Some users of the contact lens solution Opti-Free Replenish have been diagnosed with S. maltophilia, a bacteria that is resistant to antibiotic treatments.
Need a Texas Opti-Free Replenish Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with an eye infection, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit in Texas.
What is Opti-Free Replenish?
Opti-Free Replenish is a disinfecting solution for reconditioning contacts lenses, including soft contacts and silicone hydrogel. It is manufactured by Alcon Laboratories, Inc., a division of Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
What is the problem?
Some users of Opti-Free Replenish have been diagnosed with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, an antibiotic-resistant type of bacteria that is commonly found in water. Infections are extremely difficult to treat because the bacteria is resistant to nearly all antibiotics, including the last-resort carbapenem antibiotics.
S. Maltophilia Eye Infections
In the last two decades S. maltophilia infections have become increasingly common. Several studies have isolated it in contact lens solutions and storage cases. It is also sometimes found on hospital equipment, such as catheters and ventilators.
Unlike most bacteria, S. maltophilia can survive in ultrapure water, even after the water has been purified by filtration, reverse osmosis, UV exposure, or deionization. In 2012, it was called an “emerging global threat” in a study published by Clinical Microbial Review.
S. maltophilia has a low virulence, meaning it does not usually cause infections in healthy adults. The problem is that the eye is very delicate, and even mild infections with antibiotic-resistant bacteria can potentially lead to devastating vision loss or even blindness.
What Should I Do?
If you use Opti-Free Replenish, it is a good idea to be vigilant for symptoms of an eye infection and contact your doctor if you develop serious eye problems. Symptoms may include eye pain, excessive wateriness or redness, discharge that is crusty in the morning, blurry vision, loss of vision, and more.
Types of Eye Infections
S. maltophilia has been associated with the following types of eye infections:
- Corneal inflammation
- Conjunctivitis
- Keratitis
- Dacryocystitis
- Preseptal cellulitis
- Corneal ulcers
- Endophthalmitis
- Orbital cellulitis
Other Types of Infections
S. maltophilia primarily causes infections in sick patients, such as those with cystic fibrosis, HIV, cancer, recent surgery, neutropenia, and more. Infections can occur in many areas of the body.
In 1998, Clinical Microbial Review published a study linking S. maltophilia to the following types of infections:
- Bacteremia
- Endocarditis
- Respiratory tract infection
- Pneumonia
- Central nervous system infection
- Eye infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections
Need a Opti-Free Replenish Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas Opti-Free Replenish lawyers for a free lawsuit review.
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