FDA: Stop Using MoistureLoc Contact Lens Solution Immediately

April 21, 2006 — -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced today that consumers should immediately stop using and discard ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens solution, as more cases of fungal infections have been reported among people using the product.

"Discard all remaining MoistureLoc solution, including partially used or opened bottles. Consult your doctor about choosing an appropriate alternative cleaning/disinfecting product," the FDA warns in a new public health notification.

So far, federal health authorities are investigating 109 cases in the United States of people who have been diagnosed with a rare form of corneal fungus infection known as Fusarium keratitis. Of the 30 cases the FDA has fully investigated, most of those infected with the virus had been using MoistureLoc.

Health care providers are also urged to test for and report any cases of suspected fungal eye infections to health authorities.

Bausch & Lomb, which makes ReNu, also issued a similar advisory. However, the company has said in press releases that it has found no contamination at facilities that make the solution.

The FDA announcement comes on the heels of the news that seven people in Tennessee have been confirmed to have fungal keratitis. Six of them had been using MoistureLoc, The Associated Press reported Friday. Three of the patients needed corneal transplants to save their vision.

To reduce the chance of any eye infection, contact lens wearers are advised to use the rub-and-rinse method of cleaning contacts, which requires soaking lenses in solution and rubbing them for a few seconds before storing them.

Also, contact wearers are strongly urged not to leave their lenses in overnight.

Fungal eye infections are rare and occur more frequently in the southern United States.

For the latest information on the outbreak, go to FDA's Hot Topics: Contact Lenses and Eye Infections.