The Eye Infection Crisis: Understanding the Bausch & Lomb ReNu with MoistureLoc Lawsuits and Settlements
In 2006, a significant public health crisis emerged, shaking the confidence of contact lens wearers worldwide. 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 recall, numerous lawsuits, and substantial settlements for the victims. This blog post delves into the details of the Bausch & Lomb ReNu with MoistureLoc lawsuits, exploring the timeline, the infections, and the legal outcomes.
The Rise and Fall of ReNu with MoistureLoc
Introduced in 2004, ReNu with MoistureLoc was marketed as a superior contact lens solution, promising enhanced moisture and comfort. However, by late 2005, reports began to surface linking the solution to a rare and aggressive fungal infection called Fusarium keratitis. This infection affects the cornea and can lead to severe pain, vision impairment, and even blindness.
The timeline of events unfolded rapidly:
- 2004: ReNu with MoistureLoc is launched in the market.
- Late 2005: Initial reports of Fusarium keratitis linked to the solution begin to emerge.
- April 2006: Bausch & Lomb suspends shipments of ReNu with MoistureLoc and asks retailers to remove the product from shelves.
- May 2006: The FDA issues a recall, and Bausch & Lomb announces a worldwide recall of ReNu with MoistureLoc.
- June 2005 – June 2006: The CDC confirms 164 cases of Fusarium fungal eye infections in the United States.
The recall was prompted by over 100 cases of Fusarium keratitis, with initial cases reported in at least 17 states. Bausch & Lomb acknowledged “there may be some aspect of the MoistureLoc formula that might increase the risk of Fusarium infection in rare circumstances.”
Fusarium Keratitis: A Devastating Infection
Fusarium keratitis is a rare but serious fungal infection of the cornea. Symptoms include:
- Eye pain
- Eye discomfort
- Red eye
- Watery discharge
- Decreased vision
- Sensitivity to light
If left untreated, Fusarium keratitis can lead to:
- Permanent vision loss
- Corneal transplant
- Eye removal
The infection is typically treated with antifungal eye drops over several months. However, in severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove fungal ulcers or lesions. Tragically, some individuals affected by the ReNu with MoistureLoc outbreak required corneal transplants or even had to have their eyes removed. Reports indicate that at least seven Americans had to have an eye removed, and 60 more underwent corneal transplant surgery due to the infection.
The Lawsuits and Settlements
The link between ReNu with MoistureLoc and Fusarium keratitis led to a wave of lawsuits against Bausch & Lomb. Plaintiffs alleged that the company:
- Manufactured a defective product
- Failed to adequately test the product
- Failed to warn consumers of the risks
- Delayed reporting infection cases
These lawsuits sought compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Bausch & Lomb faced hundreds of lawsuits across the United States. Many of these cases were consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court in South Carolina. As of 2009, Bausch & Lomb had reportedly paid over $250 million to settle nearly 600 claims. Some analysts predicted that Bausch & Lomb might end up paying over $1 billion in settlements related to the ReNu MoistureLoc product. The details of the settlements remain confidential.
Lessons Learned and the Importance of Contact Lens Hygiene
The ReNu with MoistureLoc crisis highlighted the importance of proper contact lens hygiene and the potential risks associated with contact lens solutions. The FDA recommends that contact lens wearers:
- Wash hands with soap and water before handling lenses.
- Clean and disinfect lenses according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Use fresh solution each time lenses are stored.
- Replace lens cases regularly.
- Remove lenses and consult a doctor immediately if experiencing any symptoms of eye infection.
The CDC also emphasized that practicing good contact lens hygiene is crucial for all contact lens wearers, regardless of the solution used.
Legal Options for Victims
If you or a loved one has suffered an eye infection or injury after using ReNu with MoistureLoc, it’s essential to understand your legal rights. While the initial wave of lawsuits has concluded, it’s always advisable to consult with a product liability attorney to explore potential options, especially if new information comes to light or if you were unaware of the previous litigation.
Conclusion
The Bausch & Lomb ReNu with MoistureLoc lawsuits serve as a stark reminder of the importance of product safety and corporate responsibility. While the settlements provided some measure of compensation for the victims, the long-term impact of the infections on their lives is immeasurable. By understanding the details of this case and practicing proper contact lens hygiene, we can all work to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.