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Fusarium Keratitis

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, the clear membrane that covers the colored part of the eye (iris) and pupil of the eye. There are various types and causes of keratitis. Keratitis can take place in both children and adults. Organisms cannot generally invade an intact, healthy cornea. Then again, certain conditions can permit an infection to occur. For instance, a scratch can leave the cornea open to infection. A very dry eye can also decrease the cornea's protective mechanisms.

Factors that increase the risk of developing Keratitis include:

• Poor contact lens care; overuse of contact lenses
• Illnesses or other factors that reduces the body's ability to overcome infection
• Cold sores, genital herpes, and other viral infections

Fungal keratitis
Fungal keratitis is a serious eye infection that can develop through the whole depth of the cornea.  The infection can require prolonged drug therapy with antifungals such as natamycin, nystatin, and amphotericin B. Other antifungals that may be administered include various Azoles and Fluorinated pyrimidines.  If drugs do not work and the eye is damaged, surgery may be necessary to remove fungal ulcers/lesions.  Symptoms of fungal keratitis include eye pain, eye discomfort, decrease in vision and light hypersensitivity.

The condition:

• Usually affects people with weakened immune systems
• Often results in infection within the eyeball
• May cause stromal abscesses

In most cases, early detection and treatment can cure most forms of keratitis, but the infection can cause:

• Glaucoma
• Permanent scarring
• Ulceration of the cornea
• Blindness

Prevention
Adults and children who wear contact lenses should on a regular basis use sterile lens-cleaning and disinfecting solutions. Tap water is not sterile and should not be used to clean contact lenses. It is important to go for follow-up checkups because small defects in the cornea can occur without the patient being aware of it. Do not overwear contact lenses. Remove them if the eyes become red or irritated. Replace contact lenses when scheduled to do so. Proteins and other things can deposit on the contacts, leading to an increased risk of infection. Rinse contact lens cases in hot water every night, if possible, and let them air dry. Replace contact lens cases every three months. Organisms have been cultured from contact lens cases.

If you or a loved one wears contact lenses and you developed Fungal keratitis or any other injury as a result of Bausch & Lomb Renu MoistureLoc saline solution, contact Parker & Waichman, LLP for a free case evaluation. Call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636) or fill out the short form at the right.