Clues to the recent rash of eye infections from contact lenses

[wizdum]

The latest information about Fusarium Keratitis, a fungal infection linked to a recent spate of eye infections in the United States and Asia, points to a new generation of cleaning solutions, specifically MoistureLoc and Renu by Bausch and Lomb. The fungus responsible for causing some of the serious eye infections reported by contact lens wearers is commonly found in the environment. After some study and investigation into the cause of these eye infections, MoistureLoc and Renu cleaning solutions were found to provide an excellent growth medium for the fungus.

Several other conditions have also been cited in promoting the growth of the fungus, which has prompted the American Association of Ophthalmology to issue guidelines for contact lens wearers. Some of the updated guidelines include, not wearing your contact lenses to bed at night, and avoiding the use of no rub cleansing solutions. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses, and tidy up your nail with a nailbrush if necessary. A rub and rinse solution is being recommended for care of contact lenses, because no rub solutions may fail to sufficiently clean debris off them between use. If you favor a no rub solution and haven't had any problems with it, it is best to use it like a rub and rinse solution by cleaning the lenses between your thumb and forefinger, and then rinsing them with the solution to remove any debris before returning them to their case. The solution contained within the wells of your contact lens case should be changed each time you use your lenses, and the case should be cleaned out with soap and hot water on occasion to ensure is stays free from organisms. You should replace your case with a new one every three to six months religiously. <snip>

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[Pugee]

1. Thanks for the link.

[wizdum]

3. Your welcome. Happy contact lens wearing. May your eyes be healthy.

:)

[OnceUponTimeOnTheNet]

2. Important reminder post

I threw out my sons' contacts and the case to clean them in when this first started. Still have one unopened bottle of Renu to return.
Alcon for us now.

[wizdum]

4. You're right. Reminders are important because the cases of FK are growing

Alcon is a good company. I have been using that solution for years, but I think in the future I am going to look for the screw top bottle. I think the investigators are onto something with this flip top clue. Better safe than sorry.

[postulater]

5. I'm trying out some new lenses.

After three hours wear I got severe conjunctivitis that nearly blinded me for two days. The prescribing optometrist suggested changing solutions. No deal, same reaction. I'm about to give up on the whole thing. Maybe I'll try some of the rub and rinse solution.


Thanks for the link.

[wizdum]

7. You problem may be from an allergy or poor sizing...

...You should see an ophthalmologist...and tell them about your symptoms. They are physicians with greater knowledge of the anatomy of the eye and eye diseases. From the sound of it, you need to be seen by a specialist. An optometrist is okay if everything goes smoothly, but since it hasn't you need someone with deeper knowledge of the eye. Look up eye hospitals in your area and make an appointment with the cornea clinic to have your contact lenses status reviewed. Perhaps the size needs to be adjusted. The curvature of your lenses may not be correct. Good luck.

[postulater]

11. Thanks

I will do that. I'm pretty sure the problem is with the lenses themselves. That does seem like the way to go.

[Lib Grrrrl]

6. Fuck That...Too Much Work - I'm Sticking With My Glasses n/t

[wizdum]

8. I know what you mean. I have been wearing my glasses alot lately myself...

...I like contact lenses, but haven't worn them that much lately. I want to get the screw top bottle first. I have seen three of these eye infections already and they are not pretty. Yikes.

Good sig line, BTW.

[Lib Grrrrl]

9. Thanks

Actually, my sig line, as you note...is a direct quote from another DU'er, Zhade.

I asked for, and received, his permission to use those words as my signature line. Which is why I credit him as the speaker of those words in my sig line.

[roseBudd]

10. Fusarium is what killed my tomatoes 2 years ago, you water and it splashs

up from the dirt. There are fungicides for plants but they don't work very well. Now I only grow VFFN resistant tomatoes.

My contact lens provider suggests going back to one of the hydrogen peroxide products like Aosept or Clear Care.