Eye infections are another injury, which can lead to devastating vision loss. Fusarium keratitis, or fungal keratitis, is a serious eye infection that can develop through the entire cornea. This infection may require prolonged drug therapy with anti-fungal medication. If drugs do not work and the eye is damaged, surgery may be necessary to remove fungal ulcers or lesions. The most common symptoms of fungal keratitis include:
- Pain in the eye
- Discomfort in the eye
- Decrease in vision and
- Hypersensitivity to light
- Excessive discharge and tearing
- Rapid onset of blurry or fuzzy vision
On April 10, 2006, Bausch & Lomb announced a recall and immediate suspension of shipments of its contact solution ReNu with MoistureLoc as a result of an increase in the number of fungal keratitis infections among users of this saline solution. The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) released a consumer alert after several patients got infected with the fungus after using this saline solution.
Without treatment, this type of fungal infection can scar the cornea and blind its victims. According to the CDC, several patients in the United States have required cornea transplants as a result of acute fungal infection. Soft contact users with eye redness, pain or any of the above symptoms should stop wearing contacts and get in touch with a doctor right away. The Food and Drug Administration also advises users to wash their hands with soap and water before handling lenses and to follow cleaning and storage guidelines.
If your fungal keratitis was caused by using certain brands of saline solution that may have been contaminated, please contact the Law Office of Todd J. Krouner, P.C. which handles fungal keratitis cases, and other claims involving corneal infection and loss of vision.
If your serious eye infection was caused by a defective product, you may have a claim against the manufacturer of the product. Injured victims are able to seek compensation to cover cost of surgery, medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of life’s enjoyment, emotional distress, and other related damages. Call our experienced products liability attorneys at (914) 238-5800 today to schedule a free consultation and evaluation of your claim.