Welcome to Family EyeCare Center

Optometric Physicians

Peter W. Ross, O.D.
Larry K. Wan, O.D.
Peter H. Taylor, O.D.
Jeanine Tuan, O.D.

Bausch & Lomb voluntarily suspended shipment of a contact lens solution
after reports from federal health officials that Fusarium keratitis, a severe corneal fungal infection, has been potentially linked to their ReNu(R) with MoistureLoc(R) brand contact lens solution.

As of April 9, 2006, 109 cases of suspected Fusarium keratitis are under investigation by the CDC and public health authorities in 17 states around the United States. Federal and state health officials have interviewed 30 of those patients. Of the 28 who wore soft contact lenses, 26 reported using Bausch & Lomb's ReNu(R) brand or a generic brand manufactured by Bausch & Lomb.

AOA optometrists are taking an active role in reporting their cases to the CDC and the FDA, where all eye doctors are strongly urged to report diagnosed cases of Fusarium keratitis.

Patients should be concerned but not alarmed, as the number of patients affected is still relatively small. However this is a serious infection that can cause permanent loss of sight. Some patients have reported a significant loss of vision and have undergone corneal
transplants. With recent increases in confirmed cases and cases being investigated, it is crucial that the public and eye care professionals are aware and remain vigilant to quickly diagnose and initiate treatment of this serious eye disease."

U.S. health officials say the investigation is still in the early stages; however, optometrists are cautioning contact lens wearers to be on alert after a recent similar outbreak of severe corneal infections in Asia. According to the CDC, in February, Bausch & Lomb voluntarily withdrew sales of its ReNu(R) contact lens solution in Singapore and Hong Kong after 39 cases were reported in Singapore. Just this week, May 16th, 2006, Bausch & Lomb has indefinitely withdrawn ReNu with MoistureLoc for sale worldwide.

It is important that contact lens users seek proper medical attention immediately if they notice changes to their eyes or vision. Doctors Ross, Wan, Taylor and Tuan urge anyone who experiences the following symptoms to contact our office immediately:

408-866-2020

Sudden blurred or fuzzy vision
Red and irritated eyes lasting for an unusually long period of time
Pain in and around the eyes
Increased sensitivity to light
Excessive eye tearing
In addition, regardless of which cleaning/disinfecting solution consumers use, contact lens wearers should take extra precautions with lens hygiene habits. According to the AOA, clean and safe handling of contact lenses is one of the most important measures Americans can take to protect their sight. For more information, visit www.aoa.org.

If you are currently using ReNu or store brands such as Walgreens, Target, Costco or Walmart, please contact our office. These products may be the ReNu solution but under the private label branding.