Fungal Keratitis Infections Related to Contact Lens Use

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MedWatch - The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting

Program

Fungal Keratitis Infections Related to Contact Lens Use

Audience: Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, pharmacists, other

healthcare

practitioners, and consumers

The FDA and CDC notified all healthcare practitioners and consumers of

an increase in the number of reports in the United States of a rare

but

serious fungal infection of the eye in soft contact lens wearers. The

infection, a fungal keratitis caused by the Fusarium fungus, may cause

vision loss requiring corneal transplants.

Both the FDA and CDC are investigating these occurrences. The CDC

received reports of 109 cases of suspected fungal keratitis in 17

different States. Twenty-eight of the 30 cases reported wearing soft

contact lenses. The majority of the individuals (26) reported using a

Bausch & Lomb ReNu brand contact lens solution in the month prior to

the

onset of infection.

Healthcare practitioners should refer patients presenting with a

microbial keratitis immediately to an ophthalmologist for immediate

treatment and report cases of fungal keratitis in contact lens wearers

to FDA. Contact lens wearers should use good hygiene practices, e.g.,

wash hands with soap and water, and dry (lint free method) before

handling lenses; wear and replace lenses according to the prescribed

schedule; follow the specific lens cleaning and storage guidelines

from

the doctor and the solution manufacturer; keep the contact lens case

clean and replace every 3-6 months; and remove lens immediately if the

wearer experiences symptoms such as redness, pain, tearing, increased

light sensitivity, blurry vision, discharge or swelling.

Read the complete MedWatch 2006 Safety summary, including links to the

FDA Preliminary Public Health Notification, Advice to Patients, and

Press Release at:

http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2006/safety06.htm#keratitis