On May 26, 2007, the CDC released a press release which caused Advanced Medical Optics Inc. to voluntarily recall it's brand of contact lens
solution, Complete MoisturePlus. Advanced Medical Optics Inc. Complete® MoisturePlus™ (AMOCMP) is a popular contact lens solution
that is considered part of the no-rub brands coming out that are used to store, clean, and re-wet contact lenses. Like the
Bausch & Lomb ReNu with MoistureLoc Recall, the AMO Complete® MoisturePlus™ has been linked to a rare but very serious eye
infection, Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), that can lead to serious visual impairment or even blindness. The CDC reports that since
January 1, 2005 to May 24, 2007, there have been a reported 138 cases of eye infections with positive presence of Acanthamoeba.
Of the first 39 soft contact lens wearers, 36 of these reported using a specific contact lens solution and of these 21 used the
Complete MoisturePlus brand. This raises caution flags as only 1 or 2 cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis are reported per 1 million
contact lens wearers between 1985 to 1987.
Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare eye infection caused by Acanthamoeba, an ameba found in the environment including water, soil, and other
areas. According to the CDC, in their lifetime, many people will come in the presence of Acanthamoeba without getting infected, however there
are those rare cases like this one. Acanthamoeba keratitis can cause inflammation and un-repairable damage to the cornea and surrounding areas
of the eye and lead to blindness. People who are exposed to water through swimming or showering with contacts seemed to be more at risk of
getting Acanthamoeba keratitis. Those with prior cornea problems or who have been in range of contaminated water are also in high risk.
The symptoms of Acanthamoeba keratitis are similar to those of other eye infections including eye pain, redness, blurry vision,
sensitivity to light, tearing, discharge or swelling. Diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis usually requires detection of the ameba
through confocal microscopy or through corneal scrapings. Once detected, if early enough, several medications are available to treat the
infection. Corneal transplant is also a solution for the later stages of the infection. The best way is to prevent Acanthamoeba keratitis
from developing.
Consumers who have been using Advanced Medical Optics Inc. Complete MoisturePlus contact lens solution should immediately stop using the
product. They should also throw away soft contact lenses, storage cases, and anything else that has come in contact with the solution. It
would also be a good idea for individuals who have used the Complete MoisturePlus to visit and ophthalmologist for a check up, recommendation
on new solution, and review on proper contact lens guidelines. Those who have been experiencing any of the symptoms that come with eye
infections and have been using Complete MoisturePlus should see a doctor immediately for early detection.
There are already several law firms that are already gathering clients for cases against Advanced Medical Optics Inc. However, people
should be more concerned with seeing a doctor for early detection and treatment which should remedy the situation with further concern.
Those who feel that the Acanthamoeba keratitis was a direct cause of the Complete MoisturePlus and the damage is severe enough to lead to a
great disability, do have the rights for compensation for loss of vision. This case is for those whose vision has been severely been damaged.
