The Eye-Opening Truth: Bausch & Lomb ReNu with MoistureLoc Lawsuits and Settlements for Eye Infection Victims
In 2006, a significant public health crisis emerged, shaking the world of contact lens wearers. Bausch & Lomb’s ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens solution was linked to a surge in severe fungal eye infections, primarily Fusarium keratitis. This outbreak led to a massive product recall and a wave of lawsuits from victims seeking compensation for their injuries. This blog post delves into the details of the Bausch & Lomb ReNu with MoistureLoc lawsuits (2006) and the settlements reached with eye infection victims, shedding light on the legal battles and the impact on those affected.
The Fusarium Keratitis Outbreak: A Perfect Storm?
Fusarium keratitis is a rare and serious fungal infection of the cornea, the clear front part of the eye. While it can occur due to trauma, particularly involving plant material, the 2006 outbreak was strongly linked to the use of ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens solution. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched an investigation, and their findings pointed to a significant association between the solution and the increased risk of infection.
According to the CDC, by May 2006, there were 130 confirmed cases of Fusarium keratitis, with 125 of those cases involving contact lens wearers. A staggering 64% of those individuals reported using Bausch & Lomb’s ReNu with MoistureLoc alone. This led to Bausch & Lomb voluntarily recalling MoistureLoc worldwide.
The exact cause of the outbreak remains somewhat debated. Bausch & Lomb acknowledged that “some aspect of the MoistureLoc formula may be increasing the relative risk of Fusarium infection in unusual circumstances.” The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) suggested that evaporation might have increased the concentration of polymers in the solution, making it more susceptible to contamination. Federal investigators, however, found no evidence of product contamination at the manufacturing facility.
Regardless of the precise cause, the consequences were devastating for many contact lens wearers. Symptoms of Fusarium keratitis include:
- Pain or redness in the eye
- Blurred vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Excessive discharge from the eye
If left untreated, Fusarium keratitis can lead to permanent eye damage, vision loss, and even the need for a corneal transplant. In the most severe cases, some individuals even had to have their eye removed.
The Lawsuits Begin: Seeking Justice for Victims
As the link between ReNu with MoistureLoc and Fusarium keratitis became clear, numerous lawsuits were filed against Bausch & Lomb. These lawsuits alleged that the contact lens solution was defective and unreasonably dangerous, and that Bausch & Lomb failed to adequately warn consumers about the risks associated with its use.
The legal battles were complex, involving issues of product liability, negligence, and failure to warn. Plaintiffs sought compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Many of these cases were consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court in South Carolina, streamlining the legal process.
Settlements Reached: Compensation for Injuries
Over the years, Bausch & Lomb reached settlements with many of the plaintiffs who filed lawsuits. While the details of these settlements are largely confidential, it has been reported that Bausch & Lomb paid out over $250 million to settle nearly 600 claims. Some analysts predict Bausch & Lomb may end up paying over $1 billion in settlements related to the ReNu MoistureLoc product before all is said and done.
Lieff Cabraser, a law firm that served on the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee in the federal court litigation, stated that the litigation was resolved under favorable, confidential settlements with Bausch & Lomb. These settlements provided much-needed financial assistance to victims who suffered severe eye injuries and vision loss due to the defective contact lens solution.
It’s important to note that even after these settlements, a number of ReNu with MoistureLoc lawsuits remained unresolved. Bausch & Lomb disputed many of these cases, arguing that their contact lens cleaner could not be directly linked to the eye infections suffered by the plaintiffs.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
The Bausch & Lomb ReNu with MoistureLoc lawsuits serve as a stark reminder of the importance of product safety and corporate responsibility. When a product is found to be defective and causes harm to consumers, the manufacturer must be held accountable.
This case also highlights the critical role of regulatory agencies like the CDC and FDA in protecting public health. Their investigations and warnings helped to identify the source of the outbreak and prevent further infections.
For contact lens wearers, the ReNu with MoistureLoc saga underscores the importance of proper lens care and hygiene. Always follow your eye doctor’s instructions for cleaning and disinfecting your lenses, and be sure to use a contact lens solution that is appropriate for your needs. If you experience any symptoms of an eye infection, remove your lenses immediately and seek medical attention.
While the Bausch & Lomb ReNu with MoistureLoc lawsuits have largely been resolved, the impact on the victims and the lessons learned from this case will continue to resonate for years to come.