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Bausch & Lombs Renu with MoistureLoc contact lens cleansing solution has been related to an unusual kind of fungal eye infection named Fusarium Keratitis.Although investigations have not unmasked a single, definitive causal agent currently, the clear connection between solution use and the Fusarium Keratitis infection has led Bausch & Lomb, the FDA and the CDC to just take immediate action.
On May possibly 15, 2006 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a statement for the community warning them to the truth that Bausch & Lomb had declared a global recognition of its Renu with MoistureLoc contact lens cleaning solution.Just two days before this, on May 13, 2006, Bausch & Lomb stopped all United States income of its MoistureLoc item. This was an immediate reaction to the CDCs statement that it was investigating an increase in infections in Americans using this solution.
Nevertheless, it is china And Taiwan that first experienced fungal outbreaks in connection using the Bausch & Lomb solution. In February of 2006, sales of Renu with MoistureLoc were ended in these places. Infections also have occurred recently in Europe.
Continuous federal inspections of Bausch & Lombs South Carolina factory in Greenville haven't resulted in any evidence of sub-standard methods or contamination so far. Bausch & Lombs Chief Executive, Ron Zarrella, stated that some facet of the MoistureLoc system could be increasing the relative threat of Fusarium illness in unusual circumstancesHe also advised customers to stop using the item and stressed that "Bausch & Lomb's priority is the protection of our customers, and we want them to have complete confidence within our products."
What's Fusarium Keratitis?
Fusarium Keratitis is a significant, unusual, uncomfortable fungal infection of the attention that may lead to blindness. Fusarium, a fungus that is found in the environment and on the outer skin, is usually found in plant materials in tropical and subtropical areas. Usually, Fusarium enters the eye if you have a traumatization or problems for the cornea. It might also occur in people who have compromised immune systems. It is not transmitted from individual to individual. It's a brand new trend to see many otherwise healthy people, who have perhaps not experienced trauma to a person's eye, experiencing this infection.Keratitis means infection of the cornea.Diagnosis may be difficult, as the early clinical features usually present like other infections caused by infections, microorganisms and even protozoa. However, the new rise in Fusarium Keratitis has generated a heightened consciousness and concern among eye doctors. The prompt acceptance of a preexisting fungal illness is critical, as corneal scarring and lasting loss of vision may appear without immediate and appropriate therapy. Treatment consists of eye drops for a period of 2-3 weeks and often an oral antifungal medication.Surgery is important in some instances.
Signs and Symptoms
The following is a short set of symptoms which might be present with Fusarium Keratitis:
- Unusual redness in the eye
- Eye pain
- Blurred or fuzzy vision
- Excessive getting
- Sensitivity to light
- Ocular pain
- Ocular discharge
There's a theory among some eye specialists that Renu with MoistureLocs properties, namely the combination of a fresh disinfectant called Alexidine along with newer moisturizing agents, may be adding to the outbreak of infections.It is very important to see, that although Alexidine is decided to be safe and effective, specific conditions may change this. They are:
- Failure to routinely replace solution in lens case
- Failure to close bottle (of solution)
- Failure to efficiently clear case.
Furthermore, Daniel Schultz, Director of the FDAs Center For Devices and Radiological Health explained, There does appear to be a connection between the formulation itself as well as certain use patterns in making this greater than normal incidence of the specific infections.
The CDC confirmed 122 cases of Fusarium Keratitis within the United States, on Might 1-2, 2006, and nearly all these cases reported applying Bausch & Lomb Renu with MoistureLoc. At that time there were another 15 circumstances under the heading of possible and at least 60 more under investigation!
That scary situation, and the destructive damage suffered by its subjects, has led many to question the efficiency and effectiveness of Bausch & Lombs reaction to the evidence because it was offered to them.Dr. Chu of NJ, a specialist in corneal diseases, contacted Bausch & Lomb back in March to warn them to the fact that three of his patients were suffering from a microbe and that all three were Bausch & Lomb clients. It's been reported that was the very first official U.S. involvement that Bausch & Lomb was conscious of. Even though Bausch & Lomb replied by confirmingthat there had been cases of Fusarium Keratitis in the China, it was Dr. Chu who first approached the Federal Health Authorities.
There are victims in at the least 32 states who are currently affected by the Fusarium Keratitis infection.Subsequently there are an increasing number of lawsuits. Zoe Wade, a 69 year-old girl in Florida, filed a suit in Palm Beach County.She claims that she began using the Bausch & Lomb Renu with MoistureLoc answer last July. By October her infection was severe and she was in good pain.Just eight months after utilizing the solution, her doctor suggested that her left eye be removed in order to stop the infection from spreading to her head.
Zoe Wades attorney also represents a old man, yet another Bausch & Lomb cleansing solution client, suffering from the fungal illness. He now has impaired vision and is suing the company.Records reveal that seven other people filed suits in April and find class-action status.
Barbara Cavallaro of Cranston, Rhode Island has filed a $5 million class-action suit as well as a person suit. Her picture is permanently destroyed and her eyes are actually two different colors. She too, was a Renu with MoistrueLoc customer.
It is strongly urged that clinicians seeing patients with eye infections quickly refer these patients to doctors for conclusive diagnoses.Clinical specimens are obtained through corneal cultures, corneal muscle biopsies or confocal microscopy.The infection may possibly present as a grey or white patch with a feathery border.All cases of Fusarium Keratitis must be reported to local health departments and / or the CDC.
It's exceptionally frightening to think a contact solution can lead to severe eye illness or blindness. Naturally, the incidence of Fusarium Keratitis, and its connection with the Bausch & Lomb cleansing solution, has many contact lens users concerned about their own safety. You must cease quickly and throw it away, if you are applying Bausch & Lomb Renu with MoistureLoc washing solution. Nevertheless, contact use remains considered a healthy choice when it is given by your doctor. The American Optometric Association states that contacts stay a safe and effective kind of vision correction. They do strain, however, that excellent hygiene is the key to safe contact use. They suggest these recommendations to make sure safe and healthier contact use:
- Wash the hands with soap and water each time you handle your lenses.
- Clean lenses regularly.
- Lenses should really be stored in a clear contact case.
- Replace your lens situation every three months.
- Use the specific cleaning products recommended by your eye physician.
- Discard old solution.
- Do not re-use old solution.
- Contact lenses have to be changed as directed by a medical doctor.
- If you experience symptoms including redness, pain, tearing, or sensitivity to light, eliminate contacts straight away and call your medical practitioner.
This article was originally published by www.LawsuitSearch.com on 5/21/2006 4:00 PM at details
