The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (April 24) provides updates on cases of fungal corneal infections and advice on prevention.
In Hong Kong a total of 27 cases were reported to the CHP since the infection was firstly reported in May 2005. Of the 27 patients, 26 were interviewed and 25 of them claimed that they were users of Bausch and Lomb (B&L) ReNu multipurpose contact lens solution. The manufacturer has voluntarily suspended sales of the contact lens solution in question from the local market since February this year as a prudent measure to protect consumers. In a recent development, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated its recommendation and advise contact lens wearers to stop using B&L Renu with MoistureLoc products, discard all remaining solution including partially used or opened bottles. The Department of Health echoes FDA's updated recommendation and reiterates that further investigations are needed to identify the cause of the problem. "We are maintaining close communication with the health authorities in US and Singapore to help determine the contributing factors and products that place contact lens users at risk for the infection," the spokesman said. The spokesman reminded contact lens users to observe the following measures to prevent contact lens associated infection:
- Always wash hands properly with soap and water and dry them before handling contact lens, contact lens solutions or related accessories.
- Attend regular check up by your optometrists/ophthalmologist and follow their instruction of cleaning and disinfection procedures for contact lenses and the accessories.
- Follow wearing hours and replacement schedule recommended by your optometrists/ophthalmologists. Do not wear lenses for duration longer than recommended and replace them as recommended by your optometrists/ophthalmologists.
- Practise proper contact lens cleaning and care regimes. Both sides of the lenses must be rubbed with the fingers for 20 seconds and rinsed thoroughly before soaking overnight in multi-purpose solution. Rinse the lenses with saline before wearing the contact lenses next time.
- The multi-purpose solution in the lens storage case must be changed everyday even if the lenses are not used daily.
- Close all bottles of contact lens solution properly after use.
- Discard contact lens solutions after one month of opening.
- Storage case should be cleaned, rinsed and dried after every use to avoid micro-organism growth contamination.
- All contact lenses, solutions and accessories should be stored in a cool and dry place.
- Disinfect the case weekly by soaking in just-boiled water for 10 minutes.
- Replace case every three months.
- Disposable contact lenses must not be used beyond their recommended disposal period.
- Do not wet your lens with saliva, bottled water or tap water.
- Remove the contact lens whenever you feel discomfort or redness and seek advice from your optometrists or ophthalmologists (eye doctors).
- Seek medical advice from your doctor promptly if symptoms persist despite contact lens is off.