Ophthalmologists Available To Comment On Eye Infection Update

In light of information released
today regarding an outbreak of Acanthamoeba keratitis among contact lens
users, the American Academy of Ophthalmology urges all contact lens wearers
to be alert for symptoms of the infection and be especially diligent about
maintaining safe contact lens-care practices.


The outbreak of the infection was linked to Advanced Medical Optics'
(AMO) Complete MoisturePlus contact lens solution. AMO has voluntarily
recalled the product and encourages consumers to discontinue the use of
Complete MoisturePlus until further information is available.



Consumers should be aware of the signs of Acanthamoeba keratitis. The
symptoms, which can last several weeks to months, are not the same for
everybody and might include:


-- Eye pain


-- Eye redness


-- Blurred vision


-- Sensitivity to light


-- Sensation of something in the eye


-- Excessive tearing



"Contact lens wearers should consult their ophthalmologist if they
experience infection symptoms," says H. Dunbar Hoskins Jr., MD, executive
vice president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. "One of the best
ways to reduce the risk of this and other contact lens-related infections
is to follow proper hygiene and disinfection steps."


Consumers who wear soft contact lenses should be careful to handle and
store their lenses properly in order to avoid infection. In particular,


-- Remove contact lenses before any activity involving contact with water,
including showering, using a hot tub, or swimming.


-- Wash hands with soap and water and dry before handling contact lenses.
-- Do not use tap water to rinse your lenses.


-- Rinse storage cases with sterile contact lens solution (never use tap
water) and leave the cases open to dry after each use.


-- Do not transfer contact lens solution from its original container to
anything other than storage cases.



About the American Academy of Ophthalmology



The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the world's largest
association of eye physicians and surgeons - Eye M.D.s - with more than
27,000 members worldwide. Eye health care is provided by the three "O's" -
opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists. It is the ophthalmologist, or
Eye M.D., who can treat it all: eye diseases and injuries, and perform eye
surgery. To find an Eye M.D. in your area, visit the Academy's Web site at
aao.


The American Academy of Ophthalmology

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