ReNu Infections lead to new Lawsuits

Bend, ORBausch & Lomb, makers of ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens solution, faces more lawsuits related to eye infections allegedly caused by the lens solution.

A lawsuit was filed earlier this month claiming a customer suffered a severe eye infection after using ReNu with MoistureLoc. According to the lawsuit, the plaintiff suffered injury to her cornea, disfigurement, mental anguish, hospital expenses, and loss of earnings. The plaintiff also claims that she is at risk for further injury unless she receives proper treatment.

The lawsuit argues that ReNu with MoistureLoc was defectively designed, not tested properly, and dangerous to use. It also claims that Bausch & Lomb purposely hid information from customers including the risks of complications associated with use of ReNu and did not meet the Food and Drug Administration's pre-market approval and standards.

The solution was recalled last year after ReNu was linked to fungal keratitis, a serious infection. The company eventually discontinued sales of the product after receiving hundreds of reports of infection. The Centers for Disease Control confirmed 130 cases of fungal keratitis from the United States and Asia.

According to a case-control investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, corneal transplantation was required in 31 percent of reported cases of fungal keratitis. Of the 130 reported cases of infection, 125 wore contact lenses, 64 percent used ReNu with MoistureLoc alone, and 12 percent used ReNu with MoistureLoc along with another product. Based on this information, the Centers for Disease Control announced that "Contact lens wearers should immediately discontinue use of this solution and consult an eye-care professional regarding use of an appropriate alternative product for cleaning or disinfecting lenses."

In August, 2006, disease control experts and eye doctors announced that ReNu with MoistureLoc was the only contact lens solution that contributed to the fungal infection outbreak. According to the report, over one-third of patients who suffered from the infection required corneal transplants to one or both eyes.

Although some complainants admitted they do not always properly care for their contact lenses, experts believe that solutions should work even if directions are not always followed.

Fungal keratitis is an extremely painful corneal disease that is caused by a fungal organism. Symptoms include blurred vision, pain in the eye, red eyes, sensitivity to light, and tearing or discharge. Treatment of fungal keratitis includes topical and oral anti-fungal medications and, in some cases, surgery. Severe infections can result in permanent loss of sight or a significant loss of vision.

If you use contact lenses make sure they are cleaned immediately after being removed from your eyes and rinsed thoroughly before being put in their case. Always use fresh solution and replace the lens case every three months. Because of the variety of ingredients in different solutions, and the nature of different contact lens brands, always use the solution your doctor recommends for your particular lenses. Replace the lenses as advised by your doctor.