The Department of Health is monitoring the voluntary recall of specific lots of four types of contact lens solutions by its manufacturer from the local market due to a concern about their sterility.
The concerned contact lens solutions, manufactured by Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. are:
- Lens Plus Ocupure Saline 360 mL (lot no.: ZB02767, ZB03156, ZB03174, ZB03191)
- COMPLETE ProTec Formula Multi-purpose Solution 350mL (lot no.: ZB03266)
- COMPLETE MoisturePLUS Multi-purpose Solution 60mL Sample Pack (lot no. ZB03194)
- COMPLETE MoisturePLUS Multi-purpose Solution 60mL Sample Pack (lot no. ZB03194)
A DH spokesman said that the company has notified the department that these lots are being recalled because of production-line problems at its manufacturing plant in Mainland, which could affect the sterility of the product.
The spokesman said, "So far, DH has not received any report of related injury."
He said, "Users should stop using the affected lots and should consult their doctors in case of discomfort or infection. They may call the company's hotlines at 2401 5811/2 in case of queries."
The spokesman reminded contact lens users to observe the following measures to prevent contact lens associated infection:
- Always wash hands properly with soap and water and dry them before handling contact lens, contact lens solutions or related accessories.
- Attend regular check up by your optometrists/ophthalmologist and follow their instruction of cleaning and disinfection procedures for contact lenses and the accessories.
- Follow wearing hours and replacement schedule recommended by your optometrists/ophthalmologists. Do not wear lenses for duration longer than recommended and replace them as recommended by your optometrists/ophthalmologists.
- Practise proper contact lens cleaning and care regimes. Both sides of the lenses must be rubbed with the fingers for 20 seconds and rinsed thoroughly before soaking overnight in multi-purpose solution. Rinse the lenses with saline before wearing the contact lenses next time.
- The multi-purpose solution in the lens storage case must be changed everyday even if the lenses are not used daily.
- Close all bottles of contact lens solution properly after use.
- Discard contact lens solutions after one month of opening.
- Storage case should be cleaned, rinsed and dried after every use to avoid micro-organism growth contamination.
- All contact lenses, solutions and accessories should be stored in a cool and dry place.
- Disinfect the case weekly by soaking in just-boiled water for 10 minutes.
- Replace case every three months.
- Disposable contact lenses must not be used beyond their recommended disposal period.
- Do not wet your lens with saliva, bottled water or tap water.
- Remove the contact lens whenever you feel discomfort or redness and seek advice from your optometrists or ophthalmologists (eye doctors).
- Seek medical advice from your doctor promptly if symptoms persist despite contact lens is off.
Ends/Wednesday, November 22, 2006
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