Alert over contact lens solution

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The solution keeps the eyes moist

A commonly used contact lens solution has been withdrawn from sale

amid concerns linking it to eye infections.

Manufacturers Bausch & Lomb acted after a rise in Fusarium infections

among users of its ReNu MoistureLoc solution in Hong Kong, Singapore

and the US.

 

The reason for this rise is not yet known, but the company has been

unable to rule out the possibility that the product is to blame.

 

The UK regulatory authority advised users to stop using the product.

 

Some aspect of the MoistureLoc formula may be increasing the

relative risk of Fusarium infection in unusual circumstances

 

Ronald Zarrella

 

Initial investigations have not revealed any problems with

contamination of the product.

 

Ronald Zarrella, chief executive officer of Bausch & Lomb,

said: " After an extensive investigation involving thousands of tests,

millions of dollars and collaboration with government agencies,

health authorities and independent experts, there is no evidence of

product contamination, tampering, counterfeiting or sterility

failure.

 

" That leads us to conclude that some aspect of the MoistureLoc

formula may be increasing the relative risk of Fusarium infection in

unusual circumstances. "

 

Precautionary measure

 

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) has

advised users to dispose of any remaining stocks of the solution, and

to exchange the empty bottle for an alternative lens care solution at

the point of sale.

 

The MHRA stressed this was a precautionary measure, and that there

have been no reports of Fusarium eye infection in the UK.

 

Fusarium infections cause inflammation of the cornea, the front part

of the eye.

 

Symptoms include redness, blurry vision, discharge, swelling,

tearing, pain and increased sensitivity to light.

 

In severe cases it can cause permanent blindness.