The CDC based in Atlanta has declared that a recent outbreak of severe eye infections was associated with the use of ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens solution, but a chemical reaction that can occur with the solution appears to be the cause.
Officials also believe the fungal contamination occurred in users' homes, not in the manufacturing or storage process.
The CDC study released 8/23/06 shows that 164 confirmed cases of the corneal infection Fusarium keratitis were reported in 33 states and a U.S. territory from June 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006. Ninety-four percent of those cases were among soft contact lens wearers.
"We think that there's something about the chemical make-up of the solution that allows the fungus to grow and cause infection," said study senior author Dr. Benjamin J. Park, medical officer with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "We don't know the exact mechanism, but it's important that users of solution don't use Moistureloc." See here for quote reference.
