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Soft Contact Lens Wearers BewareRecent outbreak of rare disease leads to investigation by FDA and CDCLehigh Valley, PA (April 9, 2006) -- A rare but potentially devastating eye infection is under investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).According to the CDC, as of April 9, 2006, a total of 109 patients with the suspected Fusarium (fungal) keratitis were under investigation in 17 states, including Pa., N.J., and N.Y. Houman Ahdieh, M.D., ophthalmologist with the Lehigh Valley Center for Sight and Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network advises people not to panic. “This is a rare disease that won’t affect most people, but fungal keratitis should not be taken lightly. If not treated soon enough, it could cause severe loss of vision.” Dr. Ahdieh says the disease infects the inner layers of the cornea (inner part of the eye), and could result in the need for a corneal transplant if left untreated. The FDA and CDC have reported that the recent outbreak of Fusarium keratitis mainly affects people who wear soft contact lenses. The maker of the ReNu with MoistureLoc brand contact lens solution, Bausch & Lomb, has voluntarily pulled the solution from stores because of a suspected link to the recent outbreak. Contamination of the solution at its production facility in Greenville, S.C. is the suspected cause of the fungal keratitis. “Until the investigation by the FDA and CDC is complete, you should switch to a different contact lens solution, just to be on the safe side,” Dr. Ahdieh says. Dr. Ahdieh also adds that soft contact lens wearers need to show proper hygiene and take all precautions necessary to prevent getting fungal keratitis. “You should take better care of your contact lenses anytime, but now is especially more critical.” Ahdieh recommends:
If diagnosed and treated in time, the infection can usually be treated with a topical antibiotic solution and ointment. This page last updated 2/19/08 10:01 PM
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