RENU Contact Lens Solutions (Fusarium Keratitis)
In April 2006, Bausch & Lomb announced the suspension of
shipments of its contact solution called ReNu with
MoistureLoc. The suspension stemmed from reports of
contact lens users contracting serious eye infections.
Just before the announcement, the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) as well as the Center for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) released a warning of an
increase in fungal infections in consumers who wore
contact lenses. The CDC’s findings showed an increased
risk of Fusarium keratitis that was directly linked to
the use of Bausch & Lomb’s ReNu with MoistureLoc.
Fusarium keratitis is a serious fungal eye infection
that can develop deep inside the cornea. Symptoms
include blurred vision, a red and painful eye that does
not improve when the contact lens is removed, increased
sensitivity to light and excessive tearing or discharge.
Treatment of the infection may require extensive drug
therapy with antifungal medicine and other antibiotics.
If drug treatment fails and the eye is damaged, surgery
may be necessary to remove the fungal lesions or ulcers.
To help avoid contracting Fusarium keratitis, the FDA
recommends the following:
- Consult your eye care professional immediately if you
learn that you are using a tainted contact lens solution
or product.
- Follow proper lens care practices.
- Use a “rub and rinse” lens-cleaning method, rather
than a no-rub method in order to minimize the number of
germs and reduce the chances of infection.
- Wash hands with soap and water, and dry before
handling lenses.
- Wear and replace lenses according to the schedule
prescribed by your doctor.
- Follow the specific lens cleaning and storage
guidelines from your doctor and the solution
manufacturer.
- Keep the contact lens case clean and replace it every
3-6 months.
- Remove the lenses and consult your doctor immediately
if you experience symptoms such as redness, pain,
tearing, increased light sensitivity, blurry vision,
discharge or swelling.
Dealing with large companies can be a long and expensive
procedure. Having an experienced and competent attorney
at your side is needed to help you win your case. The
Kansas City, Missouri law firm of Peterson & Associates
has successfully resolved thousands of cases dealing
with pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers.
Let them put their experience and expertise to use for
you.
If you or someone you know wears contact lenses and has
developed Fusarium keratitis or any other injury due to
Bausch & Lomb ReNu with MoistureLoc, Peterson &
Associates can help you. Please contact our experienced
lawyers for a free consultation at 816-LAW-FIRM or
click here to fill out an
online form.
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