And believe it or not, this seems to have nothing to do with China.
The CDC is warning people not to use AMO Complete Moisture Plus Multi-Purpose Solution because it has been linked to a rare eye infection. I wear my contacts about half of the time, and I’ve used this solution in the past, but now use a generic multi-purpose. Not that it will save me from anything these days, but I had to go look in my cabinet just to make sure. I know these brands by their look more than by their name.
CDC: Don’t use that contact lens solution
Government officials are warning consumers not to use AMO Complete Moisture Plus Multi-Purpose Solution, a contact lens solution used for cleaning and storing soft contact lenses, because use of the solution may be linked to an increased risk of a rare, yet severe eye infection, the Associated Press reports.
Acanthamoeba keratitis is a painful eye infection that can cause permanent vision loss or blindness. The CDC estimated 85 percent of U.S. cases of the disease occur in contact lens users. The solution of concern is manufactured by the Advanced Medical Optics Inc. based out of Santa Ana, California…
According to the AP, UIC investigators believe amoeba, which is the infection agent, does not get into the solution during the manufacturing process, but that the solution does not prevent the eye infection. People can get the infection when they wear contact lens and swim.
AK, a rare but potentially blinding infection of the cornea, is caused by a ubiquitous, free-living ameba (Acanthamoeba) that is found commonly in the environment, including water (e.g., tap and recreational water), soil, sewage systems, cooling towers, and heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) systems. AK primarily affects otherwise healthy persons who wear contact lenses; an estimated 85% of U.S. cases occur in contact lens wearers (including wearers who follow recommended contact lens-care practices) (1). Persons who improperly store, handle, or disinfect their lenses (e.g., by using tap water or homemade solutions for cleaning); swim, use hot tubs, or shower while wearing lenses; come in contact with contaminated water; have minor damage to their corneas; or have previous corneal trauma are at increased risk for infection (2). Based on an analysis of cases reported to CDC during 1985–1987, the incidence of AK in the United States has been estimated at one to two cases per million contact lens users (3,4). An estimated 30 million persons in the United States wear soft contact lenses (5).
So it affects not just those who swim wearing their contact, but if you wear them while doing anything involving water. My guess the contact gives the amoeba a place to hang on to. So regardless of what solution you use, heed this warning in general about mixing water with your contacts.
This sort of news also makes me think seriously about that laser eye surgery. Every one of my friends who had had it loves it. I worry about going blind, but then someone suggested I have one eye done at a time, so the worse case scenario would be PeterFalk-itis.
Yeah, maybe it’s time to do something about being reliant on contacts and glasses (which I actually find to be a fun fashion statement). Anyone out there have the laser eye surgery? Let me know what you think of it.
Tammy I was wondering myself. I am considering it, but am rather doubtful about it. I can report however, that my sisters-in-law have both had it and LOVED it. For some reason, I don’t want people coming at my eyeballs with a laser..oh and while I do wear glasses, I must admit, I love em. I do. It is a fashion accessory.
Now about the recall. What the heck is next? I am getting paranoid here..can we buy anything anymore without worrying about it? Doubtful..
My father had that procedure done about eight years ago now and he was (& still is) pleased with the results. He still has better vision than I do and I wear contacts! Also, a woman that I used to work with had the same procedure as well but had problems w/ her vision. When she would wake up in the morning she could see clearly, but by the end of the day, her vision was so blurry that she would have to find a ride home. This went on for about two weeks. It all depends on the Dr you use. Just do plenty of research and word of mouth – also, don’t worry about saving $200. I’m sure you’ll love it if you do decide to have the procedure done.
I think I left something out – the woman I used to work w/ did not use the same Dr as my father. She went to some guy locally in the state and my dad went to someone in NYC. I just realized after reading it that I should have been a little more specific 🙂
Tammy – sorry you’re wrong. This has everything to do with China. If you look right on the bottle, it clearly states: MADE IN CHINA!
This is another attack on us by the Chinese. Where will it end?
I had it done 3 years; ago my mom did it 4 years ago; and my uncle did it last year and we are all happy with the results. My experience was the prep work was longer than the actual procedure. They put drops in my eyes; I laid down on a bed; they used some instrument to stop my eyes from blinking then they lasered one eye at a time. I was out of there within 20 minutes, went home, slept for 4 hours, woke up in PAIN, put some tear drops in and felt fine until my eyes dried out again. Had to use lots and lots of tear drops for 2 or 3 months. Well worth it. Except for the funky wrap-around protective glasses I had to wear while sleeping. Not very stylish ;-).
Schmidt & Clark Represents Plaintiff in First U.S. Products Liability Case on Recalled Contact Lens Solution
California Case Alleges Advanced Medical Optics Product Led to Sight-Threatening Infection
Santa Ana, CA June 4, 2007 — The Dallas-based law firm Schmidt & Clark announced today that it represents a Southern California couple in what is believed to be the first personal injury lawsuit brought against the manufacturers of Complete® MoisturePlusâ„¢ contact lens solution since the product was voluntarily recalled on May 25 at the request of the Food & Drug Administration.
The lawsuit, naming ocular products manufacturer Advanced Medical Optics, Inc., and others as defendants, was filed this morning in Orange County Superior Court by well-known products liability litigators Thomas M. Moore and Ronald Labriola of Moore Labriola LLP in Newport Beach, California, who will act as co-counsel on the case.
The lawsuit alleges that plaintiff Michael Connolly, a married 37 year old systems analyst and father of two, developed a serious eye infection in August 2006, which was later diagnosed as Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful and sight-threatening condition caused by a family of organisms most commonly found in soil and water. The infection can be chronic, resistant to treatment, and often requires surgical interventions such as corneal transplantation. It not infrequently leads to blindness.
Connolly, a long-time contact lens user, developed his infection during a time when he was using Complete® MoisturePlus™ solution to clean and disinfect his lenses.
Although considered rare in the general population, Acanthamoeba keratitis is diagnosed most often in contact lens wearers who appear to be unusually susceptible to the infection when lenses are not adequately disinfected.
The complaint cites CDC data suggesting that consumers who disinfected their lenses with Complete® MoisturePlus™ had a seven-fold increased risk of developing Acanthamoeba keratitis compared with those who used other lens disinfectants.
According to the complaint, studies published well before Mr. Connolly’s injury showed that the disinfectant in Complete® MoisturePlus™ was “vastly inferior†to hydrogen peroxide as well as other so-called “multipurpose lens solutions†on the market in eradicating Acanthamoeba.
The Connollys also contend that Advanced Medical Optics and its former parent company, Allergan, Inc., failed to appropriately design or reformulate the solution or warn consumers and that they concealed information concerning the effectiveness of the product for fear of losing market share in the competitive eye care industry. “Simply put,†said Schmidt & Clark partner Michael Schmidt, “the defendants apparently decided they would rather have their customers face the risk of infection than risk their own financial interests.â€
According to the lawsuit, Mr. Connolly’s infection remains unresolved, and he suffers from significant vision loss and eye pain. He claims that the infection adversely affected his career and he lives in fear that his vision will be permanently and severely damaged. Connolly’s wife, Jennifer, also filed a companion claim based on the impact of her husband’s illness on their home life. “These are good, hardworking people who don’t deserve to be put through this ordeal,†said Schmidt, who also noted that his firm is currently investigating a number of Complete® MoisturePlus™ claims and expects additional lawsuits to follow.
The complaint seeks unspecified compensatory damages as well as punitive damages for conduct that the Connollys call “despicable.â€
http://www.schmidtandclark.com/Complete-MoisturePLUS/