MoisturePLUS soft contact lens solution recalled. Eye solution causes (AK) rare acanthamoeba keratitis. Here is what you should know if you’re suffering from vision loss caused by AMO contact lens solution.

AMO Contact Lens Cleaner Recall Timeline In May 2006, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) informed the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about a possible increase in acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) at an Illinois ophthalmology center during the preceding three years. The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) was investigating this possible increase.

In October 2006, IDPH updated CDC about the ongoing University of Illinois at Chicago investigation. At that time, the CDC informally contacted multiple ophthalmology centers in the United States to assess whether the potential increase in cases extended beyond Illinois. Unfortunately at that time, responses from the ophthalmology centers were inconclusive.

On Jan. 19, 2007, the CDC decided to formally contact a sample of major ophthalmology centers, requesting numbers of cases from 1999 to 2006 along with their method of diagnosis. Results received by early March 2007 indicate the number of culture-confirmed acanthamoeba keratitis cases had increased, beginning in 2004 to the present.

On March 16, 2007, CDC initiated a multi-state investigation to look for risk factors associated with this increase in acanthamoeba keratitis cases. This report summarized recent preliminary results of that investigation, which indicated an association with soft contact lens wearers who used Advanced Medical Optics Complete® MoisturePlus™ multipurpose cleaning solution.

On May 29, 2007, CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have taken steps to notify the public and the medical and public health communities of this preliminary association. The manufacturer, Advanced Medical Optics, has undertaken a voluntary recall of the product.

As of May 24, 2007, 138 people with AK who became ill on or after January 1, 2005 and who tested positive for Acanthamoeba by cultures taken from corneal specimens had been reported to CDC by public health authorities and ophthalmologists from 35 states and Puerto Rico.

Among the 46 culture-confirmed patients who were interviewed, for 37 of these patients, medical therapy was unsuccessful for nine and they were required or expected to undergo corneal transplantation.

Among the 39 soft contact lens users, 36 reported using one or more specific types of contact lens solution, 21 reported any use of Advanced Medical Optics Complete MoisturePlus in the month before symptom onset, 20 reported using Advanced Medical Optics Complete MoisturePlus as their primary solution, and 14 reported using Advanced Medical Optics Complete MoisturePlus as their exclusive solution.

What is acanthamoeba keratitis? AK, is a rare but potentially blinding infection of the cornea, caused by a ubiquitous, free-living ameba (Acanthamoeba) that is found commonly in the environment, including water (tap and recreational water), soil, sewage systems, cooling towers, and heating/ventilation/air conditioning systems. AK primarily affects otherwise healthy persons who wear contact lenses.

An estimated 85 percent of U.S. acanthamoeba keratitis infection cases occur in contact lens wearers. AK is often difficult to diagnose.

Contact lens wearers should be advised to see an ophthalmologist if you have any of the following symptoms. These symptoms are not the same for everyone and can last weeks and months.

• Eye pain
• Eye redness
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Sensation of something in the eye
• Excessive tearing

How do you get help? If you used Advanced Medical Optics Complete MoisturePlus (AMO contact lens solution) and you’ve been diagnosed with acanthamoeba keratitis, you need to talk to a lawyer after seeing a doctor. Although Advanced Medical Optics voluntary recalled the product, they are still liable for its safety. As a consumer you trust the products you buy especially anything you put in your eyes. You may eligible for a lawsuit. Contact a law firm to get help and evaluate the facts. Find a firm with a winning track record of product negligence.

Michael Monheit, Esq. is a "Philadelphia Attorney" licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business and Temple University Law School, he is the founder of Pennsylvania Law Firm - Monheit Law and a member of PA and NJ Law Firm - Anapol Schwartz Weiss Cohan Feldman & Smalley. Mr. Monheit's practice areas focus on mass tort pharmaceutical cases and defective products such as AMO Complete MoisturePlus. He can be reached at michael(at)monheit.com or toll free 866-761-1385 or from the firm's web site.

Source: www.articlesphere.com