Contact Lens Wearers Tipped Over Proper Use of Solution

Archives Admin · #1 (**permalink**) 04-12-2006, 11:46 AM

U.S. optometry doctors urge contact lens wearers to take proper precautions to prevent a severe corneal fungal infection, which has been linked to the use of a Bausch & Lomb Inc's brand cleansing solution.

The infection called fusarium keratitis could cause blindness in the patients if left untreated, the doctors warned.

Bausch & Lomb Inc.voluntarily stopped shipping their ReNu with MoistureLoc brand contact lens solution Monday following warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about increased reports of the eye infection.

"Patients should be concerned but not alarmed, as the number of patients affected is still relatively small," said Arthur Epstein, O.D., an outstanding U.S. expert on contact lens complications.

"However this is a serious infection that can cause permanent loss of sight. Some patients have reported a significant loss of vision and have undergone corneal transplants. It is crucial that the public and eye care professionals are aware and remain vigilant to quickly diagnose and initiate treatment of this serious eye disease." Epstein further said.

Regardless of which cleaning/disinfecting solution consumers use, doctors said contact lens wearers should take extra precautions with lens hygiene habits. They recommended the following tips on clean and safe handling of contact lenses to protect their sight:

1. Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses.

2. Carefully and regularly clean contact lenses, as directed by your optometrist. If recommended, rub the contact lenses with fingers and rinse thoroughly before soaking lenses overnight in sufficient multi- purpose solution to completely cover the lens.

3. Store lenses in the proper lens storage case and replace the case every three months. Clean the case after each use, and keep it open and dry between cleanings.

4. Use only products recommended by your optometrist to clean and disinfect your lenses. Saline solution and rewetting drops are not designed to disinfect lenses.

5. Only fresh solution should be used to clean and store contact lenses. Never re-use old solution. Contact lens solution must be changed according to the manufacturer's recommendations, even if the lenses are not used daily.

6. Always replace old contacts when you get a new contact lens prescription.

When wearing or cleaning contacts:

-- Never put contact lenses in the mouth or moisten them with saliva, which is full of bacteria and a potential source of infection.

-- Don't use tap water or homemade saline solutions. Improper use of solutions has been linked to a potentially blinding condition among soft lens wearers.

-- Never use contacts that have not been prescribed by an eye doctor. Contact lens wear is not an option for everyone; consult with an optometrist to see if contact lenses are an appropriate choice for vision correction.

Doctors of optometry urge anyone who experiences the following symptoms to contact their optometrist immediately:

-- Sudden blurred or fuzzy vision;
-- Red and irritated eyes lasting for an unusually long period of time;
-- Pain in and around the eyes;
-- Increased sensitivity to light;and
-- Excessive eye tearing. Enditem

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Contact Lens Wearers Tipped Over Proper Use of Solution

Contact Lenses