Email a Friend
Print Article
UPDATE: Fungal Corneal Ulcers in Contact Lens Wearers
A few weeks back there was lots of media coverage regarding a serious eye infection that were felt to be caused by fungal-contaminated contact lens solutions (Fusarium).
Having recently attended a conference of eye pathologists, I conducted an informal survey and discovered the actual number of infections is likely much higher than originally reported.
According to the most recent data from the CDC:
Note: The numbers add up to more than 56 because some people may have used more than one product.
The CDC did not issue any other information related to the underlying cause of the fungal infections. Investigations continue by the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that all contact lens wearers stop using Bausch & Lomb ReNu with MoistureLoc and switch to another solution. Other solutions may have been mentioned in connection with these infections, but there is no confirmed link yet.
Whatever solution you use, be aware of the symptoms of infection, and contact an ophthalmologist immediately if you experience any of these:
Related Topics: FDA Updates Contact Lens Advice, Caring for Your Contact Lenses
Technorati Tags: renu, contact lens solution, eye infection
Having recently attended a conference of eye pathologists, I conducted an informal survey and discovered the actual number of infections is likely much higher than originally reported.
According to the most recent data from the CDC:
- 86 cases of Fusarium keratitis are confirmed, 9 cases are listed as "possible," and 96 remain under investigation.
- Complete data are available on only 58 cases, due to a lag in reporting. Of those 58, 56 were listed as a contact lens user.
- The products used by those 56:
- 32 - Bausch & Lomb ReNu with MoistureLoc
- 15 - Bausch & Lomb ReNu MultiPlus
- 7 - Bausch & Lomb ReNu (unspecified)
- 3 - Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) products
- 3 - Alcon products
Note: The numbers add up to more than 56 because some people may have used more than one product.
The CDC did not issue any other information related to the underlying cause of the fungal infections. Investigations continue by the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that all contact lens wearers stop using Bausch & Lomb ReNu with MoistureLoc and switch to another solution. Other solutions may have been mentioned in connection with these infections, but there is no confirmed link yet.
Whatever solution you use, be aware of the symptoms of infection, and contact an ophthalmologist immediately if you experience any of these:
- Sudden blurred vision
- Unusual redness
- Pain in your eye
- Excessive tearing or discharge from your eye
- Increased light sensitivity
Related Topics: FDA Updates Contact Lens Advice, Caring for Your Contact Lenses
Technorati Tags: renu, contact lens solution, eye infection
