ReNu Contact Lens Solution: Consumers Put at Risk

Miami, FLScientists and eye experts are urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to consider stricter labeling guidelines for ReNu with MoistureLoc and other similar products. However, even though many of the recommendations may be adopted, the moves come too late for patients who were harmed by using the contact lens solution. Many are now investigating lawsuits alleging that ReNu with MoistureLoc lens solution was responsible for their injuries.

In April 2006, ReNu with MoistureLoc was recalled after it was linked to hundreds of cases of Fusarium keratitis, a rare eye infection that can cause permanent vision damage. A major problem with ReNu with MoistureLoc is that it was marketed as a "no rub" cleansing solution. However, the Fusarium fungus linked to the ReNu outbreak was able to form biofilms, possibly because of the formula used in the cleanser, which made the fungus resistant to contact lens solution. Simply rinsing the contact lenses in the solution was not enough to kill the fungus.

One of the recommendations made to the FDA is that contact lens solutions carry an advisory that patients should rub their contact lenses to dislodge any fungus, bacteria or other molecules that may be attached to the lenses. Scientists also recommended that cleansers be tested under real world conditions.

In case there was any doubt that ReNu with MoistureLoc was linked to Fusarium keratitis, two studies that were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a relationship between the contact lens solution and the Fusarium outbreak. One study found a link so strong that researchers concluded that contact lens users should not use ReNu with MoistureLoc.

Some reports indicate that Bausch & Lomb officials knew back in 2005 about a link between ReNu with MoistureLoc and Fusarium keratitis. In 2005, officials in Hong Kong became concerned about an outbreak of the infection, which was linked to the contact lens solution. Although Bausch & Lomb was notified about the apparent link, and warned about it twice, the company did not pass that information on to the FDA.

According to the New York Times it was not until Dr. David Chu, an eye doctor from New Jersey, alerted authorities in the US that action was taken to remove ReNu with MoistureLoc from the market. At the time, Bausch and Lomb did not immediately decide to pull the contact lens solution from the market. Instead, the company simply stopped shipping the product to retailers, making it appear that the company was more interested in profits than consumer safety. Three days later, the company announced a full recall in the United States, followed by a worldwide recall.

Between the time of the outbreak in Hong Kong and the time of the recall, many people were harmed by the use of Bausch & Lomb's contact lens solution. Lawsuits against Bausch & Lomb, maker of ReNu with MoistureLoc, allege that the company knew about the risks associated with its product but failed to properly warn consumers about that risk.

If you were harmed by the use of ReNu with MoistureLoc, you may be eligible to join a lawsuit against Bausch & Lomb. Contact a lawyer to discuss your legal options.