ReNu MoistureLoc Contact Solution

On April 10, 2006, Bausch & Lomb announced suspension of shipments of its contact solution ReNu with MoistureLoc. Reports of fungal keratitis infections in users of the solution are surfacing in contact lens wearers who use ReNu with MoistureLoc.

Just before Bausch & Lomb announced it was suspending shipments, the FDA warned of increasing numbers of the fungal infections in those who wear contact lenses. There were more than 100 cases of Fusarium keratitis under investigation by public health authorities. CDC data of 30 cases of the infections revealed that 28 wore contact lenses and that most used the ReNu saline.

Fusarium (fungal) keratitis is a severe infection of the cornea. Risk factors for infection usually include trauma (generally with plant material), chronic ocular surface diseases, immunodeficiencies, and, rarely, contact lens use. An estimated 30 million persons in the United States wear soft contact lenses; the annual incidence of microbial keratitis is estimated to be 4-21 per 10,000 soft contact lens users. Fusarium keratitis is a condition more prevalent in warm climates. First-line treatment includes topical and oral antifungal medications; patients who do not respond to these treatments usually require surgical intervention, including corneal transplantation. These fungal infections are not transmitted from person to person.

Many stores such as Walgreens, CVS and Wal-mart are pulling ReNu with MoistureLoc Solution from shelves because of the contamination risk. Health officials working for the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control have yet to make a direct connection between the contact lens solution and the fungus, but reports show that a high percentage of the patients had been using that particular contact lens solution.

Bausch & Lomb CEO Ron Zarrella explained in a letter on the company's Web site that the solution hasn't been proven to cause the infection ? it is only associated with it. He says, "When reports of a rare eye infection, seeming associated with our product, began to surface, we began a series of exhaustive tests on our products. Nothing has yet been found to show that ReNu with MoistureLoc contributed to these infections in any way."

Zarrella adds that they pulled the solution and recommend switching to another product until the investigation is concluded. However, some eye doctors are telling their patients to avoid Bausch & Lomb products altogether.

If you or a loved one has experienced a serious side effect while using the Bausch & Lomb ReNu MoistureLoc contact lens solution or developed fungal keratitis; we would like to speak with you. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.

Munley, Munley & Cartwright is pursuing cases and litigation against the manufacturer of ReNu MoistureLoc, Bausch & Lomb throughout the entire United States. Contact us today for a free consultation by completing our online evaluation form, or by calling toll-free at 1-800-318-LAW1.

For more information on ReNu MoistureLoc Contact Solution, see our ReNu MoistureLoc Frequently Asked Questions.