Eye infections may be linked to lens solution

[TexasStooge]

By DAN RONAN / WFAA ABC 8

Five cases of Fusarium infections have been diagnosed by eye doctors across North Texas, and several other people are suspected to have the fungus related infection.

The problem is believed to be linked to a contact lens solution manufactured by Bausch and Lomb.

If untreated, Fusarium can last for up to three months and cause permanent eye damage, which could even lead to blindness.

Greg Box said days after he changed his contact lens solution to Bausch and Lomb's ReNu Moisture Loc he developed problems in one eye.

"I thought, 'Who knows what's going on here? Am I losing my eyesight or not?'" he said.

Box said the pain in his eye felt like he was being attacked by an ice pick.

Like many people with Fusarium, Box said he also endured blurred vision, redness and increased sensitivity to light.

"Fusarium is a serious infection," said Dr. Clarke Newman, American Academy of Optometry. "It can significantly alter a person's vision, and if it gets into the rest of the body it can be life threatening."

Box cleared up his infection by using prescription eye drops, changing his solution and taking a break from wearing contacts.

Nationally, eye care professionals say they've found no concrete link between Moisture Loc and infections. However, the infections began showing up after Bausch and Lomb changed the formula 18 months ago.

But what has baffled doctors in North Texas is that in two of the five confirmed cases in the area were contracted from lens wearers who used a different brand other than Bausch and Lomb.

One possible problem leading to infections includes the fact that warmer weather in moisture climates lend themselves to fungal contamination.

North Texas eye care professionals say the chances of getting Fusarium are small, but stress contact lens hygiene enough.

Greg Box said he did change brands and has begun wearing contacts again.

[alicia-w]

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