Update on Contact Lenses and Risk of Infection

Maria Sulli, Pharm.D.

As of May of 2006, the CDC had received reports of 130 cases in 26 states of Fusarium keratitis, a rare fungal infection of the eye that can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. Examining the case reports found that 125 were in people who wear soft contact lenses, 64% of which had used Bausch & Lomb's ReNu with MoistureLoc® contact lens solution; prompting the company to voluntarily withdraw the product from the market. The cause of the rise in this infection remains unclear, but it has prompted questions for pharmacists across the country as patients start to wonder just how safe their contact lenses are. The pharmacist is often the first person patients turn to for answers to their questions about health-related topics in the media. First and foremost, it is important to put the actual risk of this infection in perspective so patients can understand it. Thirty-six million people use contact lenses every day. With only 130 cases reported, the risk of contracting this infection remains very rare. But we can help educate patients on how to recognize the condition, and provide tips on handling contact lenses safely. Fusarium keratitis is not the only or even most common eye infection seen in lens wearers, and proper handling and disinfection of contacts can improve your chances of staying infection free. Pharmacists should inform patients regarding proper contact lens care:

• If they are using Bausch & Lomb's ReNu with MoistureLoc® they should stop and discard any unused portion.
• They should speak with their optometrist or ophthalmologist about which solution to choose, however any of the multi-purpose solutions are comparable.
• Recommend using a "rub and rinse" method of disinfecting lenses, rather than the "no-rub" method—this will further decrease risk of infection.
• Counsel patients to ALWAYS wash their hands before handling contact lenses—Fusarium is a fungus that is found on skin.
• Contact lenses should not come into contact with tap water as it can carry harmful microorganisms.
• Patients should avoid touching the tip of their solution bottle to any surface, including their hands, as this could contaminate the solution.
• Read the disinfection instructions for the solution. Most require at least a four-hour soak for efficacy.
• ALWAYS use fresh solution for soaking lenses.
• Report any redness, eye pain, excessive tearing, discharge, or sensitivity to light to your eye care professional immediately; these may be signs of infection. Remind patients to remove contact lenses before using over-the-counter eye drops, except for rewetting drops.

References: 1. CDC. Fusarium keratitis—multiple states, 2006. MMWR 2006;55:400-1. 2. FDA. Contact lenses and eye infections. http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/contacts.html Accessed: June 20, 2006. Return to Top