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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:
(i) Lens Plus Ocupure Saline 360 mL (lot no.: ZB02767, ZB03156, ZB03174, ZB03191)
(ii) COMPLETE ProTec Formula Multi-purpose Solution 350mL (lot no.: ZB03266)
(iii) COMPLETE MoisturePLUS Multi-purpose Solution 60mL Sample Pack (lot no.: ZB03194)
(iv) COMPLETE MoisturePLUS Multi-purpose Solution Starter Kit (lot no.: ZB03316, ZB03093, ZB03710, ZB03194).
A department spokesman said the company had notified the department that these lots were being recalled because of production-line problems at its manufacturing plant on Mainland, which could affect the sterility of the product.
ˇ§So far, the department has not received any report of related injury,ˇ¨ the spokesman said.
ˇ§Users should stop using the affected lots and should consult their doctors in case of discomfort or infection. They may call the companyˇ¦s hotlines at 2401 5811/2 if they have any 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 being out.
Ends/Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:10
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