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Updated: Jul 18, 2026
Development of an In Vitro Ocular Platform to Test Contact Lenses
Published on: April 6, 2016
Report on testing from an investigation of fusarium keratitis in contact lens wearers
Brian Levy1, David Heiler, Sue Norton
1Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY, USA. blevy@bausch.com
Purpose:
Recent reports of disproportionate outbreaks of microbial keratitis caused by Fusarium solani have led to the removal of the Bausch & Lomb multipurpose lens care solution ReNu With MoistureLoc ("MoistureLoc") from the global market. Previous studies have shown an increased risk of contact lens-related corneal infection in connection with overnight wear, noncompliant lens wearing and lens care behaviors, specific treatment regimens, and other patient-related and non-patient-related factors. The purpose of the laboratory evaluations reported in this article were to observe the effects of levels of simulated lens care noncompliance on the antimicrobial efficacy of multipurpose solutions following recent reports of F. solani keratitis.
Methods:
Two multipurpose contact lens care solutions, MoistureLoc and ReNu MultiPlus multipurpose solution ("ReNu MultiPlus"), were tested under conditions that attempted to simulate the possible effect of the noncompliant behaviors reported to Bausch & Lomb as part of the investigation into cases of Fusarium keratitis. Testing conditions included simulated multiple reuse of solutions and evaporation of solutions.
Results:
The biocidal efficacy of MoistureLoc and other tested solutions was reduced under conditions that simulated the possible impact of solution reuse. Further investigation of MoistureLoc and ReNu MultiPlus suggests that although efficacy with ReNu MultiPlus was maintained across a variety of noncompliant conditions, the MoistureLoc formula could be rendered less effective under certain conditions.
Conclusions:
Under conditions simulating the possible impact of noncompliance, the MoistureLoc solution showed reduced biocidal efficacy. In contrast, ReNu MultiPlus retained a higher level of biocidal activity under the same conditions.
Insights
Simulated noncompliance reduced the effectiveness of MoistureLoc contact lens solution. ReNu MultiPlus maintained its antimicrobial efficacy, even with improper lens care behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Recent Fusarium solani keratitis outbreaks linked to Bausch & Lomb's MoistureLoc solution prompted its market withdrawal.
- Contact lens-related infections are associated with factors like overnight wear, poor hygiene, and noncompliant care practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of simulated noncompliant lens care behaviors on the antimicrobial efficacy of multipurpose contact lens solutions.
- To investigate the specific effects on ReNu With MoistureLoc (MoistureLoc) and ReNu MultiPlus multipurpose solution.
Main Methods:
- Tested MoistureLoc and ReNu MultiPlus under simulated conditions of solution reuse and evaporation.
- Mimicked noncompliant lens care behaviors reported during investigations of Fusarium keratitis cases.
Main Results:
- Biocidal efficacy of MoistureLoc was reduced by simulated solution reuse and evaporation.
- ReNu MultiPlus demonstrated maintained efficacy across various noncompliant conditions.
- MoistureLoc's formula showed reduced effectiveness under specific noncompliant scenarios.
Conclusions:
- Simulated noncompliance significantly reduced the biocidal efficacy of MoistureLoc.
- ReNu MultiPlus retained a higher level of antimicrobial activity under tested noncompliant conditions.
- Findings highlight the importance of proper contact lens solution usage for maintaining efficacy.