Xtremely Tropical

5 Contact Lens

Written on July 17, 2010 – 3:24 pm | by Xtremely Tropical

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating reports of fungal keratitis to determine what factors place contact lens wearers at risk. During the ongoing investigation, Baush and Lomb has recommended stopping use of ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens cleaning solution.

As of May 9, the CDC said it had received 106 confirmed cases fungal keratitis. They also have 12 possible cases and 80 still under investigation. The cases come from 32 states and territories. The infection, caused by the Fusarium fungus, may result in vision loss requiring a corneal transplant.
Although there are patients yet to be interviewed, as of May 9, data has been completed for 98 confirmed cases. 93 wore contact lenses and 5 did not. Of the 93, 87 reported using ReNu products. 7 used other products. Some people used more than one type of solution so the categories are not exclusive.
In an April release concerning 90 completed investigations, the CDC reported nine of the patients slept wearing their lenses which is a known risk for microbial keratitis. Some cases of infection can be cured with eye drops, but eight people had required a corneal transplant.
The CDC, FDA, state and local health departments, and contact lens solution manufacturers are investigating specific behaviors or products that place contact wearers at increased risk for Fusarium keratitis.
The FDA has issued the following recommendations for contact lens wearers:
Stop using Bausch and Lomb ReNu with MoistureLoc products and throw away any MositureLoc solution including opened and/or partially used bottles.
Consult your eye care provider about using an alternative contact lens cleaning/disinfecting product.
Consider using a ‘rub and rinse’ contact lens cleaning procedure than a no rub method regardless of the cleaning/disinfection solution you are using. This will minimize the number of germs and reduce the chance of infection.
Use proper lens care procedure:
Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry with a lint-free towel before handling your contact lenses.
Wear and replace your contact lenses as prescribed by your optometrist or ophthalmologist
Follow the specific lens cleaning and storage procedures given by your eye care provider and the solution manufacturer.
Keep your contact lens case clean and replace it every three to six months.
Remove the lenses and check with your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as blurry vision, increased sensitivity to light, pain, tearing, discharge from your eyes, or swelling.
The FDA suggests that if you have any questions or concerns about your contact lenses or lens solution, consult your eye care provider. You can also contact the FDA Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at 1-800-638-2041. Information about the withdrawal of ReNu with MoistureLoc can be obtained from Bausch and Lomb by calling 1-888-666-2258.

While Fusarium is usually found in plant material and dirt in the tropical and sub tropical areas, the source of the infection in the United States has not yet been determined. Even if you do not use the ReNu products, you should be sure to follow proper contact lens care procedures.

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