Fusarium keratitis
Eye Infection Spreads to 33 States – CDC Still Investigating Bausch &
Lomb Lens Cleaner ReNu with MoistureLoc
May 12th 2006
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The Eye Ball |
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The cause of the recent Fusarium keratitis outbreak is not yet
confirmed, but authorities say that two thirds of the patients used
Bausch & Lomb Inc.'s newest lens cleaner, ReNu with MoistureLoc. Some
eye care professionals have stopped issuing the solutions after word
that the infection has spread to 33 states and territories.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed at least one case in
each of the following states: AR, AZ, CA, CT, FL, GA, IA, IL, KS, KY,
LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, ND, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, PR, TN, TX and VT. The
agency says that one reason for the increased number of cases may
reflect reclassification of existing reports that had been under
investigation.
The CDC reports that there are 122 confirmed cases, 15 possible cases
and 60 cases still under investigation. They want to remind the public
that the risk of contracting fungal keratitis from contact lenses
remains extremely low. A spokesperson said that they are “investigation
into identifying whether there are specific factors that may have placed
people at risk for developing fungal keratitis, including hygiene
practices, overnight contact lens wear and specific solutions used.”
Federal Authorities have inspected the Bausch & Lomb factory in
Greenville, S.C., where MoistureLoc is made. They found no evidence of
contamination, but extensive microbiologic tests could take weeks to
analyze.
There are some things contact lens wearers should be aware of. The
symptoms for Fusarium keratitis include unusual redness, pain, tearing,
light sensitivity, blurry vision, discharge or swelling. If you
experience any of these symptoms, see your eye care professional
immediately.
It is important to be treated for the condition because the infection
can lead to blindness. Without special eye-drop treatment, the
infection can scar the cornea. Some patients have required cornea
transplants.
The FDA says that contact lens wearers should always wash their hands
with soap and water before touching their eyes or contacts. Contacts
should be discarded after the time specified by the manufacturer.
Always follow the guidelines for both storage and cleaning, and the FDA
says that the lens case should be cleaned regularly and replaced every
3-6 months.
Updated Article
By Dan Wilson
Best Syndication
Eye Care Products
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