ReNu Eye Infections and Fusarium Keratitis Lawsuits

ReNu by Bausch & Lomb has been linked to a serious fungal infection of the eye in soft contact lens wearers in the U.S. The infection, a fungal keratitis caused by the Fusarium fungus, may cause vision loss requiring corneal transplants. On May 15, 2006, Bausch & Lomb announced its decision to permanently remove all ReNu with MoistureLoc products worldwide.

ReNu with MoistureLoc Contact Solution Recall

In February 2006, Bausch & Lomb stopped all sales of ReNu in Hong Kong and Singapore because of an increase in eye infection. The American Optometric Association estimates that, "there are over 30 million contact lens wearers in the United States."

In April 2006, ReNu manufacturer Bausch & Lomb suspended sales of its ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens solution. Bausch & Lomb made this decision after health officials linked ReNu to a serious fungal infection of the eye - Fusarium keratitis. As of April 9, there were 109 cases of suspected Fusarium keratitis under investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and health authorities in 17 states. Although only 30 of those patients have been interviewed, 26 of the 28 who wore soft contact lenses reported using ReNu brand products. Eight patients had to undergo corneal transplants. The risk of contracting contact lens-related infection from the Fusarium fungus, which is commonly found in soil, tap water and many plants, is estimated to be 4 to 21 per 100,000 patients.

In May 2006, Bausch & Lomb announced that cases of Fusarium keratitis had been reported by ReNu consumers in Europe, the first time the company acknowledged European cases since the news of the fungus went public. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also stated that over a dozen people diagnosed with the fungus had used a different ReNu product, ReNu Multiplus, which the company is still selling. In at least six separate cases, according to the CDC, people used solutions from two other companies.

On May 15th, 2006, Bausch & Lomb announced that they would permanently withdraw ReNu with MoistureLoc. ReNu with MoistureLoc is the contact lens cleaner viewed as the "potential root cause" of the fungal eye infection outbreak known to cause blindness. The Food and Drug Administration has reported that the eye-care company thinks ReNu with MoistureLoc's unique disinfecting and moisturizing agents "in certain unusual circumstances can increase the risk" of developing Fusarium keratitis.

Symptoms of Fusarium Keratitis

Indications that a consumer may have microbial keratitis include:

Red and irritated eyes lasting for an unusually long period of time after lens removal
Pain in and around the eyes especially if it progressively worsens
Increased sensitivity to light
Rapid onset of blurred or fuzzy vision
Excessive tearing or discharge

Consumers who call in with these symptoms should be advised to remove their lenses immediately and to seek professional medical care as soon as possible.

Legal Help for Keratitis Contact Lens Solution Victims

If you or a loved one has used contact solution and have been recently diagnosed with keratitis, then you may have a right to file individual legal action against the product manufacturer. Due to the nature of this serious infection, consumers diagnosed with keratitis are urged to contact an attorney immediately after they have been informed of their diagnosis. Many important legal issues need to be addressed after a keratitis diagnosis that can possibly affect the outcome of civil litigation. The laws and theories of liability in each state are varied and can limit the amount of time a consumer has to file a lawsuit (statute of limitations). If one waits too long to file a lawsuit, then they may be barred or prevented from bringing such claim, lawsuit or remedy for their injuries and damages.

If you or a loved one has developed keratitis, call us for a free confidential consultation. We understand the complications of serious eye infections like keratitis and are here to help answer your questions. Call or submit our form for a free case evaluation. No fees or expenses charged, unless we make a recovery for you: 1-800-883-9858.

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