

www.cnn.com

www.cdc.gov

www.aao.org

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What is a Refraction Test

A refraction test is usually given as part of a routine eye exam to measure a person's prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. This is the test when the doctor will ask. "Which is better one or two?”. The purpose of the test is to determine whether you have a refractive error. A refractive error happens when the shape of the eye keeps light from focusing correctly on the retina. Refractive errors are the most common type of vision problem.

A refraction test can also help your doctor diagnose and treat conditions such as cataracts. Healthy adults should have a refraction test every two years, while children need them annually from age 6. People aged 60 or over should also be tested every year.

The test is performed by an eye doctor. Your doctor may use a computer called a refractor. A machine you look through measures the amount of light reflected by your retina. 

Afterward, your doctor will determine your exact prescription with a piece of equipment called a Phoropter. This device changes multiple lenses of varying power in front of your eyes. What it does is test individual lenses on each eye during the exam. 

This test will also tell the doctor if the patient has other conditions, such as:

• Astigmatism (a refractive issue based on the shape of the lens of the eye, which can cause blurry vision).
• Hyperopia (farsightedness).
• Myopia (nearsightedness).
• Presbyopia (inability of the lens of the eye to focus, related to changes in the structure of the eye usually due to aging).

Medicare and medical insurance do not pay for refractions. Most vision plans do cover refraction tests such as:

• Davis Vision
• VBA
• VSP
• Eye Med

Call our office or your vision carrier for more information.

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Sources:

www.healthline.com

www.mountsinai.org

www.sightmd.com 

Are You Joking?

 1. Why did the alien visit the optometrist before other humans?

He knew the optometrist would be OK with making contacts.

2. Why didn’t the optometrist evacuate during the hurricane?

The optometrist wanted to examine the eye

3. Where does an optometrist go on vacation?

Paradise Eye-land

4. Why don’t optometrists use tape measures?

They are really good at eyeballing it.

5. What is the optometrist’s ideal date?

Staying in and retina movie.

#eyegotcha

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#AreYouJoking

What to do for a chemical burn to the eye

 

It has happened to all of us, from time to time you will get shampoo or soap in your eye. It burns and stings for a brief time until you get all of it flushed out, either your body does it with tears or you rinse in the sink or shower. What do you do if it is something harsher? Chemical burns represent 7 -10% of all injuries to the eye.

 

For all chemical injuries to the eye, the first thing you must do is irrigate the eye with cold water if a sterile eye solution is unavailable.

If an eyewash station is not available, get into the shower fully clothed, and save valuable time. When in the shower, aim a gentle stream of water on your forehead over your affected eye. If both eyes aim the stream to the bridge of your nose so the water flows to both eyes.

If no other option is available, use bottled drinking water. Keep flushing as much as you can until help arrives.

The sooner you start flushing your eyes, the better. The severity of the injury depends on the substance that came in contact with the eye and how long the substance had contact with the eye. The longer the chemical remains in your eyes, the more damage can be done. 

Even if it is uncomfortable, hold your eyelids open to let the water inside. DO NOT RUB YOUR EYE(S)!

Rinse for at least 15 minutes or until emergency care arrives. A doctor will examine the eye for damage by the chemical and any foreign bodies that may also be involved with the chemical and remove it. Then instill drops in the eye(s) to relax the muscles. Antibiotics will be given for infection. If the injury is severe the doctor will prescribe steroids and something for the pain.

Every chemical exposure to the eye should be taken seriously. Avoid these incidents when possible. Take initiative when handling chemicals. Be aware of what chemical is in use. All chemicals come with a data sheet. The data sheet provides first-aid instructions, chemical ID, safe usage instructions, and other pertinent information. Make yourself aware of some of this information before use. You should always wear personal protective gear to prevent any of these substances from getting on the skin, clothes, or 

eyes.

• Goggles

• Gloves

• Apron

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Sources:

www.webmd.com

www.aao.org

www.merckmanuals.com

Why is it Important to Get an Optomap Retinal Exam

Let's start with what it is. Optomap is a patient-friendly device and software package that captures a digital ultra-widefield image of the retina. The image is a high-resolution image of the retina in a 200-degree field of view or 82% of the eye. Optos is safe, non-invasive, and not destructive to tissue. 

More than 2,000 published and ongoing clinical trials as well as thousands of case studies and testimonials show the long-term value of optomap imaging in diagnosis and treatment planning.

So why is it important?

When you go to the dentist do you get annual x-rays so your dentist can look for unrecognized problems? Yes, sure you do. This is the same premise, optos gives your optometrist a tool to see a wider range view of your eye. At the present time, it offers a baseline image the first time you get an optomap retinal scan. With these detailed digital images, comparisons can be made from year to year. 

It allows your doctor to detect underlying eye disease early and monitor the treatment progress for existing ocular disease. These images may catch early systemic diseases in the smaller vessels of the eyes. This device allows for an evaluation of your retina for problems such as:

• Macular degeneration
• Retinal holes
• Retinal detachments
• Hypertension
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Glaucoma
• Optomap can distinguish eye freckles from malignant melanomas of the retina.
• High Blood Pressure
• Heart disease

These conditions sometimes can be present without any other signs or symptoms.

Optomap retinal exam is not covered by insurance unless deemed a medical necessity. The fee that is charged for this exam that could save your sight or possibly your life is quite reasonable. If something is found during an Optomap Retinal Exam and becomes medically necessary, it may be covered by your medical insurance or reimbursement. 

Feel free to discuss this option with us. Call to schedule your exam today at 412.331.9696.

Sources:

www.optos.com

www.comfortvisioncare.com

www.eye-trends.com

www.bvoptometry.com

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Did You Know St. Patrick's Day Edition

 

1. According to folklore, a leprechaun earns gold as a shoemaker.

2. More than 13 million pints of Guinness are consumed on St. Patrick’s Day worldwide.

3.  The current estimated market value of a leprechaun’s pot of gold (1,000 coins) is $1.92 million.

4. The first recorded St. Paddy's Day Parade occurred in St. Augustine, Florida. Not Ireland.

5. Bram Stoker's Dracula was written in an Irish Pub

International Women's Day

 

"For most of history anonymous was a woman"- Virginia Woolf

International Women's Day (March 8th, 2023) is a day to honor the achievements and contributions of women across the world who came before us. Specifically here, on this blog, in the study and care of the eyes. This year's theme for International Women’s Day is innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.

Before the mid -19th Century, women were not taken seriously as inventors or innovators in the medical field or any field of science or technology for that matter. 

Female inventors have created many products in what has traditionally been a male-dominated world, that has changed everyday life:

• Marie Curie she was the first woman to win the Nobel prize in physics

• Rosalyn Franklin discovered the double helix of DNA

• Heady Lamar the actress discovered frequency-hopping technology

• Stefanie Kwolek invented Kevlar

• Katharine Burr Blodgett invented non-reflective glass

• Mary Anderson invented the windshield wiper

It has only been since 1849 that women have legally been able to practice medicine. One prominent woman who went on to become a leading Ophthalmologist was Dr. Lizzie Maude Carvill, MD. (1873-1934). She graduated from Tuft's College in 1899 and Tuft's College Medical School in 1905 and completed her training in ophthalmology in Europe.

Dr. Carvill was the first woman on the infirmary staff at Mass Eye and Ear in 1914 and was the first woman to hold a surgical appointment at Mass Eye and Ear, retiring in 1933.

Dr. Carvill later joined the ophthalmology staff at the New England Hospital for Women and Children, a hospital founded in 1862 by women for women Until 1923. When she went into her own private practice in Boston and Somerville, specializing in Phlyetenuler Keratitis in children. 

Her research was remarkable in her day for any doctor which included:

• Congenital fistulae of lachrymal canaliculi

• Persistent hyaloid artery

• Tubercular Iritis

• Occurrence of pregnancy-induced bitemporal contraction of the visual field

• Treatment of interstitial keratitis with anti-syphilitic treatment

Many women faced hostility and resistance in their pursuit of medical educations. Dr. L. Maud Carvill was one of them. Women doctors also, exerted a long-lasting influence on the movement towards women’s rights. Many in society considered it wrong if not immoral for women to work outside traditional domestic avenues much less as a doctor. Even after graduation from medical schools, women were refused admittance to medical boards and associations. Dr. L. Maud Carvill went on to become the first female ophthalmologist admitted to the American Ophthalmological Society. 

Sources:

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

https://iwda.org.au/

www.aamc.org

www.jamanetwork.com

www.masseyeandear.org

www.library.austintexas.gov/ahc/anonymous-was-woman

#InternationalWomensDay

#DrClaudiaWendel

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#PittsburghOptometrist