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.

Increase in fungal infections found

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 109 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.

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.