Fusarium Keratitis Leads to Renu Recall

Fusarium keratitis is a serious, eyesight threatening, infection caused by a fungal organism. Until the Bausch recall of its Renu with MoistureLoc solution, the incidence of Fusarium keratitis in the healthy community was extremely rare. Symptoms of developing Fusarium keratitis also know as fungal keratitis include: blurred vision; red, painful eye; increased light sensitivity; and excessive tearing. Should you experience these symtoms, it is urgent that you seek treatment with an ophthalmologist immediately.

When the Renu product was finally recalled by Bausch & Lomb, their was some thought that the cause of the bacterial eye infections stemmed from contamination at their manufacturing plant in Greenville, SC. Problems at the plant were documented in a July 17, 2002 letter from the FDA. Since the May 15, 2006 recall it has been proposed that it is the actuall formulary for the Renu with MoistureLoc that lead to such serious fungal keratitis infections. This theory and others continue to be pursued by the CDC and attorneys seeking justice for their injured clients.

Patients in Singapore, China started manifesting symptoms of Fusarium keratitis as early as mid-2005; although Bausch discounted those as having any connection with Renu with MoistureLoc.  Although Singapore health officials reported the outbreak to the CDC and Bausch & Lomb, it was not until May of 2006 that Bausch and Lomb instituted a worldwide Renu Recall.

The website for the American Optometric Association is a good resource for patients concerned about eye health in general and fungal keratitis specifically.