The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC") is investigating 109 reports of Fusarium keratitis infection in patients in 17 states since June 2005. Fusarium keratitis is commonly found in plant material and soil in tropical and subtropical areas. Without treatment, which can last two to three months, the infection can scar the cornea and blind its victims. Eight U.S. patients have required cornea transplants.

The CDC has not directly linked the ReNu brand to the infection, but a high incidence of the affected people had used the solution. Federal and state health officials have interviewed just 30 of the 109 patients. Of the 28 who wore soft contact lens, 26 reported using the ReNu brand or a generic type of solution also made by Bausch & Lomb. Five of the 26 patients also reported using other types of solutions in addition to ReNu, Bausch & Lomb said. Nine patients said they wore their lenses overnight, which is known to increase the risk of infection, the CDC said.

In February, the company stopped shipments of ReNu in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong after a similar spike in fungal keratitis was reported. Singapore health officials noticed an increase in reports of infection in January and discovered 39 cases involving contact lens users from 2005 to February of 2006.

Dr. D. Schultz, director of the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said it was too early to determine if Bausch & Lomb's solution was the cause of the infections. Both the FDA and CDC are investigating a growing number of reports of infection by the fungus. An estimated 30 million Americans wear soft contact lenses.

Kahn Gauthier Swick is currently investigating claims of eye infections in patients that have used any Bausch & Lomb product. If you or a loved one had an eye infection, or required a cornea transplant, our attorneys may be able to assist you.