Contact Lens Users at Increased Risk for Vision Threatening Condition; Bascom Palmer Ophthalmologist Reports Notable Increase in Number of Serious Eye Infections in South Florida and Throughout the World.

MIAMI -- Cornea specialists at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine have documented an increased incidence of an aggressive form of fungal corneal infection that appears to be related to soft contact lens use. Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D., Professor of Ophthalmology and Edward W.D. Norton Chair in Ophthalmology, confirms treating an unusually large number of patients with fusarium keratitis, a potentially sight-threatening corneal infection normally associated with eye trauma involving fungus from plant or vegetable matter or soil.

"This is quickly becoming a cause for alarm. We have mobilized cornea specialists throughout the world to hasten our understanding of the spread of this particular type of fungus and have learned of a sudden increase in the number of cases in the U.S., Singapore, Malaysia and Australia," said Alfonso, cornea and external disease specialist and Medical Director of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute's Microbiology Laboratory.

This high incidence of fungal corneal infections is unprecedented as most corneal infections related to contact lens use had previous been bacterial in nature, which is significantly less complicated to treat than fungal infections. Soft contact lens use has been the only identified risk factor in the majority of the cases seen between January and March 2006 at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute's Miami facility, where 21 cases have been identified of which 12 are contact lens users. Between 2000 and 2005, the average number of fusarium keratitis cases was 21 per year. Usually, less than 2 percent of these cases have been in contact lens users. Keratitis is a term used to define a wide variety of infections, irritations, and inflammations of the cornea, the transparent covering of the front of the eye. Keratitis is also known as a corneal ulcer.

These findings create an added concern for cornea specialists. "An increased danger exists in that eye care specialists, who may routinely see contact lens wearers develop bacterial infections, may not be aware of this marked increase in fungal infection and may not take cultures. The delay in proper treatment for fusarium keratitis may make it more difficult to treat later on," explained Alfonso.

Speculation about the source of the infection has baffled cornea specialists worldwide. While most species of fusarium are more common in tropical and subtropical areas, some inhabit the soil in cold climates. Bascom Palmer's ophthalmologists continue careful scrutiny to find a common denominator.

Current treatment for fusarium keratitis may include anti-fungal medication. Some patients with this fungal infection have experienced a significant loss of vision, resulting in the need for a corneal transplant.

Bascom Palmer doctors urge anyone who experiences the following symptoms to contact an ophthalmologist immediately:

--Sudden blurred vision

--Unusual redness

--Pain in your eye

--Excessive tearing or discharge from your eye

--Increased light sensitivity

"While we continue to search for the source of these increased infections, it is imperative that soft contact lens users are reminded of the importance of safe handling, storage and cleaning of their lenses," added Alfonso.

Proper care of contact lenses

--Wash your hands with soap and dry them using a lint-free towel prior to handling contact lenses or touching your eye.

--Wear your contact lenses according to the schedule prescribed by your doctor.

--Properly clean and disinfect your contact lenses each time you remove them from your eyes.

--Lenses must be rubbed with the fingers and rinsed thoroughly before soaking overnight in a multi-purpose solution.

--Daily cleaning is necessary to remove mucous, film and eye residue, while disinfecting kills germs that may cause eye infections.

--Immediately after you insert your contact lenses, clean your contact lens case. Allow it to dry and keep it open until your lenses are replaced in it. Fill the lens case with enough solution to cover the lens.

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

--Your contact lens solution must be changed everyday, even if the lenses are not used daily.

--Replace your contact lens storage case every three months.

About Bascom Palmer Eye Institute

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine is ranked the best eye hospital in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Having earned an international reputation as one of the premier providers of eye care in the world, Bascom Palmer is also ranked #1 in patient care and #1 in residency training by Ophthalmology Times. As the largest ophthalmic care, research and educational facility in the southeastern United States, more than 200,000 patients with nearly every ophthalmic condition are treated each year and more than 10,000 surgeries are performed annually. Founded in 1962, Bascom Palmer has patient care facilities in Miami, Palm Beach Gardens, Naples, and Plantation, Florida. For additional information about Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, please contact Cynthia Birch at [phone], [e-mail] or visit the website at http://www.bascompalmer.org