Rare eye infection suddenly appearing everywhere

Fungal Keratitis sounds like something you pick up at the gym but in reality its no laughing matter. A rare infection that can cause blindness it is increasingly appearing all over the United States and the world.

Originally thought to appear only after contact with rare plants or in extremely sick individuals, it has suddenly begun appearing among contact wearers.

The infection occurs at the cornea which is responsible for most of the eye's optical power. Symptoms can include: blurred vision, pain and redness that does not improve when the contact lens is removed, increasing sensitivity to light, and excessive tearing or discharge. The condition if left untreated can lead to blindness or permanent vision problems.

Depending on severity, the infection can be treated with antibiotics, topical anti-fungal treatments, surgery, or in some cases a corneal transplant..

It is estimated that some 30 million Americans wear contacts but the infections only began appearing in the last few years and according to the Centers for Disease Control could be linked to the lens solution Renu with MoistureLoc.

The product, manufactured by Bausch and Lomb, was named in an April 2006 report by the CDC after they found that in 30 cases they investigated 26 had been using that product.

While it was pulled from store shelves only days later, it is unknown how many Americans who used Renu with MoistureLoc may have put themselves at risk of an infection.

While Bausch and Lomb has defended its product, within days of the initial CDC report they removed that it from store shelves nationwide under pressure by the government and other organizations.

More and more infections are being reported so if you or someone you know has been infected please visit Eye Health Resources for more information.