 |
|
1-888-632-5353
M-F 8 AM - 9 PM EST
|
|
is Searching for
Plans in ZIP Code
|
Sorry, that ZIP code
was not found.
Try Again
|
|
|
is Searching for
Dentist in ZIP Code
|
|
|
|
you are here: DentalPlans.com > Dental Health Articles > HealthnewsDigest.com > Contact Lens Solution Recall Brings Rare Eye Infection Into Focus
| |
|
|
|
Updated: 6/4/2007 7:11:23 PM |
|
|
(HealthNewsDigest.com) - COLUMBUS – Based on data reporting a recent outbreak of the serious eye infection Acanthamoeba keratitis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently issued an official health advisory urging users of Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) Complete® MoisturePlus™ Multi-Purpose Solution to stop using the product immediately. AMO has voluntarily issued a global product recall as the investigation continues to determine the exact cause of the outbreak.
According to the CDC, the infection is caused when a microscopic organism called Acanthamoeba invades the cornea, the transparent outer covering of the eye. Without treatment, the infection can lead to scarring of the cornea and eventually, blindness.
At the age of 14, Jackie Stillmaker contracted Acanthamoeba keratitis after swimming with her contacts on and continues to suffer from the painful symptoms. She compares the pain to feeling as though she was being stabbed in the eye every few seconds. She has now undergone three corneal transplants before her 18th birthday and continues to have visual impairments.
In an effort to educate the public and to offer a support group to those who have suffered from Acanthamoeba keratitis, Mary Beth Stillmaker, Jackie’s mother, has joined with Prevent Blindness America to create a free, online discussion forum. “The Acanthamoeba and Fusarium Fungal Infections and Contact Lens Use Forum” allows patients and/or parents the opportunity to discuss all subjects related to the infections, and participants are encouraged to share their own experiences.
"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."
According to the CDC, symptoms of Acanthamoeba keratitis may include:
Eye pain
Eye redness
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light
Sensation of something in the eye
Excessive tearing
Prevent Blindness Ohio offers the following tips on proper contact lens care:
Always wear contact lenses under the supervision of an eye care professional.
Always clean and disinfect contact lenses according to instructions.
Always store contact lenses properly in a clean storage case.
Always use water-soluble cosmetics or those labeled safe for use with contact lenses. Do not apply skin creams or moisturizers too close to the eyes.
Never buy contact lenses without a prescription.
Never share or trade your contact lenses with others.
Remove contact lenses before any activity involving contact with water, including showering, using a hot tub or swimming.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any pain, irritation, redness, blurriness or changes in your vision.
For more information on the safe use of contact lenses or to join the group's online discussion forum, please visit www.preventblindness.org or call 1-800-331-2020. For additional information on the contact lens solution product recall, please go to www.cdc.gov.
Prevent Blindness Ohio is celebrating 50 years as Ohio's leading volunteer nonprofit public health organization dedicated to preventing blindness and preserving sight. Founded in 1957 by U.S. Senator John Bricker and Lion's Club Member, Bob Morrison with support from Nationwide, the Ohio Department of Health and Delta Gamma Fraternity, PBO serves all 88 Ohio counties. We provide direct services to more than 800,000 Ohioans annually and educate millions of consumers about what they can do to protect and preserve their precious gift of sight. Prevent Blindness Ohio is an affiliate of Prevent Blindness America, the country's second-oldest national voluntary health organization. For more information or to make a contribution, visit our website at www.pbohio.org
or call 800-301-2020.
Read Original Article
© 2007 HealthnewsDigest.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The materials and articles published on DentalPlans.com are for informational purposes only. Although DentalPlans.com strives to be accurate and complete, the information is provided without liability for errors. DentalPlans.com does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information, text graphics, links, or other items contained on DentalPlans.com.
DentalPlans.com expressly disclaims liability for errors or omissions in these materials and DentalPlans.com makes no commitment to update the information on DentalPlans.com.
DentalPlans.com expressly disclaims all liability for the use or interpretation by others of information on DentalPlans.com. Decisions based on information contained on DentalPlans.com are the sole responsibility of the visitors, and visitors agree to hold DentalPlans.com and its Affiliates harmless against any claims for damages arising from decisions visitors make on such information.
Nothing on DentalPlans.com constitutes medical advice or other forms of advice. DentalPlans.com assumes no responsibility for material created or published by third parties linked to DentalPlans.com with or without DentalPlans.coms knowledge.
|
|
| |
|
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map | Newsletter | Info to Go |
DP Goes Green |
Affiliate Program | Contact Us
|
The DENTALPLANS.COM website is administered by DENTALPLANS.COM, INC., a licensed Florida Discount Medical Plan Organization, 8100 S.W. 10th Street Suite #2000, Plantation, FL 33324. Plans and Programs offered by DentalPlans.com are not health insurance policies. Plans and Programs offered by DentalPlans.com provide discounts at certain health care providers for medical services. Plans and Programs offered by DentalPlans.com do not make payments directly to the providers of medical services. The Plan or Program member is obligated to pay for all health care services but will receive a discount from those health care providers who have contracted with the Plan, Program or discount plan organization.
© 1999-2010 DentalPlans.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Patents Pending. |
   |
|
| |
|  |
|