Newsroom
Bausch & Lomb Comments on Fusarium Keratitis Article
FOR RELEASE TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2006
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Bausch & Lomb issued the following statement in response to an article on Fusarium keratitis that appears in the August 23, 2006, issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association which has been released to reporters by the publication.
The article, “Multistate Outbreak of Fusarium Keratitis Associated With Use of a Contact Lens Solution,” serves an important educational mission in further informing the healthcare community about this unusual medical event.
The article describes the careful and comprehensive review undertaken by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of cases of Fusarium keratitis recently reported in the United States.
We think the report confirms that Bausch & Lomb took the right action in the interests of consumer health and safety by recalling the MoistureLoc product, and that Bausch & Lomb can continue to recommend its ReNu® MultiPlus® solution with confidence.
Our intense and extensive investigation into the Fusarium situation, combined with scientifically rigorous independent reports such as the CDC’s, has produced an exceptional body of valuable intellectual property that we will use to develop new and innovative products to meet the needs of consumers and eye care practitioners.
This report, the accompanying commentary and the June 28, 2006, JAMA article, "An Outbreak of Fusarium Keratitis Associated with Contact Lens Wear in Singapore," note widespread noncompliance with recommended contact lens care and cleaning practices. As always, we remain committed to continuing to providing health professionals and contact lens wearers with information about the importance of following proper lens care and wear regimens to ensure safe and healthy contact lens wear.
We are increasing our efforts to educate and empower contact lens wearers and we are working with eye care practitioners to launch a new Wear & Care Program to create an ongoing discussion with contact lens wearers about proper care of their lenses and their eyes. The Wear & Care Program is available on www.bausch.com.
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Bausch & Lomb is the eye health company, dedicated to perfecting vision and enhancing life for consumers around the world. Its core businesses include soft and rigid gas permeable contact lenses and lens care products, and ophthalmic surgical and pharmaceutical products. The Bausch & Lomb name is one of the best known and most respected healthcare brands in the world. Founded in 1853, the Company is headquartered in Rochester, New York. Bausch & Lomb’s 2004 revenues were $2.2 billion; it employs approximately 13,700 people worldwide and its products are available in more than 100 countries. More information about the Company can be found on the Bausch & Lomb Web site at www.bausch.com. Copyright Bausch & Lomb Incorporated.
