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The Department of Health (DH) today (December 7) drew public attention to the recall of certain lots of Lenscare SH-System Monatslinsen contact lenses because of the presence of small parts of silicone oil on the lenses.
A DH spokesman revealed that the department, through its routine surveillance on medical devices, found that the United Kingdom's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) had issued a notice about the recall by the manufacturer, 4Care AG, based in Germany.
According to the manufacturer, it was informed by its production plant that silicone oil was found on certain lots of the contact lenses. This may lead to blurred vision, foreign body sensation or eye pain. So far, they have not received complaints related to the incident. The lot numbers of the affected products are:
104350000200060215 104350000180050115 104350000120300115
104350000190090215 104350000210090215 104350000210050415
104350000190090215 104350000200100315 104350000240060315
104350000160220215 104350000200100315 104350000260080515
104350000110300115 104350000210140315 104350000250130315
104350000200060215 104350000170220315 104350000200190315
104350000190090215 104350000140230315 104350000140210415
104350000015190315 104350500000281114 104350000035180315
"The DH has immediately contacted the manufacturer in Germany and found that the affected products have not been distributed in Hong Kong. Although the affected products are not marketed in Hong Kong and we have no record of related adverse events here, the fact that there may be occasional users in the territory who have somehow obtained the product from abroad justifies a public alert, in our opinion," the spokesman said.
"Customers who have used the product and are either feeling unwell or in doubt should consult their health-care professionals for advice as soon as possible."
The DH has informed public and private hospitals, relevant medical associations and optometrist associations about the issue.
The spokesman added, "The DH is aware that the use of contact lenses, including decorative lenses, is becoming increasingly common among the public. As the improper use of these lenses could seriously damage eye health, we would like to take this opportunity to remind members of the public on the proper use of contact lenses, especially as the festive season is drawing close and they may wear these lenses to parties or other social functions. Before buying these lenses, consumers ought to consult their health-care professionals. Remove the contact lenses whenever you experience discomfort or redness of the eyes and seek advice from health-care professionals promptly if symptoms persist."
Ends/Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:50
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