The Department of Health (DH) supports the decision of Bausch & Lomb (Hong Kong) Ltd (B&L) to voluntarily suspend sales of its ReNu multipurpose solution in Hong Kong.
A DH spokesman today (February 22) said the arrangement is a prudent and precautionary measure in view of the detection of cases of fungal corneal infections (keratitis) involving users of the solution in Singapore and Hong Kong. DH expressed concern over the development in the country and held a teleconference with Singapore Ministry of Health yesterday (February 21) to exchange information on fungal infections of the two places. The department also met with representatives of B&L, microbiological experts, ophthalmologist, optometrists and Consumer Council on the same day to discuss the situation in Hong Kong. The department advised B&L to look into the problem and take necessary measures to protect local consumer. Updated information from Singapore showed that there have been 39 cases since 2005 with a spike of cases in January 2006. Thirty-four of these 39 cases said that they had used a ReNu multipurpose solution by B&L. In Hong Kong, the average number of fungal keratitis cases between June 2005 and January this year based on the Hospital Authority's in-patient discharge records was two to three per month. "Of the 16 cases interviewed by DH during this period, 12 reported having used the product on repeated interviews. DH is conducting sterility tests on the product, and preliminary results are expected later this week." "DH and its Singapore counterparts are jointly investigating the cause for this phenomenon," the spokesman said. DH also approached international authorities to inquire if cases of fungal keratitis involving contact lens users were also reported in other countries, he added. "We will continue to maintain close liaison with B&L to monitor the development and will provide updated information to the public," the spokesman said. He pointed out that a letter to doctor has been issued earlier alerting them to fungal keratitis and asking them to refer such cases to ophthalmologists. "DH has solicited support from optometrists and ophthalmologists to enhance public education on the proper use of contact lens and contact lens solutions," the spokesman said. Contact lens users are advised to consult optometrists/ophthalmologists for professional advice, and to observe the following measures:
DH has set up a hotline (2125 2727) to answer public enquiries. It will be operated up to 9 pm today and during office hours from tomorrow onwards.