Bausch & Lomb released ReNu with MoistureLoc as a new contact lens cleaning solution in November, 2004. ReNu with MoistureLoc was marketed as a "no-rub", one step disinfecting contact lens solution and was sold in the US, Europe, and Asia.
Use of ReNu with MoistureLoc has been shown to cause Fusarium keratitis. Fusarium keratitis is an infection of the cornea caused by the Fusarium fungus. It is a serious infection that requires aggressive and timely treatment. If Fusarium is untreated, it can lead to permanent loss of vision.
Symptoms of Fusarium keratitis may include:
- Eye pain
- Blurry vision
- Redness, burning, and itching in the eye
- Excessive eye discharge
- Increased sensitivity to light
Health officials in Hong Kong began noticing an increase in Fusarium keratitis associated with ReNu with MoistureLoc usage in June, 2005. Within one month, Bausch & Lomb learned of six Fusarium keratitis cases in Hong Kong, but did not inform the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). By February, 2006, Bausch & Lomb had removed ReNu with MoistureLoc from Asian markets, yet still did not warn US consumers for 2 months.
On March 3, 2006, Bausch & Lomb was first notified of 3 cases of Fusarium keratitis in the US. The FDA began investigating Bausch & Lomb's manufacturing plant for ReNu with MoistureLoc later that month. Bausch & Lomb finally recalled all unused bottles of ReNu with MoistureLoc in the US on April 13, 2006. On May 15, 2006, Bausch & Lomb issued a global recall of ReNu with MoistureLoc. At the same time, the FDA issued a report critical of Bausch & Lomb's handling of the recall and its failure to respond to a consumer health crisis.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimated that 30 of the 109 cases of Fusarium keratitis reported in all of 2005 and part of 2006 were traceable to Renu with MoistureLoc. By May 19, 2006, 130 cases of Fusarium keratitis were reported by contact lens wearers to the CDC reported using ReNu with MoistureLoc. By the time of Bausch & Lomb's recall, 2.3 million patients had used ReNu with MoistureLoc. If you or a loved one has been affected by using ReNu with MoistureLoc, the attorneys at Goldenberg & Johnson can answer any questions you have and discuss your potential case. You can speak with one of our attorneys at (800) 279-6386.
