The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning against buying or using certain eye drops from Dr. Bernes and LightEyez due to microbial contamination.
The drops contain methylsulfonylmethane or MSM, a naturally occurring organosulfur compound commonly utilized in supplements and alternative medicine, as the active ingredient.
The FDA says Dr. Bernes has agreed to recall MSM Drops 5% solution after sampling and testing showed contamination with bacteria and fungus.
Samples of LightEyez MSM Eye Drops eye repair were found to have four types of bacteria in them, but the company has not responded to the agency's requests to discuss concerns or recall products.
This drug is illegally marketed in the U.S., the FDA said in a statement. There are no legally marketed ophthalmic drugs that contain MSM as an active ingredient.
This product should not be left in the consumer's possession.
The FDA said contaminated eye drops could lead to minor to serious vision-threatening infection, possibly progressing to a life-threatening infection.
No adverse events have been reported in connection with the products, but anyone who has symptoms of an eye infection should seek medical care immediately. Health care professionals and consumers can report adverse events or quality concerns with any medicine to the FDA's MedWatch program.