Parker Waichman LLP

Fungal Keratitis Infections Linked to Contact Lens Use

Reports Of Fungal Keratitis Infections In Contact Lens Wearers. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have alerted healthcare professionals to increasing reports of Fusarium fungal eye infections in contact lens wearers. The infections can cause permanent loss of sight, and a significant loss of vision in some […]

Fungal Keratitis Infections link contact lens use

Reports Of Fungal Keratitis Infections In Contact Lens Wearers. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have alerted healthcare professionals to increasing reports of Fusarium fungal eye infections in contact lens wearers.

The infections can cause permanent loss of sight, and a significant loss of vision in some patients has resulted in a need for corneal transplant, according to an alert sent yesterday from MedWatch, the FDA’s safety information and adverse event reporting program.

Thus far, the CDC has received 109 reports of suspected fungal keratitis from 17 different states. Although the majority of patients remain to be interviewed, data for 30 cases thus far have revealed that 28 occurred in wearers of soft contact lenses.

Of 26 patients who remembered which brand of lens products they used, all reported using a Bausch & Lomb ReNu solution or a generic brand manufactured by the same company. Five patients also reported wearing lenses overnight, a known risk factor for microbial keratitis; corneal transplants were required in 8 patients.

Because some patients had used additional contact lens solutions, the source of the fungus remains unclear. The FDA and CDC are continuing to investigate these case reports and identify specific behaviors that place contact lens wearers at increased risk for Fusarium keratitis.

Bausch And Lomb Stopped Shipment Of ReNu MoistureLoc

In the interim, Bausch & Lomb has voluntarily stopped shipment of the ReNu Moisture Loc product and recommends caution when using existing supplies. Sales of the ReNu multipurpose solutions have also been suspended in Singapore and Hong Kong due to multiple reports of infection among contact lens wearers there.

Clinicians are advised to consider the potential for fungal infection in patients presenting with microbial keratitis and to refer them to an ophthalmologist for specimen analysis if warranted.

The FDA and CDC are also urgently advising consumers to employ preventive measures in their use of soft contacts and associated maintenance products.

Hands should be washed with soap and water and dried using a lint-free method prior to handling lenses, which should be stored and cleaned according to physician and solution-manufacturer recommendations. The contact lens case should also be kept clean and replaced every 3 to 6 months.

Furthermore, regardless of the type of cleaning/disinfection solution used, wearers should consider using a “rub and rinse” rather than “no rub” method to minimize the risk for infection.

Contact lenses should be worn and replaced according to physician recommendations. Patients should be instructed to remove their lenses and contact their physician if they develop symptoms such as redness, pain, tearing, increased light sensitivity, blurry vision, discharge, or swelling.

Additional information regarding the risk for fungal keratitis in contact lens users may be obtained by contacting Nancy Pressly by fax to 1-301-594-2968, email to phann@cdrh.fda.gov, or by correspondence addressed to the FDA Office of Surveillance and Biometrics (HFZ-510) at 1350 Piccard Drive, Rockville, Maryland, 20850. Calls to voice mail at 1-301-594-0654 will be returned as soon as possible.

Healthcare professionals are encouraged to report cases of fungal keratitis to the FDA’s MedWatch reporting program by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088, by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, online at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch, or by mail to 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787.

The FDA is requesting that the reports include information on contact lens solution trade names and lot numbers involved; lens type, trade name, and mode of wear (extended or daily wear); patient noncompliance with contact lens regimen (eg, overnight wear in daily wear lenses, not cleaning lenses); and results of all cultures taken (eg, corneal, conjunctival, contact lens, care solutions, lens case).

In addition, information regarding special patient characteristics should be supplied, including whether the patient was immunocompromised (eg, used topical or systemic corticosteroids or had diabetes) or had any ocular trauma, surgery, or chronic eye disorder. All topical ocular medications used to treat the patient should also be reported (including trade names and lot numbers if available).

Need Legal Help Regarding Contact Lens Fungal Keratitis Infections?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Love the way Ms Asia Gali was very attentive and so polite when i called to ask about there services and she made sure to call me back when needed to or text to make sure my appointment with them was on time and set on schedule! She was Great! Thank you so much Asia from Parker Waichman LLP! You guys are the best and definitely will recommend you to anyone in need! — Robert Pombo Jr.
Robert Pombo
11 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness , Value You guys are exceptional very professional and understanding I would recommend your to anyone who needs help navigating the legal system
Denise Brown
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Staff was very helpful everytime I called especially Ashley, I will definitely refer people to your establishment.
Cheryl Bobb
4 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038