Contact lenses recalled over fears rogue particles may ‘damage surface of your eye’

CONTACT lens wearers are being warned faulty batches could scratch their eyes. There are fears rogue particles have got into the lens solution – and could cause corneal abraisions, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) said. Those affected are Johnson & Johnson Acuvue daily disposable lenses. The recall affects a low level of […]

CONTACT lens wearers are being warned faulty batches could scratch their eyes.

There are fears rogue particles have got into the lens solution – and could cause corneal abraisions, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA) said.

Those affected are Johnson & Johnson Acuvue daily disposable lenses.

The recall affects a low level of stock of 1-day Acuvue Moist for Astigmatism lenses, MHRA warned.

In a statement, they said: “The affected lots may have particles on the contact lens or in the contact lens blister solution.

“If the particles are not noticed before insertion into the eye, this could cause eye redness or discomfort or corneal abrasion (damage to the surface of the eye).”

The MHRA offered some reassurance, adding that there have been no reports of serious damage to date.

Johnson & Johnson has alerted those opticians and optometrists affected – and recalled the batches concerned.

They’ve instructed them to contact all patients who may have received the affected contact lenses.

If you wear the contacts in question, and are concerned, MHRA advises speaking to your optician or optometrist.

Mark Birse, MHRA Group Manager, Device Safety and Surveillance, said: “While the risk is low, the MHRA takes the safety of the medicines and devices we regulate very seriously.

“It is therefore important that as many customers as possible are made aware of the need to check their lenses for these lot numbers.

“Contact lens users who still have concerns should contact their optician or optometrist.

“They can also report any adverse effects to the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.”

MHRA said customers can check if their contacts are affected by checking the lot number of the lens boxes against the list published by Johnson & Johnson’s safety notice here.

Lot numbers are displayed on the back or side of each carton of 28 lenses, as well as on the foil cover of individual lenses.