UPDATE: Fusarium Corneal Ulcer Mystery

It's been six months since an outbreak of serious fungal infections of the cornea was first publicized. The fungus was Fusarium. The storm has passed and so now multi-disciplinary teams of ophthalmic and public health specialists are analyzing the outbreak (epidemiology) to learn how it happened and how to prevent future occurrences. Recent published findings suggest that important questions remain unanswered.

Here's what we know:

• There were 164 confirmed cases nationwide during the outbreak.
• 94% of affected ulcer patients wore soft contact lenses.
• Nearly one-third of these Fusarium corneal ulcer patients required corneal transplantation to preserve the eye and to restore vision.
• Most (not all) cases used ReNu with MoistureLoc multipurpose contact lens solution.
• Fusarium has never been isolated at the factory, at the warehouse, or from unopened bottles.

We may never know for sure how the infection was transmitted. ReNu with MoistureLoc has been recalled worldwide and permanently removed from the market. Consumers should discard any remaining containers of this product.

Related Topics: Eat Your Veggies, Keep Your Vision, A Fungus Among Us: Prevention


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