Recent studies on some multipurpose contact lens solutions have found that such preparations can cause eye damage. One such study was detailed last week at the 8th National Congress on Optometry and Opticianry held in New York.

Multipurpose contact lens solutions have caused serious eye problems for some users in the past. For example, in May 2006, Bausch & Lomb issued a worldwide recall of ReNu with MoistureLoc solution after it was linked to an outbreak of Fusarium keratitis, a potentially blinding eye infection. The Centers for Disease Control ultimately confirmed 180 cases of Fusarium keratitis in the U.S. that were associated with use of the recalled solution.

According to a report on Asiaone.com, in a presentation at last week’s conference, Dr Gunter Wong, a regional eye expert based out of Hong Kong, said that research has indicated that certain types of contact lens solutions may be cytotoxic – toxic to cells. Such solutions could damage the corneal epithelium, Dr. Wong said. This can cause corneal inflammation, a condition known as microbial keratitis.

One of the studies Dr. Wong referenced compared Complete MPS Easy Rub (AMO), Opti-free Express, Opti-Free RepleniSH (Alcon) and ReNu MultiPlus (Bausch & Lomb). According to Dr. Wong, that study found that Alcon and Bausch & Lomb solutions could damage cells in the eye.

Dr. Lim Li, a senior consultant ophthalmologist at the Singapore National Eye Centre, told Asiaone.com that the use of additives in some multipurpose solutions could be behind the problems seen in the study. Dr. Lim also said that additional compounds such as cleansing agents can affect the surface of the cornea, causing toxicity, and may increase the chances of long-term damage or infection.

In response to the study’s findings, an Alcon spokesperson pointed out that the testing was conducted in a laboratory, and did not involve any actual contact lens wear, Asiaone.com said.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 8th, 2009 at 5:39 am and is filed under Pharmaceuticals, Renu.