Bausch and Lomb Product Linked Fusarium Keratitis Eye Infections

Archives Admin · #1 (**permalink**) 04-13-2006, 11:37 AM

Bausch & Lomb’s ReNu with MoistureLoc has been pulled from the shelves of Walgreen’s, Rite Aid and Wal-Mart after the news reported that this may be the source of the recent eye fungus outbreak. The eye infections were first spotted in China, but have now spread to 17 states in the US.

Although Bausch and Lomb has not issued a recall, they have suspended shipments of the popular cleaning solution. Their stock dropped more yesterday than anytime in last five years, even though the fungus infection is considered rare. Health care professionals warn that as the weather warms up there may be more fungal infections.

There are an estimated 30 million Americans that wear contact lenses. There may be scores of people who are infected and have not yet reported the infection. It is important to seek treatment for the infection because it has been linked to significant loss of vision and has required some patients to undergo corneal transplants.

The infection is caused by a microbial keratitis. Symptoms of keratits include redness, pain, tearing, blurred vision, a discharge, swelling or an increased sensitivity to light, you should seek medical attention immediately. Authorities advice that you seek the attention of a ophthalmologist, as opposed to an optometrist.

According to the AOA, clean and safe handling of contact lenses is one of the most important measures Americans can take to protect their sight. These are the Top 5 recommendations for clean and safe contact lenses:

1. Carefully and regularly clean contact lenses, as directed by an optometrist and the patient information included with lens care products.

2. Rub the contact lenses with fingers and rinse thoroughly before soaking the lenses overnight in enough multi-purpose solution to completely cover the lens.

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

4. Use the proper products to clean and disinfect contact lenses as recommended by your optometrist. Remember that saline solutions and rewetting drops are not designed to disinfect lenses.

5. Only fresh solution should be used to clean and disinfect contact lenses. Never re-use old solution. Contact lens solution must be changed everyday, even if the lenses are not used daily.

When cleaning and wearing contacts you should:

1. Not use cream soaps to clean contact lenses. Cream soaps can leave a film on the hands that can be transferred to the lenses.

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

3. 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.

4. Never use contacts that have not been prescribed by an eye doctor. Contact lens wearing is not an option for everyone; consult with an optometrist to see if it's an appropriate option.

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Bausch and Lomb Product Linked Fusarium Keratitis Eye Infections

Contact Lenses