Sharp rise in fungal eye infections among contact lens users

Posted February 17, 2006 · February 17, 2006

Posted: 17 February 2006 1846 hrs

Channel News Asia - Singapore

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SINGAPORE : Hospitals and eye centres are reporting more cases of

fungal eye infections among contact lens users.

This has resulted in three patients undergoing urgent corneal

transplants to save their sight.

Twenty-two patients suffered from infections of the cornea, a

transparent window covering the eye.

Previous infections related to contact lens use were caused by

bacteria and were easier to treat.

But fungal infections can have adverse visual consequences if

diagnosed and treated late.

All the patients used disposable soft contact lenses and 21 of the

22 reported using Bausch and Lomb's ReNu multipurpose contact lens

solution to clean them.

The Health Sciences Authority has notified Bausch and Lomb of the

association with ReNu multi-purpose contact lens solution.

The infections are caused by the Fusarium fungus species.

The Singapore National Eye Centre has treated 19 patients for the

infection since May 2005.

Changi General Hospital reported three new cases this week.

The Ministry of Health and the Contact Lens Practitioners Board have

alerted doctors and medical practitioners to be on the look out for

potential fungal infections of the cornea and to refer the lens user

to an ophthalmologist early.

Contact lens users are reminded to practise proper contact lens

cleaning and care regimens, to not use disposable contact lenses

beyond their recommended disposal period and to replace contact lens

storage cases at least every three months.

Multi-purpose solution in the lens storage case must be changed

every day, even if the lenses are not used daily.

Users should stop wearing the lenses if they develop any redness,

blurring of vision or pain of the eye and visit a doctor or contact

lens practitioner. - CNA /ct

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