April 11, 2006 The Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists
(CLAO) is closely following the recently reported increase in fungal
eye infections. Reports from eye care practitioners and health officials
in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia were the first to have indicated
an unusual occurrence of contact lens-related Fusarium keratitis
in their respective countries. Fungal eye infections are rare and
most commonly associated with ocular trauma involving fungus from
a plant, vegetable matter, or soil. Recent cases however seem to
be linked with the use of soft contact lenses. According to a Bausch
and Lomb press release dated April 10, 2006, a majority of the cases
investigated thus far are contact lens wearers who reported using
Bausch and Lomb’s ReNu® with MoistureLoc® lens care solutions.
In the United States, the City of New York, Department of Health
and Mental Hygiene issued an alert (2006 Alert #6) on March 14,
2006 stating that “The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior
Services, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, and the New York State Department of Health are
investigating three cases of Fusarium keratitis.” All three cases
reported wearing contact lenses but did not report trauma. Severe
corneal fungal infections may require corneal transplantation.
On March 29, 2006, the Miami Business Wire reported that “Cornea
specialists at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of
Miami Miller School of Medicine have documented an increased incidence
of an aggressive form of fungal corneal infection that appears to
be related to soft contact lens use. Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D., Professor
of Ophthalmology and Edward W.D. Norton Chair in Ophthalmology,
confirms treating an unusually large number of patients with fusarium.”
The reported indicated that between January and March 2006 at Bascom
Palmer Eye Institute's Miami facility, 21 cases of Fusarium infections
have been identified, of which 12 were contact lens users. In addition,
five cases of Fusarium eye infections have been reported at Baylor
in Houston, Texas.
United States manufacturers of contact lens care solutions are
working with corneal experts from around the world and the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention to determine the cause of the
increased incidence of this fungal infection. Bausch & Lomb has
temporarily suspended U.S. Shipments of ReNu® with MoistureLoc®.
Any person should contact an eye physician immediately if they experience
eye pain, discharge, unusual redness, light sensitivity or sudden
onset of blurry vision.
Contact lens wearers need to ensure that they are properly caring
for their contact lenses and they should refer to the instructions
given to them by their eye care provider. Contact lenses are medical
devices that are dispensed under the supervision of a licensed professional
which require ongoing proper care and maintenance. Professional
follow up is needed to assure that eye health is not compromised.
Contact lenses are among the safest medical devices available and
have allowed millions of wearers to enjoy many years of safe, clear
vision.
Founded in 1963 and incorporated in March 1964, the Contact Lens
Association of Ophthalmologists, Inc., (CLAO) is a not-for-profit
educational association. Its members consist of eye care professionals
who are interested in the advancement of knowledge in the field
of contact lens and anterior segment science and its practical application
to individuals requiring vision correction.
