ReNu Contact Solution Recall: Fungal Infections
On May 16, 2006, Bausch and Lomb Inc. officially removed ReNu Contact Solution with MoistureLoc from the market after health authorities linked an outbreak of rare fungal infections to the use of the contact lens solution.
In April 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) began alerting users of soft contact lenses about an increasing number of rare fungal eye infections. On April 10, 2006, Bausch and Lomb announced they would stop shipping their ReNu Contact Solution with MoistureLoc due to reports of serious eye infections that could potentially result in the need for corneal transplants.
The reported infections are being linked to Fusarium Keratitis, a serious eye fungus that can develop throughout the depth of the cornea. Fusarium is commonly found in plant material and soil in tropical and subtropical regions. Without eye-drop treatment the infection can scar the cornea and blind its victims. Symptoms can include blurry vision, pain or redness, increased sensitivity to light and excessive discharge from the eye.
On Friday May 12, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the number of confirmed cases of Fusarium Keratitis in the United States has climbed to 122. Of the 30+ cases that are being reviewed by the CDC, 28 have been directly linked to the use of Bausch & Lomb’s ReNu Contact Solution thus far.
Breakouts of Fusarium Ketatitis were reported by contact lens users in Asia as early as November 2005. In February 2006, Bausch & Lomb voluntarily suspended sales of the ReNu multipurpose contact solutions in Singapore and Hong Kong in response to numerous reports of infections. Until April 10, 2006, no action had been taken in response to the adverse reactions to ReNu Contact Solution.
More than 30 million Americans wear contact lenses, and the ReNu brand generated $45 million in U.S. sales last year.
Symptoms of Fungal Keratitis include:
- Eye pain/discomfort
- Light hypersensitivity
- Decrease in vision
- Complete loss of vision
Click here to read the FDA’s statement following Bausch & Lomb’s global recall of ReNu with MoistureLoc Contact Lens Cleaning Solution.
If you or a loved one have experienced any side serious effects from the ReNu Contact Solution, please call us at (800) 966-4999 or fill out our online contact form for a free case evaluation.
