You Have Something in Your Eye

In May of 2006, Bausch and Lomb decided to permanently remove the ReNu with MoistureLoc product worldwide because of a severe fungal eye infection, Fusarium keratitis. As of May 25, 2006, the CDC received reports of 130 confirmed cases, 12 possible cases, and 80 that are still under investigation. Illinois is one of at least 25 states that have confirmed cases. Important to note that since the first report, the CDC has noted that patients have reported using multiple products, including those manufactured by Bausch & Lomb, Alcon, and Advanced Medical Optics, Inc.

In a letter to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Bausch & Lomb mentions the specific use of alexidine, a disinfecting agent added to MoistureLoc. Further, they have noted that MultiPlus and Multi-Purpose do not include alexidine. The letter goes on to state that alexidine is safe and effective, but under conditions such as the solution being allowed to evaporate, the solution not regularly being replaced in the lens case, the bottle being kept open between uses or the case not being changed or cleaned properly can cause “the concentration of polymers included in the formula to enhance comfort may make the solution more likely to be contaminated with Fusarium in the environment.”

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, which is the front part of the eye. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. The Fusarium mentioned in the Bausch and Lomb recall is a type of fungus. Fusarium keratitis is most often a rare disease but it is a serious infection. It can not be transmitted person to person. The first line of treatment when a fungal infection is diagnosed is eye drops and oral medications.

In a report printed on May 26, 2006, thirty-seven people who have been diagnosed with Fusarium keratitis have required corneal transplants. Even some of those who have responded to the first line of treatment will need corneal transplant because of the scarring of the cornea. That number is expected to rise. In general, half of the people who contract fungal corneal infections will end up requiring transplants. About 30 million Americans wear contact lenses, and about 2.3 million used MoistureLoc.

The information for this article was obtained from the following sources: Center for Disease Control, Food and Drug Administration, The American Academy of Ophthalmology, and Medline.

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