The Centre for Health Protection will investigate a possible link between Baush & Lomb's ReNu multipurpose contact lens solution and fungal keratitis cases, following the recent increase in the number of such cases in Singapore.

More  Baush & Lomb's contact lens solutions will also be tested for fungus and other microbes.

The centre said so far seven cases of fungal corneal infections were reported in Singapore earlier this year. All of them are contact lens users. According to the Singapore Ministry of Health, of 19 affected people identified since May last year, 18 used Bausch & Lomb's ReNu multipurpose contact lens solution.

The centre's investigations last year revealed some local fungal keratitis patients had also recalled using Bausch & Lomb's contact lens solution.

The company said the incident was not attributable to the product. Sterility tests by the centre for samples of the products bought from local market were also negative for fungal infections.

In Hong Kong, the number of fungal kertitis cases admitted to public hospitals has remained stable in the past six months, with a monthly average of two to three cases.

The public should clean and disinfect their contact lens properly. Doctors will be alerted about the situation and asked to look out for fungal keratitis infections.