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Recalled AMO Moisture Plus Lens Solution Linked To Dangerous Eye Infection

December 11, 2007

Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) announced a recall of its product, Complete Moisture Plus Contact Lens Solution, in response to an investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). AMO Moisture Plus has been linked to a rare but serious eye infection called Ancathamoeba keratitis. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has also alerted health professionals about the recall which was announced on May 25, 2007.

What Is Ancathamoeba Keratitis

Ancathamoeba keratitis is an infection caused by free-living ameba (Ancathamoeba), a microscopic organism found throughout nature, including water, soil, sewage systems, and heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Ancathamoeba keratitis is a serious eye infection of the cornea. The infection can eventually cause severe pain and vision loss. In some cases, a corneal transplant is required.

In the United States, approximately 85% of cases of Ancathamoeba keratitis occur in contact lens users. The incidence of the disease in the U.S. is one to two cases per million contact lens users, according to the CDC.

Symptoms of Ancathamoeba Keratis

According to the FDA, contact lens wearers should contact their eye doctor immediately if they experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Eye pain
  • Eye redness
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sensation of something in the eye
  • Excessive tearing

The symptoms are not the same for everybody. If there is any doubt, lens wearers should error on the side of caution and consult their eye doctor right away. Although its symptoms may be very similar to other eye infections, Ancathamoeba keratitis can result in permanent damage and may require a corneal transplant.

AMO Complete Moisture Plus Substantially Increases Risk of Eye Infection

The CDC has received reports of 138 cases of Ancathamoeba keratitis in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, with complete patient data of 46 patient cases. Thirty-nine of the forty six case patients wore soft contact lenses. Of these 39 patients, 21 (or 58%) reported using AMO Moisture Plus in the month before symptoms began. According to the CDC, the risk of Ancathamoeba keratitis is at least seven times greater for those who used AMO' Complete Moisture Plus versus those who did not.

When to Contact An AMO Product Liability Attorney

Infections associated with contact lens solutions can lead to potentially devastating injuries, including partial or complete blindness. Several lens products have been recalled, including those manufactured by AMO and Baush & Loumb. However, even products which have not been recalled may still pose an unreasonable risk of danger.

In the event you or someone you know has suffered a serious eye infection or other eye injury after using AMO' Complete Moisture Plus or other contact lens product, make sure to contact an experienced product liability attorney experienced in complex personal injury cases.

Safety Tips For Contact Lens Wearers: CDC

The CDC advises that all contact lens users employ the following prevention measures to help prevent eye infections:

  1. See an eye care professional for regular eye examinations.
  2. Wear and replace contact lenses according to the schedule prescribed by an eye care professional.
  3. Remove contact lenses before any activity involving contact with water, including showering, using a hot tub, or swimming.
  4. Wash hands with soap and water and dry before handling contact lenses.
  5. Clean contact lenses according to manufacturer' suggested guidelines and

    instructions from an eye care professional. (Use fresh cleaning or disinfecting solution each time lenses are cleaned or stored. Never use or top off old solution. In addition, never use saline solution and rewetting drops to disinfect lenses. Neither solution is an effective or approved disinfectant.)

  6. Store reusable lenses in the proper storage case. (Storage cases should be rinsed with sterile lens solution — never tap water — and left open to dry after each use. Also, replace storage cases at least once every three months.

For additional information from the CDC, please refer to their website at www.cdc.gov.

Posted by Jason M. Kroot, Chicago Personal Injury Attorney of Kroot Law, LLC

 
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