About Microbial Keratitis

Microbial keratitis is a severe infection of the cornea. Risk factors for infection include trauma, chronic ocular surface diseases, and immunodeficiency. Only rarely does contact lens use contribute to microbial keratitis. The annual incidence of microbial keratitis is estimated to be between 4 and 21 per 10,000 soft contact lens users. Keeping contact lenses in the eye overnight can be a contributing factor to microbial eye infection.

Fungal keratitis is a condition more prevalent in the southernmost U.S. Contact lens wearers are urgently reminded of the following safety precautions:

• Always wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free cloth before handling your contact lenses.
• Wear and replace your contact lenses according to the schedule prescribed by the doctor. Usually this includes removing the lenses before you go to bed.
• Follow the specific lens cleaning and storage guidelines from the doctor and the solution manufacturer.
• Keep your contact lens case clean and replace it every 3-6 months.
• Remove your lenses and consult your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as redness, pain, tearing, increased light sensitivity, blurry vision, discharge or swelling.

Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer for my ReNu MoistureLoc Injury Case?

The Wall Street Journal reported on April 27, 2005, that Bausch & Lomb, maker of the ReNu Moisture Loc contact lens solution, was alerted by Chinese health officials as early as last November to a problem with its product but did not alert consumers. Hong Kong health officials recognized a rising number of people admitted to hospitals with contact-lens related keratitis between June and September of 2005. Seven of those cases were linked to Bausch & Lomb's ReNu Moisture Loc product. Later, the FDA announced that Bausch & Lomb did not report that 35 cases of Fusarium keratitis in Singapore were linked to their product within 35 days as required for products manufactured in the United States. The company had reports of problems in Singapore as early as July 2005 but had not reported details to the FDA as of May 9, 2006.

A Bausch & Lomb plant in Greenville, SC, has been traced to microbial keratitis infections in personal injury victims (Source: FDA Statement on Preliminary Bausch & Lomb Inspection Findings, May 16, 2006). Several class action lawsuits have been filed against Bausch & Lomb alleging liability in patient's infections. If you have been diagnosed with microbial keratitis and have used ReNu Moisture Loc contact lens solution within four to six weeks prior to your diagnosis, you should consider speaking with a personal injury lawyer about the product liability laws that may apply to your case.

The FDA may still take enforcement action against Bausch & Lomb, such as issuing a warning letter about manufacturing violations or seizing products, but consumers who have been harmed by products must pursue remedies through the legal system, where the courts will determine whether Bausch & Lomb is liable for damages. There is never any obligation to hire our firm. Your first conversation with us will not cost you. Contact us today via email or give us a call right now at 800-220-7321.