AMO Complete Moisture Plus contact lens solution was recently recalled by its manufacturer due to possible contamination leading to an outbreak of a serious bacterial eye infection. Understanding the details of this recall and its implications for consumer safety is important for protecting lens wearers from potentially blinding infections.
Advanced Medical Optics, one of the largest American manufacturers of contact lens cleaning solution, announced in May 2007 that it would institute a voluntary recall of all bottles of its Complete Moisture Plus Contact Lens Solution. The lens solution manufacturer made the decision to institute the recall based on findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that showed a number of cases of a rare but potentially serious and blinding eye infection that had been associated with the use of lens solution. Those individuals who have used the lens solution are advised to immediately contact a physician if they have experienced and of the following symptoms: blurred vision, sensitivity to light, excessive tearing, eye pain or redness, or the feeling of something in the eye.
According to the CDC, the potentially blinding eye infection, Acanthamoeba Keratitis, has been soundly confirmed in at least 138 individuals since the outbreak began in January 2005. Of these 138, epidemiologists have been able to interview 46, 21 of whom claimed to have used the AMO Moisture Plus contact lens solution. The disease itself is a keratitis, or an inflammation of the cornea, caused by the presence of the Acanthamoeba parasite. This corneal disease is both serious and difficult to treat, as it is resistant to medication and can lead to loss of sight in the patient. Though the CDC has pointed out the the link between the eye disease and Moisture Plus may be preliminary in nature at this point, the solution's manufacturer did not hesitate in recalling the Moisture Plus lens solution, and has additionally advised anyone using the solution to throw away all bottles, in addition to any lenses or lens cases that may have been used with the Moisture Plus solution.
The Moisture Plus recall is not the first recall conducted by AMO, as the company has had previous issues with contamination of its contact lens solution products. In November 2006, AMO instituted a lens solution recall of 2.9 million units of the same Moisture Plus contact lens solution, after contamination was detected within the production line at a Chinese factory. Though the two lens solutions recalls do not appear related, the repeated contamination concerns related to the company have lead many to wonder about AMO's safety record and their liability in any possible Moisture Plus lawsuit. Though at present no such lawsuit has been announced, anyone with questions should contact an experienced Moisture Plus attorney or a contact lens solution law firm, in order to determine AMO's liability in possible damages resulting from the Moisture Plus recall.
Medical Journal Finds NSAIDs Offer More Harm Than Good to Heart Failure Patients
Recently, a medical journal discovered more harmful side effects among patients consuming nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) than helpful side effects among heart failure patients.Peanut Butter Recall Sickens Hundreds, Criminal Probe Continues
The peanut butter recall that has sickened close to 600 individuals and caused the death of at least eight is currently being investigated by government officials, but the peanut butter continues to be recalled and still poses a threat to the health of many Americans.Researchers Study Toxicity Levels of Mesothelioma Treatments
Researchers are attempting to increase the validity of mesothelioma treatments among patients suffering from the fatal condition by testing the highest dosage levels that can be administered to patients without resulting in toxicity levels among individuals.