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Has anyone else had problems with Muro 128 ointment from Bausch & Lomb lately? And is there an alternative?
I have been using this product for prevention of corneal erosion for over 25 years and starting late last year, it has become painful to use.
I still have a tiny bit of batch # 144243 (expires 4/14) which I bought early last year. It is perfectly soothing to use, as were all purchases over a quarter century until last fall.
Unfortunately, later batches I've purchased #176932 (expires 1/16) and #179272 are painful to use. (Ever touch your eye with a rough finger? - Kind of feels like that.) I bought these in the fall last year, but only began using them last month. (1/14)
I spoke to the customer service department at Bausch & Lomb and they tell me the product has not been reformulated. I even sent two tubes of the stuff back to their quality control department more than three weeks ago, but have not heard back.
So two questions:
1. Has the problem been noted by someone else?
2. What alternative products are available?
Thank-you.
I have always used the 5% sodium chloride concentration and have never heard of any other formulation. In any event all batches were labeled at 5%.
I'd emphasize that I've never had discomfort with the product before except if I jabbed myself with the applicator which was very rare. But the new stuff feels like I jabbed myself.
The drops never worked for me. In fact, they seemed to dry out my eyes faster than with nothing at all.
I apply 5% saline ointment before bed. Until these new batches, it was always very comfortable, in fact soothing. My vision would be blurred, but that never bothered me as I was going to bed.
Since starting use of the product in 1988 it has never hurt before this year. And I know my eyes have not changed since the old batch still feels just fine.
I really want an alternative product if Bausch & Lomb can't return to whatever it was they were doing successfully for 25+ years.
3 Answers
- David ELv 77 years agoFavorite Answer
First of all, there are two concentrations available in Muro 128. It sounds like you have looked at the packaging very carefully but is it possible that you are using the one with the higher concentration of salt and it stings more? Freshkote is not a hyperosmotic but it has been shown to be effective in treating conditions where an hyperosmotic is called for. I have attached an article.
Most of us are under the impression that Muro 128 stings everyone. There is a reason for the expression "salt in your wounds". I am sure you know the active ingredient is salt.
I thought it was available in 10% and 5%. It turns out it is available in 2% and 5%. I was either wrong or things have changed. It is possible that 2% will be less irritating than 5% is.
A more careful reading of your question also reveals that you are using ointment. Have you tried drops?
I have forgotten most of the chemistry I learned. It kind of sounds like the salt has crystallized. I am not sure how that works in an ointment. Perhaps the tubes you have were subjected to cold or hot temperatures. It might be worth buying another tube and using it fresh from the store.
- Anonymous7 years ago
Hi, I'm wondering if you ever figured out what was going on with your Muro? I am having the EXACT same problem! Ever since December 2013 (I just started a new pack of Muro) I had the exact same problem! The pain was excruciating! It legit felt like my eyes were being slit open... I thought It was just me! I've been to 5 doctors and a corneal specialist because I thought I had something wrong with my eyes.. None of them saw anything wrong so it MUST be the Muro. I really don't know what to do.. IF I dont use it I have an erosion.. if I do use it, they hurt like hell! I've been applying Refresh Ointment before adding just a little bit of Muro and I find it takes some of the sting away.. I guess it dilutes it or something.. but I still wake up with irritated eyes all the time! And I've been using Muro ever since getting Lasik surgery 3 years ago... it has never given me a problem until last month! Seriously don't know what to do... have you found something else that works??
