Advanced Medical Optics is recalling its product-Complete Moisture Plus, a contact lens solution from the markets after reports of a rare, grave eye infection being linked to the use of this product. This is not the first time the product has been embroiled in controversy. In November last year, 2.9 million packets of the same product were pulled off the shelf following reports of a bacterial contamination.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the causative agent of the rare eye infection Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is Acanthamoeba. This organism is present in soil, water, sewage systems and air conditioning systems. The infection occurs due to improper storage, handling or disinfection of lenses and through the contact lenses being exposed to contaminated water.
Reddening of the eyes, excessive tearing and sensitivity to light, eye pain and irritation of the eyes characterize this infection. It is difficult to tell apart these symptoms of Acanthamoeba keratitis from other eye infections. However, this infection poses a severe threat in the form of loss of vision due to its impact on the cornea. Therefore, CDC officials have advised people using the Complete Moisture Plus product to not only get rid of the solution but also discard the contact lenses they have been using altogether.
Advanced Medical Optics is not the only company to have its contact lens solution linked to a severe eye infection. Similarly, Bausch & Lomb Inc. also had its product, Moisture Loc removed from the market after reports of a serious eye infection being linked to the usage of its product.
The question to be asked is how safe are these products going to be in the future and what is a consumer risking by using these products?
Image: Lensandframes
Via: Topix