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On August 23, 2006, the Journal of the American Medical Association, published the findings of a study conducted by leading eye doctors and researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)1 on the cases of Fusarium keratitis2 (keratitis), a fungal infection that had affected many contact lens wearers in the US, since June 2005.
The study concluded that ReNu with MoistureLoc (ReNu MoistureLoc), a contact lens3 cleaner solution manufactured and marketed by Bausch & Lomb Inc. (B&L), a leading eye care company, was the only contact lens solution linked to the cases of keratitis in the US. However, the researchers were still not clear as to how the product caused the keratitis problem.
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The initial cases of keratitis were reported from countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong from January 2006. In February 2006, B&L stopped shipments of ReNu MoistureLoc to Singapore and Hong Kong although they maintained that the infection was not linked to their product. B&L partnered with health authorities and researchers based in those countries to investigate the extent and cause of the outbreak.
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At that time, the investigations did not reveal any cause-and effect relationship between ReNu MoistureLoc and keratitis. B&L claimed that the cases reported in Asia involved examples of poor patient compliance with lens care regimens and contact lens wear, such as wearing expired lenses and re-using disposable contact lenses. The company also said that it would implement consumer education programs to raise awareness about the importance of good hygiene and lens care.
In the US, there had been reports of contact lens wearers suffering from keratitis from June 2005 itself. By April 05, 2006, the CDC had received reports of about 50 possible cases from 12 states in the US4. By mid-April 2006, this figure had increased to 109 cases in 17 states. |
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1] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, is recognized as the leading United States agency for protecting the public health and safety of people. The CDC provides credible information to enhance health decisions and promotes health through strong partnerships with state health departments and other organizations.
2] Keratitis is an infection of the eyes caused by fungus. It can scar the corneas, potentially leading to blindness. Symptoms can include blurry vision, pain or redness, increased sensitivity to light and excessive discharge from the eye.
3] A contact lens is a corrective, cosmetic, or therapeutic lens usually placed on the cornea of the eye.
4] "Eye Fungus Outbreak in Contact Wearers," www.foxnews.com, April 05, 2006.
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