Moisture Plus Lens Solution Recall: What You Need to Know
In 2007, the Moisture Plus Lens Solution Recall rocked the contact lens industry. The recall involved Advanced Medical Optics’ Moisture Plus contact lens solution, which was sold across the United States and in several other countries. The solution was recalled after reports of Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare and serious eye infection that can lead to blindness, emerged.
The recall affected millions of consumers who relied on the Moisture Plus lens solution for their daily contact lens care routine. In this article, we discuss the recall in detail, including the causes, the impact on public health, and the steps taken to ensure that this kind of incident never happens again.
Causes of the Recall
The main cause of the Moisture Plus Lens Solution Recall was an amoeba called Acanthamoeba. This amoeba is found in soil, water, and air, and can be found in tap water, swimming pools, and even air conditioning systems. When this amoeba enters the eye, it can cause serious eye infections, such as Acanthamoeba keratitis.
The Moisture Plus lens solution was formulated with an ingredient called “bryzantine,” which was supposed to kill Acanthamoeba and other bacteria that can cause eye infections. However, it was later found that this ingredient was not effective in killing all strains of Acanthamoeba, particularly the ones found in tap water.
Impact on Public Health
The Moisture Plus Lens Solution Recall had a significant impact on public health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were at least 138 confirmed cases and 31 probable cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis associated with the use of the Moisture Plus lens solution. Of the 138 confirmed cases, 46 patients required a corneal transplant, and seven patients experienced permanent vision loss.
The recall affected not only the consumers of the product but also the contact lens industry as a whole. The incident led to increased scrutiny of the safety and efficacy of contact lens solutions, and companies were forced to re-evaluate their formulas and manufacturing processes to ensure that their products were safe for use.
Furthermore, the Moisture Plus Lens Solution Recall highlighted the importance of following proper contact lens care recommendations, including using only sterile contact lens solutions and avoiding tap water for cleaning and storing contact lenses. The CDC estimates that up to 25% of contact lens-related eye infections are associated with improper lens care.
Steps Taken to Ensure Safety
Since the Moisture Plus Lens Solution Recall, the contact lens industry has taken significant steps to ensure the safety of its products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established guidelines for the manufacturing and testing of contact lens solutions, including the requirement for premarket approval of new solutions.
Manufacturers are now required to demonstrate that their products are effective in killing Acanthamoeba and other bacteria that can cause eye infections. Additionally, companies are now required to provide detailed instructions for the use of their products, including how to properly clean and store contact lenses, and the importance of avoiding tap water.
Furthermore, the contact lens industry has invested heavily in research and development to create more effective and safer contact lens solutions. New formulas have been developed that employ multiple disinfectants, including hydrogen peroxide, to ensure that all bacteria and other microorganisms are effectively killed.
The contact lens industry has also developed new technologies to improve the safety of contact lenses. For example, silicone hydrogel lenses have been developed to allow for better oxygen permeability, reducing the risk of eye infections. Additionally, daily disposable contact lenses have become more popular, reducing the need for contact lens solutions and alleviating concerns about the safety of these products.
Conclusion
The Moisture Plus Lens Solution Recall was a wake-up call for the contact lens industry and consumers alike. The incident highlights the importance of proper contact lens care and the need for safe and effective contact lens solutions. While the recall was a tragedy for those affected, the resulting improvements in contact lens safety have led to a safer and more effective industry.
Consumers should always follow proper contact lens care guidelines, including using sterile solutions and avoiding tap water. Additionally, consumers should speak with their eye care professionals to ensure that they are using the best contact lens products for their needs.
The Moisture Plus lens solution recall may not be the last recall the industry will face. But by learning from past mistakes, improving manufacturing processes, and investing in new technologies, the contact lens industry is better positioned to respond quickly and decisively to any future incidents. Ultimately, the aim is to ensure the safety of contact lens wearers and protect their long-term eye health.
What is Moisture Plus Lens Solution?
Moisture Plus Lens Solution is a fluid manufactured by Advanced Medical Optics, now known as Abbot Medical Optics, for use in individuals who wear soft contact lenses.
Issues associated with Moisture Plus Lens Solution
In May of 2007 the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found a link between the product and infections caused by the bacteria Acanthamoeba keratisis. In the days that followed Advanced Medical Optics announced a recall of the solution.
What is Acanthamoeba keratisis?
Acanthamoeba keratisis is a bacterial infection that can cause vision loss and in some cases involve a corneal transplant. Studies have shown that this condition develops in 2 out of every million people who use contact lens solution. However, it was found that the infection rate was more than 3 times that when associated with Moisture Plus Lens Solution.
Government Regulation
Even though the recall was ordered by Advanced Medical Optics in 2007, the FDA has changed the status of the recall from “voluntary” to “Class 1.” A Class 1 recall indicates there is a reasonable possibility of adverse health effects associated with the product.
Lawsuits
Currently there are 48 lawsuits pending involving over 80 plaintiffs. The lawsuits stem from the use of Moisture Plus Lens Solution for a short period of time and the subsequent infections. Plaintiffs claim that they suffered from extreme pain caused by irritation from the bacterial infection that eventually resulted in corneal transplants. Many of the plaintiffs have complete vision loss. Among allegations of failure to warn the plaintiffs also allege that Advanced Medical Optics was aware that Moisture Plus Lens Solution was an inferior product and did not work well in preventing the growth of bacteria. They also claim that even though the company issued a recall it failed to inform the public appropriately of the voluntary recall.
What if I have been exposed to Moisture Plus Lens Solution?
If you or someone you know has been exposed, or is continuing to use, Moisture Plus Contact Lens solution then stop immediately. If you have discomfort, irritation or redness of the eye consult a physician. The odds of you having an infection attributable to Acanthamoeba kertisis is rare but if undetected it can cause serious harm. You may also want to consult an attorney if the problems persist.
