BEIJING, May 28 -- There has been a global recall of a contact-lens solution popular in Shanghai following fears that it may cause severe eye problems, and even blindness.

    However, so far there have been no reports of associated eye problems in the city.

    The solution is believed to increase the danger of contracting the rare eye disease acanthamoeba keratitis.

    Advanced Medical Optics announced the global recall of the Complete Multipurpose Solution over the weekend and suggested that customers stop using the product, the Shanghai Drug Adverse Event Center said yesterday.

    According to a Saturday statement by the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the solution is suspected to be the cause of acanthamoeba keratitis, which can result in severe loss of vision or blindness.

    The US center released the report following an investigation on 46 such cases since January, 2005. Of the patients 39 were contact lens wearers and 21 of them used the Complete Multipurpose Solution.

    Action line

    The danger of catching the disease is seven times higher for solution users, the US center said.

    Local customers are advised to stop using the solutions immediately and call 62408554 for consultation or to report any adverse effects.

    AMO said it will issue detailed information on how to return the products as soon as possible after contacting its retailers and distributors. The California-based company announced a global recall of 2.9 million units of its multi-purpose contact lens solution after bacteria was found in it last November.

    Acanthamoeba is a microscopic, water parasite that can cause the potentially devastating scanthamoeba keratitis. The infection occurs almost exclusively in contact lens wearers.

    Risk are increased by swimming in pools, lakes or the sea while wearing contact lenses, storing contact lenses in home-made solutions, and poor contact lens hygiene.

    Early symptoms of the condition are persistent redness and pain in the eyes.

    The estimated rate of acanthamoeba keratitis is one to two per one million people who wear contact lenses in the United States.

    (Source: Shanghai Daily)