Contact lens wearers remain unaware of Complete MoisturePlus Recall
Over two months ago, Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. issued a nationwide recall of their multi-purpose contact lens solution, Complete MoisturePlus. Serious and potentially blinding eye infections, known as Acanthamoeba keratitis, have been linked to the solution, yet many contact lens wearers remain unaware of the Complete MoisturePlus recall and continue to use the solution.
>>INFORMATION: Complete MoisturePlus Recall
The continued use of AMO Complete MoisturePlus poses a serious public health risk. Users of the multi-purpose lens cleaner face a 16 times greater risk of developing Acanthamoeba keratitis, a parasitic eye infection which could lead to permanent vision loss. According to data from federal health officials, over 25% of those who have suffered from Acanthamoeba keratitis after using Complete MoisturePlus have required a corneal transplant.
>>INFORMATION: Acanthamoeba keratitis
The Complete Moisture Plus recall was initially issued on May 25, 2007, but Advanced Medical Optics has not done much to notify consumers of the dangers associated with their product. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that millions of bottles remain in homes throughout the United States and several new cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis have been linked to use of the lens solution since it was removed from the market.
Data presented in a field report from the CDC highlights the lack of information provided to the public. The CDC interviewed 151 healthy contact lens wearers who have not suffered from Acanthamoeba keratitis. Over half of those interviewed were unaware that there had been a recall and less than one quarter were aware which product was removed from the market. Fifteen of those interviewed used Complete MoisturePlus during the month before the recall, and 12 of them remained unaware of the dangers and were still using the product.
Many question why Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. has not done more to notify customers about the Complete MoisturePlus recall, and fully inform them of the risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis. The company has done no television, radio or newspaper advertising . They apparently decided to merely rely on press releases, government bulletins and the independent media to do their job of informing the public.
Last year, Bausch & Lomb, Inc. recalled their popular multi-purpose contact lens solution, ReNu with MoistureLoc, after it was tied to cases of Fusarium keratitis, a fungal eye infection. Although Bausch & Lomb was sharply criticized for delaying their recall even after they were aware of the problems, once the recall was announced, they made sure that individuals were aware of the problems through national television advertisements, radio spots and newspaper announcements.
COMPLETE MOISTURE PLUS LAWSUITS
Thousands of users who have suffered from severe eye infections after using Complete MoisturePlus are pursuing potential lawsuits against the manufacturer. The product recall lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent victims of Acanthamoeba keratitis throughout the United States. If you, a friend or family member experienced any of the following symptoms after using AMO Complete Moisture Plus, compensation may be available.
- Eye pain
- Redness in the eyes
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Feeling something in the eye
- Excessive tearing
