Skip directly to the search box, site navigation, or content.
Division of Foodborne, Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases (DFBMD)
Fusarium Keratitis
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is keratitis?
- Is Fusarium keratitis due to a type of contact lens solution?
- What has CDC done about reports of Fusarium keratitis?
- Should new cases of Fusarium keratitis still be reported?
- Recommendations for healthcare providers
- Recommendations for contact lens wearers
- More information
Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, the front part of the eye, and is often caused by an infection. Keratitis infections have many causes including bacteria, viruses, amoeba, and fungi. Recently, CDC investigated reports of keratitis caused by Fusarium, a type of fungus.Fusarium is common in the environment, and is usually found on organic matter such as soil and plants.
While Fusarium keratitis can be a serious infection, it is a rare disease. People who have had recent trauma to the eye, those with certain eye diseases, and those with problems with their immune system may be at increased risk for these types of infections. This infection cannot be transmitted from person-to-person.
Is Fusarium keratitis due to a type of contact lens solution?
Results from the CDC investigation found that one type of contact lens solution, ReNu with MoistureLoc®, was statistically associated with Fusarium keratitis. Other solutions, including ReNu MultiPlus® and solutions made by other manufacturers, were not found to be associated.
What has CDC done about reports of Fusarium keratitis?
CDC worked with state and local health departments, the US Food and Drug Administration, and the US Department of Agriculture to evaluate reports of Fusarium keratitis. CDC conducted a study to determine factors associated with Fusarium keratitis, and to monitor the scope of the outbreak.
As a result of the investigation, Bausch & Lomb announced on April 13, 2006 , that it was withdrawing all ReNu with MoistureLoc® products and was recommending that consumers stop using ReNu with MoistureLoc® immediately. On May 15, 2006, Bausch & Lomb withdrew ReNu with MoistureLoc® from the worldwide market.
Since the withdrawal of ReNu with MoistureLoc®, monitoring performed by CDC and state health departments indicated that Fusarium keratitis cases in the U.S. have decreased substantially.
Should new cases of Fusarium keratitis still be reported?
CDC is no longer requesting reports of Fusarium keratitis. However, healthcare providers who are concerned about an unusual number of new cases of Fusarium keratitis may contact CDC or their state or local health departments.
Recommendations for healthcare providers:
Advise contact lens wearers using ReNu with MoistureLoc® solution to stop using this product immediately and use an alternative cleaning/disinfecting product.
If a patient presents with a microbial keratitis:
- Consider that a fungal infection may be involved
- Obtain appropriate specimens for culture
Recommendations for contact lens wearers:
Stop using ReNu with MoistureLoc® contact lens solution and consult your eye care professional concerning use of an appropriate alternative product.
Consider performing a “rub and rinse” lens cleaning method, rather than a no rub method, regardless of which cleaning/disinfecting solution used, in order to minimize the number of germs and reduce the chances of infection.
Continue to follow proper lens care practices:
- Wash hands with soap and water, and dry (lint-free method) before handling lenses.
- Wear and replace lenses according to the schedule prescribed by your doctor.
- Follow the specific lens cleaning and storage guidelines from your doctor and the solution manufacturer.
- Keep the contact lens case clean and replace every 3-6 months.
- Remove the lenses and consult your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as redness, pain, tearing, increased light sensitivity, blurry vision, discharge or swelling.
Specific information on this investigation
- April 10, 2006
- May 19, 2006
- May 31, 2006
- August 23, 2006
- Chang DC , Grant GB , O'Donnell K , et al. Multistate outbreak of Fusarium keratitis associated with use of a contact lens solution. JAMA. 2006 Aug 23;296(8):953-63.
General information on fungal eye infections
General information on Fusarium
General information on contact lenses and contact lens care
* Links to non-Federal organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.
Page last modified: March 27, 2008
Content Source: National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-Borne, and Enteric Diseases (ZVED)
Program Contents
Contact Information
1600 Clifton Road NE
MS-C09
Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone: +1-800-311-1603