Optometrists Support AMO's Voluntary Contact Lens Solution Recall

ST. LOUIS: Following Advanced Medical Optics' voluntary recall on Friday of its Complete(R) MoisturePlus(TM) brand contact lens solution, doctors of optometry from the American Optometric Association's (AOA) Contact Lens and Cornea Section concur with the company's decision to remove the product nationwide.

Although a cause has not been officially determined, health officials from the federal government are investigating reports that Acanthamoeba keratitis, a corneal bacterial infection, has been potentially linked to the Complete(R) MoisturePlus(TM) brand contact lens solution.

"Patients should immediately discontinue using Complete(R) MoisturePlus(TM) until further notice and should continue to watch for additional information from the FDA and CDC as the investigation continues," said Jack Schaeffer, O.D., chair of the Contact Lens and Cornea Section of the AOA. "This is a serious infection that can cause permanent loss of sight. It is crucial that the public and eye care professionals are aware and remain vigilant to quickly diagnose and initiate treatment of this serious eye infection."

According to the AOA, Acanthamoeba are microscopic amoeba commonly found in the environment, which rarely cause infections. When infection does occur, however, it can be extremely serious and can threaten a person's vision. Recently, there have been reports of increasing incidences of Acanthamoeba keratitis. Co-infection with a bacterial keratitis is common both in contact lens cases and on the cornea, which can complicate prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the infection. Proper contact lens hygiene and compliance can prevent Acanthamoeba keratitis.