Update on Increasing Incidence of Contact Lens Related Fungal Corneal Infections

20 Feb 2006

The Ministry of Health has been actively working with the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the SNEC to investigate the cause of the recent increased incidence of contact lens related fungal corneal infections.

Our findings thus far, based on the 18 of the 19 cases reported by SNEC (one patient is currently overseas) are as follows:

1. All 18 patients used disposable contact lenses. These lenses ranged from daily disposable lens to monthly disposable lens and came from a variety of manufacturers.

2. A significant number of patients had a history of poor contact lens practice. For example 13 of the 18 patients had used expired lenses while 11 wore contact lenses while taking naps. 

3. All 18 patients reported using Bausch and Lomb's ReNu multipurpose contact lens solution.

The Ministry of Health strongly advises all contact lens users to practise proper contact lens care as advised by their contact lens practitioners (key points to note are located at the Annex below). While the above findings indicate association rather than causation, in view of the potentially serious adverse visual consequences of fungal corneal infection, it would be prudent, as a precautionary measure, for contact lens users to discontinue using Bausch and Lomb's ReNu multipurpose contact lens solution for the time being, until the causes behind this recent increase in infections can be more clearly ascertained. Contact lens users may wish, in the meantime, to use spectacles instead.

Further investigations are underway to establish the cause of the infection. We will keep the public informed of any further developments.

Annex: Proper Use of Contact Lens

• Practise proper contact lens cleaning and care regimes. Lenses must be rubbed with the fingers and rinsed thoroughly before soaking overnight in a multi-purpose solution.

• Disposable contact lenses must not be used beyond their recommended disposal period.

• The multi-purpose solution in the lens storage case must be changed everyday even if the lenses are not used daily.

• Contact lens storage cases should be replaced at least every three months.

• Users should stop wearing the lenses if they develop any redness, blurring of vision or pain of the eye and to seek consultation with a doctor or contact lens practitioner.