Serious eye fungal infection sweeping across nation

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

SIKESTON -- Using good hygiene, practicing proper wear and seeking out professional help are among ways local contact lens wearers can avoid contracting a rare but serious fungal eye infection that is increasing across the nation.

The infection, a fungal keratitis, caused by the Fusarium fungus, may cause vision loss requiring corneal transplants.

"It's rare to ever see a fungal keratitis case," said Dr. Steven Barnett of Barnett Family Eyecare in Sikeston. "I've seen one in 21 years, and now they have several cases being reported."

As of Friday, a total of 176 cases of Fusarium keratitis -- either confirmed or under investigation -- have been reported in 29 states, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

"We don't see (the fungus) that much so we don't study it as much as we probably should," said Barnett, who also noted he and his staff have received several calls from patients inquiring about the infection.

ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens solution has been identified as a common element in some of the cases.

However, no definitive link has yet been made between the infections and this solution or the plant where it is manufactured.

Also on Friday Bausch & Lomb recommended consumers stop using ReNu with MoistureLoc immediately and discard all remaining MoistureLoc solution including partially used or opened bottles.

"Until the CDC finds out more, patients using this solution should probably get an alternative one," Barnett said.

Two alternative solutions are COMPLETE MoisturePLUS Multi-Purpose Solution by AMO Inc. or OPTI-FREE RepleniSH by Alcon Inc., Barnett said.

"Those two are very compatible to (ReNu) and have not been found to be associated with the fungal keratitis," Barnett said.

Although these new solutions say "no rubbing," health officials think the rubbing technique would be a good idea, Barnett said.

"Rubbing the surface will deluge some debris. This fungal keratitis comes from vegetative matter and rubbing is not a bad idea before placing contacts in the lens case," Barnett said.

Prior to Friday's case count, 109 cases were reported to the CDC. Of the first 30 patients interviewed by the CDC, 28 wore soft contact lens and 26 reported using the ReNu product. Without treatment, which can last two to three months, the infection can scar the cornea and blind its victims. At least eight U.S. patients have required cornea transplants.

"I've been surprised we've had so few questions or calls about it (the fungus)," said Dr. Kenneth J. Barkett, an ophthalmologist who practices at Ferguson Medical Group in Sikeston.

Barkett reminded there's no concrete proof yet that ReNu, which is the No. 1 eye care product nationally, is causing the problem.

"First of all, if you have a healthy cornea, you won't get a fungal infection," Barkett said.

And secondly, people are going to be more at risk of having the infection if they don't practice good basic hygiene, Barkett said.

Dr. Daniel R. Obermark of Obermark Eye Healthcare in Sikeston said contact lens wearers should stay with the correct eye care regimen.

For example, clean out the contact case and store it in the open air to dry it out, Obermark said. Replace cases after a few months. Keep hands washed when putting in and taking out contacts, and try to take a breather from wearing contacts, said the optometrist, who's office has also been inundated with phone calls from concerned patients.

Consumers should not be afraid to wear soft contact lens but should use care.

"Don't abuse overwearing lenses, especially right now," Barnett said. "Follow instructions given and dispose of your contacts at the proper time."

Contact lens wearers should remove the lenses and consult their doctor immediately if they experience sudden blurred or fuzzy vision; red, irritated eyes; pain in or around the eyes; increased light sensitivity; and excessive tearing or discharge.

Barnett also cautioned those who visit an emergency room for eye treatment. Often times those physicians will prescribe antibiotic eye drops, the optometrist said.

"If your eye is not better in a couple of days, that's a problem," Barnett said. "... and you should get to an eye care specialist.

Reports of unusual incidence of the fungus were first reported in Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia. As previously mentioned, the source of the infections has not been conclusively pinpointed, but investigations continue by the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

"Why it's happening at this time is a puzzle," Barnett said. "It's hard to say why there's an increase in incident. It will be interesting to see how this plays out."

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: