Bausch and Lomb yanks contact lens solution over eye infections

AFP, April, 2006

WASHINGTON (AFP) — US contact lens maker Bausch and Lomb said it was withdrawing a cleaning solution from sale after a spate of rare fungal infections that can lead to loss of sight.

In a health bulletin, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it was investigating a rise in infections among wearers of soft contact lenses.

"At this time, Bausch and Lomb has agreed to stop shipping the ReNu MoistureLoc brand contact lens solution," the FDA said.

"The infection, a fungal keratitis caused by the Fusarium fungus, may cause vision loss requiring corneal transplants," it warned, describing the incidence as "rare but serious".

Bausch and Lomb has already stopped sales of its ReNu multi-purpose solutions in Singapore and Hong Kong after a spate of Fusarium keratitis infections among contact lens users there since February.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it had ...