Bausch & Lomb Asks Stores to Pull ReNu

Monday, April 17th 2006, 10:34 am

By: News On 6

A popular contact lens cleaner is being looked at as a prime suspect in an eye fungus infection around the country. Now the company that makes the product is putting Tulsa eye care businesses in a pickle.

News on 6 anchor Scott Thompson says Bausch and Lomb sent optic shops a fax Monday, urging them to stop using the cleaning solution in question. It's called "ReNu with Moisture Lock". There's no direct link yet, but when doctors looked at 30 people infected, 26 had used that product.

At the "Kids Point of View" in Tulsa, it's the most popular cleaning solution they use. In fact, it's standard issue with any new prescription. But now, the staff is stockpiling its supply, until Bausch and Lomb finishes their investigation.

If it's ruled safe, they'll continue to dispense the product. In the meantime, they're turning to safe alternatives, but so is the rest of the country and their orders for extra supplies aren't coming any time soon. Optician Kim Sullivan: "We don't have them yet, so I think everyone will be running out."

The alternative suppliers say all they can do is give the shop coupons, so they can go out and pick up other solutions at the drug store. And even though there hasn't been a documented case yet in Tulsa, doctors are urging patients to switch solutions, and throw away contacts that have been soaking in the Bausch and Lomb product.

Of course, they say priority number one in preventing this kind of eye infection is to take care of your eyes by practicing good hygiene.