ST. LOUIS: Following Advanced Medical Optics' voluntary recall on Friday of its Complete(R) MoisturePlus(TM) brand contact lens solution, doctors of optometry from the American Optometric Association's (AOA) Contact Lens and Cornea Section concur with the company's decision to remove the product nationwide.

Although a cause has not been officially determined, health officials from the federal government are investigating reports that Acanthamoeba keratitis, a corneal bacterial infection, has been potentially linked to the Complete(R) MoisturePlus(TM) brand contact lens solution.

"Patients should immediately discontinue using Complete(R) MoisturePlus(TM) until further notice and should continue to watch for additional information from the FDA and CDC as the investigation continues," said Jack Schaeffer, O.D., chair of the Contact Lens and Cornea Section of the AOA. "This is a serious infection that can cause permanent loss of sight. It is crucial that the public and eye care professionals are aware and remain vigilant to quickly diagnose and initiate treatment of this serious eye infection."

According to the AOA, Acanthamoeba are microscopic amoeba commonly found in the environment, which rarely cause infections. When infection does occur, however, it can be extremely serious and can threaten a person's vision. Recently, there have been reports of increasing incidences of Acanthamoeba keratitis. Co-infection with a bacterial keratitis is common both in contact lens cases and on the cornea, which can complicate prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the infection. Proper contact lens hygiene and compliance can prevent Acanthamoeba keratitis.

"Contact lenses are among the safest forms of vision correction; however, lenses and lens care products are medical devices that are regulated by the FDA," said Dr. Jack Schaeffer, chair of the AOA's Contact Lens and Cornea Section. "Patients can and should take an active role in protecting themselves from eye infections by carefully following their optometrist's instructions regarding care of contact lenses."

AOA doctors of optometry are taking an active role in reporting their cases to the CDC and the FDA, where all eye doctors are strongly urged to report diagnosed cases of Acanthamoeba keratitis. As of May 29, 2007, 138 cases of suspected Acanthamoeba keratitis are under investigation by the CDC and public health authorities around the United States. Federal and state health officials have interviewed 46 of those patients. Of the 39 who wore soft contact lenses, 21 reported using the Complete(R) MoisturePlus(TM) brand manufactured by Advanced Medical Optics.

"This is a great concern to optometrists across the country," said Dr. Schaeffer. "We are urging Americans to discontinue use of Complete(R) MoisturePlus(TM) immediately and switch to an alternative product." Patients should contact their optometrist if they are in doubt as to what an acceptable alternative product would be.

As consumers look to select a new solution, doctors of optometry are educating consumers about the differences between lens care products. According to the AOA Contact Lens and Cornea Section, most solutions are approved for use without rubbing; however, optometrists are recommending at this time that patients rub their lenses to enhance cleaning for additional safety.

In addition, regardless of which cleaning/disinfecting solution consumers use, contact lens wearers should take extra precautions with lens hygiene habits. According to the AOA, clean and safe handling of contact lenses is one of the most important measures Americans can take to protect their sight.