Stocks of ReNu with MoistureLoc, a contact lens cleaning solution marketed by Bausch & Lomb are still available with Contact Lens Clinics in Hyderabad.
Bausch & Lomb decided to withdraw ReNu with MoistureLoc, worldwide, in the second week of May 2006, based on the scientific and epidemiological data suggesting that ReNu with MoistureLoc may increase susceptibility to Fusarium keratitis.
In Hyderabad, majority of the chemists who are having stocks of only ReNu MultiPlus and no stocks of ReNu with MoistureLoc, are not aware that they are not getting stocks of the product, as it has been recalled from all the markets. Only a few chemists knew that the product is not available as the company has recalled it. The awareness level has been relatively low.
The contact lens clinics which had stocks of ReNu with MoistureLoc were not aware that they are having stocks of a recalled product. They had no problem in dispensing the available stocks to customers. It has been also found that most of the chemists and clinics are stocking ReNu MultilPlus, which did not indicate any problem till date, as in the same case with ReNu Multi-Purpose and generic brands of this contact lens cleaning solution.
On May 11, 2006, the company's team met with Food & Drug Administration (FDA) officials to share information resulting from the company's internal investigation into cases of Fusarium keratitis associated with ReNu with MoistureLoc. The company proposed that unique characteristics of the formulation of the ReNu with MoistureLoc product in certain cases can increase the risk of Fusarium infection.
Fusarium is a fungus commonly found throughout the environment, including human skin. It especially thrives in tropical climates. Fusarium typically enters the eye through some sort of trauma or injury to the cornea, resulting in an inflammatory reaction. Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea of the eye. Fusarium infection includes redness, pain, tearing, increased light sensitivity, blurry vision, discharge and swelling.
In a statement to its customers in its corporate website, Bausch & Lomb stated, "The health and safety of your eyes has always been our first priority. That's why we have stopped selling one of our ReNu contact lens solutions, MoistureLoc. After thousands of tests, there is no evidence of MoistureLoc contamination, tampering, or counterfeiting. That leads us to believe that there may be some aspect of the MoistureLoc formula, when combined with certain environmental factors, lens wear and care practices, and other factors, that might increase the risk of Fusarium infection in rare circumstances. So we're taking decisive and responsible action in the interests of our customers by permanently removing MoistureLoc."