The US Food and Drug Administration released a warning to healthcare professionals and their patients who are using soft contact lenses regarding the voluntary recall of Complete MoisturePlus Multi-Purpose Solution which is produced by the Advanced Medical Optics of Santa Ana, California. The recall was made due to some reports of uncommon but severe eye infections known as Acanthamoeba keratitis, caused by some parasite. The connection between the solution and the infection was detected and determined as a result of an investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or CDC.

Health Risks

The Acanthamoeba keratitis may result in loss of vision and may require a corneal transplant for some patients. The infection affects individuals who wear contact lenses. FDA stated that Acanthemoeba keratitis infections may happen in estimated two out of every one million contact lens users in the US annually. But in a multi-state investigation to check into the recent increase in Acanthamoeba keratitis infections, CDC declared that there is seven times greater of the risks of AK infections for those who are using CompleteMoisturePlus solution against those who are not.

Advice for Consumers

FDA is recommending to its customers who wear soft contact lenses to discontinue using the Complete MoisturePlus solution, dispose of all partly-used or unopened bottles and replace their lenses and storage container.

All contact lens users must follow the following guidelines to avoid eye infections:

• Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them before touching or handling contact lenses.
• Use only fresh cleaning or disinfecting solution every time you are cleaning and storing your contact lenses. Refrain from re-using or utilizing old solution.
• Clean your contact lenses according to the directions of the producer and instructions from an eye care expert.
• Get rid of contact lenses before any activity which entails contact with water, which includes showering, using hot tubs, or swimming.
• Refrain from using saline solution and re-wetting drops to disinfect lenses. None of this solution is effective and approved disinfectant.
• Wear and replace contact lenses based on the schedule given by your eye care specialist.
• Schedule eye examinations regularly with your eye care professional.
• Replace storage cases at least once in every three months.
• Storage cases must be irrigated with sterile contact lens solution and avoid using tap water and leave it open to dry after every use.
• Store lenses in a proper storage case designed for contact lenses.

The Advanced Medical Optics Company through its official website released a statement that for consumers who believe that they have the recalled lens solution, must discontinue using it immediately and call 1-888-899-9183.  Advanced Medical Optics will keep on providing business and customers with information and instructions for return and replacement of the product.