Toric contact lens recall continues

Pleasanton, CA-CooperVision is continuing to work with the FDA, distributors, customers, eye-care practitioners, and contact lens wearers to complete a worldwide recall on certain lots of a contact lens (Avaira Toric, CooperVision) that was begun Aug. 19.

“Our first priority is always the health and safety of all CooperVision lens wearers, and as such we responded quickly to complaints from our customers by initiating a voluntary recall,” said Christine Moench, vice president, global regulatory affairs and quality assurance, CooperVision. “We want to ensure that all consumers are aware of this action and know where to go for more information.”

The company began the recall after an unintended residue was found on certain lots of the toric lenses. The residue may cause hazy vision, discomfort, or eye injuries requiring medical treatment. Not everyone has experienced the same symptoms.

So far, the recall has affected about 600,000 contact lenses in the United States, according to the company. Since the recall began, the company has received some additional complaints of severe eye pain.

Anyone wearing the contact lenses and experiencing symptoms should stop wearing them immediately and contact an eye-care practitioner for advice, according to the company. Those not experiencing symptoms should visit the CooperVision recall Web page, www.coopervision.com/recall, and enter the lot number of the lens package to determine whether the lenses have been recalled, or they can call the company’s toll-free consumer hotline, 855/526-6737.

Those whose lenses have been recalled should immediately remove the lenses, discontinue wearing them, and return the lenses to an eye-care practitioner or the point of purchase.

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