Acanthamoeba Keratitis Brought into Focus
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently have advised that all users of Advanced Medical Optics Complete Moisture Plus Multi-Purpose Solution stop using the solution immediately. The product has been linked to an outbreak of the eye infection known as Acanthamoeba keratitis. The CDC says that Acanthamoeba keratitis is caused when a microscopic organism known as Acanthamoeba gets into the cornea. The cornea is the clear outer covering of the eye. If the condition is not treated, it can lead to scarring of the cornea and even blindness.
Contact Lens Solution Recall Brings Rare Eye Infection Into Focus
Jackie Stillmaker became infected with Acanthoeba kameratitis after swimming with her contact lenses. She has undergone three corneal transplants before her 18th birthday, continues to have visual impairments, and suffers pain that feels like she is being stabbed in the eye every few seconds. Stillmaker's mother has founded Prevent Blindness America to bring attention to the importance of eye care. "The good news is that, if diagnosed and treated early, the effects of acanthamoeba keratitis can be minimal. However, only an eye doctor can tell you if you have the infection," said Sherry Williams, President & CEO of Prevent Blindness Ohio. "We urge everyone who uses contact lenses to practice the highest level of lens care and to report any changes in vision to their eye doctor immediately."
Related Links:
Man Sues California-Based Advanced Medical Over Contact Lens Solution
Are Your Contact Lenses Safe?
Eye Infection Can Lead to Blindness
Contact Lens Solution Recalled, Could Cause Blindness