CDC: Recall of AMO Complete Moisture Plus Multi-Purpose Lens Solution

[chera]

Government officials are warning consumers not to use AMO Complete Moisture Plus Multi-Purpose Solution, a contact lens solution used for cleaning and storing soft contact lenses, because use of the solution may be linked to an increased risk of a rare, yet severe eye infection, the Associated Press reports.

The warning was announced after an ongoing government investigation found a potential association between use of the contact lens solution and an increased risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Acanthamoeba keratitis is a painful eye infection that can cause permanent vision loss or blindness. The CDC estimated 85 percent of U.S. cases of the disease occur in contact lens users.  According to the AP, UIC investigators believe amoeba, which is the infection agent, does not get into the solution during the manufacturing process, but that the solution does not prevent the eye infection. People can get the infection when they wear contact lens and swim.

AMO said in its statement that “consumers who believe they are in possession of the recalled product should discontinue use immediately and call 1-888-899-9183. The company is currently contacting retailers, customers and distributors regarding return and replacement instructions.”

The CDC estimated that one or two out of one million of contact lens users are affected by Acanthamoeba keratitis, meaning that about 35 to 70 out of 35 million contact lens users in the US suffer from the infection each year.

For more information about the eye disease, read http://0-www.cdc.gov.mill1.sjlibrary.org/ncidod/dpd/parasites/acanthamoeba/factsht_acanthamoeba.htm

This is an official CDC HEALTH ADVISORY

Damn it.  I use AMO Complete Moisture Plus.  Never had any problems so far, but this is scary.  Lets see if they'll give me a refund without a receipt.

Edit: I called up the number.  They record your name, address, and telephone number, and promise to send a return kit in 5-7 days.

Edit 2: From The Washington Post: CDC officials said people should discard the solution, throw out their current contact lenses and toss the lens storage case. All of them may harbor the infecting amoeba, said Michael Beach, team leader in the CDC's division of parasitic diseases.  That's it - I'm now officially pissed off.  It's one thing to throw away a crap bottle of lens solution.  It's another thing to throw away a new pair of contacts. 

[schol3s]

SHIT!!! i use AMO Complete Moisture Plus Multi-Purpose Solution too....
i'm going to go blind soon....

[ferrar1]

1-day acuvue for better hygiene and safer risk 

lol who knows whether the solution to contain those 1-days are from complete 

[edhead999]

That's so scary. I used to use AMO when I wore contacts. Thank goodness I got really lazy

[nop]

I stopped using contact lens for several years after using it for over 10 years.  It was increasing uncomfortable for me to stop.  I was careful and listened to my body more and more.

[Shin Asuka]

Lucky I didn't get contacts yet, was thinking about it but after reading this not a chance anymore.