Complete MoisturePlus - Keratitis Eye Infections

FDA MoisturePlus Keratitis Alert

Advanced Medical Optics Recalls Complete MoisturePlus Contact Lens Solution
May 26, 2007

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting health care professionals and their patients who wear soft contact lenses about a voluntary recall ( see Complete MoisturePlus Recall ) of Complete MoisturePlus Multi Purpose Solution manufactured by Advanced Medical Optics of Santa Ana, Ca.

The company is taking this action as a precaution because of reports of a rare, but serious, eye infection, Acanthamoeba keratitis caused by a parasite. The link between the solution and the infection was identified as a result of an investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Consumers who wear soft contact lenses should stop using the solution, discard all partially-used or unopened bottles and replace their lenses and storage container."We believe the company acted responsibly in taking this voluntary action and support their decision to be proactive in the interest of public health," said Daniel Schultz, M.D., director of FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health. "FDA and CDC are working closely with the company to collect additional information and we will continue to alert consumers and advise them as more information becomes available."

Acanthamoeba keratitis may lead to vision loss with some patients requiring a corneal transplant. The infection primarily affects otherwise healthy people who wear contact lenses.Consumers should ask their doctor about choosing an appropriate alternative cleaning/disinfecting product and seek immediate treatment if they have symptoms of eye infection as early diagnosis is important for effective treatment. The symptoms of Acanthamoeba keratitis can be very similar to those of other more common eye infections and may include eye pain or redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, sensation of something in the eye or excessive tearing but Acanthamoeba is more difficult to treat.

It is estimated that Acanthamoeba keratitis infections occur in approximately 2 out of every 1 million contact lens users in the United States each year. However, in a multi-state investigation to evaluate a recent increase in Acanthamoeba keratitis cases, CDC determined that the risk of developing AK was at least seven times greater for those consumers who used Complete MoisturePlus solution versus those who did not. Additional information regarding the CDC results is available at the CDC website http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm56d526a1.htm.
"The ongoing CDC investigation is a collaborative effort," said Michael Beach, M.D., a Division of Parasitic Diseases team leader with CDC. "We are working with FDA, state, territory, university, and clinical partners in an effort to further understand whether usage or contamination of this solution led to these Acanthamoeba infections."

• All contact lens users should closely adhere to the following measures to help prevent eye infections
• Remove contact lenses before any activity involving contact with water, including showering, using a hot tub, or swimming.
• Wash hands with soap and water and dry them before handling contact lenses.
• Clean contact lenses according to manufacturer guidelines and instructions from an eye care professional.
• Use fresh cleaning or disinfecting solution each time lenses are cleaned and stored. Never reuse or top off old solution.
• Never use saline solution and rewetting drops to disinfect lenses. Neither solution is an effective or approved disinfectant.
• Schedule regular eye exams with your eye care professional.
• Wear and replace contact lenses according to the schedule prescribed by your eye care professional.
• Store lenses in a proper storage case.
• Storage cases should be irrigated with sterile contact lens solution (never use tap water) and left open to dry after each use.
• Replace storage cases at least once every three months.

Legal Help for Keratitis Contact Lens Solution Victims

If you or a loved one has used contact solution and have been recently diagnosed with keratitis, then you may have a right to file individual legal action against the product manufacturer. Due to the nature of this serious infection, consumers diagnosed with keratitis are urged to contact an attorney immediately after they have been informed of their diagnosis. Many important legal issues need to be addressed after a keratitis diagnosis that can possibly affect the outcome of civil litigation. The laws and theories of liability in each state are varied and can limit the amount of time a consumer has to file a lawsuit (statute of limitations). If one waits too long to file a lawsuit, then they may be barred or prevented from bringing such claim, lawsuit or remedy for their injuries and damages.

If you or a loved one has developed keratitis, call us for a free confidential consultation. We understand the complications of serious eye infections like keratitis and are here to help answer your questions. Call or submit our Complete Moisture PlusKeritits Lawsuit form for a free case evaluation. No fees or expenses charged, unless we make a recovery for you: 1-800-883-9858.