Markham, ON: On May 25 2007, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory regarding Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) Complete MoisturePlus Multi-Purpose Contact Lens Solution, and three days later, AMO Canada recalled all of it's AMO contact lens solution.
The CDC reported that, since January 2005, 46 patients had developed Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK): a rare, but serious infection of the cornea. Of the 46 patients, 39 wore soft contact lenses and 21 reported using Complete® All-In-One MoisturePlusTM contact lens solution.
Acanthamoeba is a microorganism commonly found in water, soil, sewage systems, cooling towers, and heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) systems. AK usually occurs in contact lens wearers who improperly store, handle and disinfect their lenses (e.g., clean their lenses with tap water or homemade solutions), swim, use hot tubs and/or shower while wearing lenses, come in contact with contaminated water; have minor damage to their corneas, or have previous corneal trauma.
Health Canada is currently working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the CDC and AMO to further assess the data. Health Canada advises consumers to discontinue use of the solution until more information is available.
If you have any of the following symptoms, Health Canada advises that you contact your eye doctor:
- Eye pain
- Redness in Eyes
- Blurred vision
- Light Sensitivity
- Sensation of something in the eye
- Excessive tearing
The CDC is asking consumers to throw away all open and unopened bottles of Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) Complete MoisturePlus Multi-Purpose Solution. Before doing so, you may want to check with a lawyer. And keep your receipts.
AMO Eye Infection Articles
AMO Canada: More SufferersIf only people like Susan Verver and Jennifer knew sooner that AMO Complete MoisturePlus contact lens solution was the cause of their eye infections, they might not have had to endure so much pain and in Jennifer's case, irreparable cornea damage.
AMO Canada: What Recall?
If Michelle didn't know about prior contact lens solution recalls such as Renu, she might not have googled AMO Complete MoisturePlus. And then she sought medical help immediately was because the ID number on her bottle of AMO had been recalled.
AMO Lens Solution Canada: Two Accounts
AMO Lens Solution Canada should be Accountable
Increase in Canadian AK Infections: Link to AMO?
AMO: Did Recalled Lens Solution Remain on Canadian Store Shelves?
AMO Canada Lawsuit: Interview with Lawyer Joel Rochon
AMO Complete MoisturePlus Caused Living Hell
AMO Lens Solution Canada in the News
AUG-16-07: An art student in Baltimore did not hear about the AMO lens solution recall and developed a serious eye infection that could have blinded him. He had been given the bottle of solution prior to the recall by his eye doctor. [NPR: AMO SOLUTION]AUG-10-07: The CDC warned that at least four cases of severe eye infection occured after AMO lens solution was recalled. The FDA has asked AMO to step up its effors to alert consumers about the recall. [OPTICIAN ONLINE: AMO]
AUG-03-07: Over a quarter of contact lens users who developed an eye infection that has been linked to AMO Complete MoisturePlus lens solution required corneal transplants to repair damage to their eyes. [TIMES: AMO LENS SOLUTION]
AUG-01-07: The FDA has expressed concern that some users of AMO lens solution may still be using the product despite it being recalled in May. Consumers, including those in Canada, should check their lens solution to make sure they are not using the recalled product. [UPI: AMO CANADA]
JUL-04-07: A Newfoundland woman who lost vision in her right eye was using AMO lens solution when she developed a rare eye infection. The woman is now awaiting a corneal transplant. [CBC: AMO LENS SOLUTION CANADA]
MAY-28-07: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control estimate that AMO MoisturePlus users are seven times more likely to contract the Acanthamoeba keratitis infection. Meanwhile, some Toronto retailers were still stocking AMO, unaware of the recall. [STAR: AMO SOLUTION]
MAY-28-07: Canadian consumers have been warned to discontinue use of AMO MoisturePlus Solution until further notice. The product has been pulled from store shelves after it was linked to a rare eye infection. [CTV NEWS: AMO SOLUTION]
