Fungal Eye Infection Public Health Update

Fungal Eye Infection – Public Health Update

Public reminder of eye infections associated with Bausch & Lomb ReNu contact lens solution

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 1, 2006

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are continuing to investigate a possible association between Bausch and Lomb ReNu MoistureLoc contact lens solutions and cases of fungal keratitis, a severe eye infection. The Southern Nevada Health District reminds the public to immediately discontinue use of Bausch and Lomb ReNu MoistureLoc products, and to promptly seek medical care through an ophthalmologist for any symptoms of fungal keratitis.

Fungal keratitis is a severe and painful corneal infection usually associated with eye trauma. The fungus typically enters the eye through an injury to the cornea, causing symptoms of unusual redness, eye pain, tearing, discharge or sensitivity to light. Anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory medications are used to treat the infection, and treatment is most effective when started early. Cases of severe infections may require surgery.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that contact lens wearers continue to follow these guidelines:

Wash hands with soap and water, and dry (lint-free method) before handling lenses.
Wear and replace lenses according to the schedule prescribed by the doctor.
Follow the specific lens cleaning and storage guidelines from the doctor and the solution manufacturer.
Keep the contact lens case clean and replace every 3-6 months.
Remove the lenses and consult your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of redness, pain, tearing, increased light sensitivity, blurry vision, discharge or swelling.

Bausch and Lomb suspended shipments of ReNu MoistureLoc products in early April, and retailers were advised to remove the products from store shelves. Any Bausch and Lomb contact lens solutions containing MoistureLoc should not be distributed or sold until further notice from the company. Specific product complaints can be reported to the local office of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at (702) 388-6361, or sent by fax to (702) 388-6362.

For more information on fungal keratitis or Bausch and Lomb ReNu products, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov, or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration web site at www.fda.gov.

Visit the Media Contacts webpage for media related inquiries.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.