Complete® MoisturePLUS

What is Complete® MoisturePLUS?
Complete® MoisturePLUS multipurpose solution for contact lenses was recalled recently after an unusually high number of reports of a serious and potentially blinding eye infection, acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). On May 29, 2007, Advanced Medical Optics, Inc (AMO), the California based company that manufactured Complete® MoisturePLUS "all-in-one" multi-purpose contact lens solution, voluntarily recalled their product from the market. Complete® MoisturePLUS represented approximately 10% of the contact lens solution market in the United States. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) received reports of 138 confirmed cases of acanthamoeba keratitis with individuals who used Complete® MoisturePLUS. Additionally, the CDC estimates that the risk of developing acanthamoeba keratitis is at least seven times greater for people who used Complete® MoisturePLUS, as compared to other cleaning solutions.

This is not the first time that Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. has had problems with Complete® MoisturePLUS. In November 2006, AMO recalled 2.9 million bottles of Complete® MoisturePLUS after a bacterial contamination was discovered. The current recall is not associated with a bacterial contamination, but the company did not take proper measures to avoid contamination, such as user mishandling or contact with contaminated water.

What health problems are associated with Complete® MoisturePLUS?
Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare, but serious, infection of the cornea and is also known as a corneal ulcer. Acanthamoeba is a microscopic, water-bourne parasite that results in AK when it invades the cornea. Acanthamoeba keratitis is a naturally occurring infection, however, due to the contamination with Complete® MoisturePLUS there was a much higher risk of the infection for users of this product. Generally, acanthamoeba keratitis occurs in about one or two out of every one million contact lens wearers.

Symptoms of acanthamoeba keratitis include severe pain, redness, and scant (if any) discharge. The diagnosis of AK requires a microscopic examination of the cells taken from the cornea, using specialized laboratory staining techniques. If the diagnosis of AK is confirmed, treatment with multiple antibiotics is initiated and hospitalization is frequently required. Some patients diagnosed with acanthamoeba keratitis incur severe corneal scarring and require corneal transplantation, even if the infection is controlled. Severe loss of vision or loss of the eye may occur, even with early medical intervention. Early treatment, however, is very important for effective treatment.

What should you do if you used this product?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration issued advice to consumers of Complete® MoisturePLUS multipurpose solution for contact lenses:

• Stop using the recalled solution and discard all remaining solution. (However, if you may be pursuing a claim for compensation, you may want to save both the remaining solution and your evidence of the purchase of the product, such as a receipt.)
• Choose an alternative contact lens solution. Consult your eye doctor for help.
• Replace your lenses and storage container.
• Seek immediate treatment if you have any signs of an eye infection.

Should you contact an attorney?
If you or a loved one used Complete® MoisturePLUS contact lens cleaning solution and developed acanthamoeba keratitis, you should contact an attorney immediately for review of a potential claim against Advanced Medical Optics, Inc., the manufacturer of Complete® MoisturePLUS. There are deadlines set by laws which regulate the filing of lawsuits called statutes of limitation, which vary state by state. If you know that you or a loved one was harmed by Complete® MoisturePLUS, you should not delay in contacting an attorney. If the statute of limitations expires, your right to pursue a claim against the manufacturer may be forever barred.

How can Casey Gerry help you with a Complete® MoisturePLUS case?
Casey Gerry, based in San Diego, is one of the oldest and most well respected plaintiffs personal injury firms in California. We have been involved in numerous high profile nationwide pharmaceutical cases, including Rezulin, Propulsid, Metabolife 356, Phenylpropanolamine ("PPA"), Fen-Phen, Baycol, and Guidant pacemakers/defibrillators. We represent individuals, rather than class actions, opting to focus on the individual client. Additionally, our firm has specific experience representing individuals with injuries to their eyes. Casey Gerry is currently evaluating claims on behalf of individuals from around the United States who used Complete® MoisturePLUS contact lens cleaning solution and were diagnosed with acanthamoeba keratitis. Since we are based in Southern California, we offer the advantage of filing your individual claims in state court.

If you believe that you or a loved one may have been injured as a result of using Complete® MoisturePLUS contact lens cleaning solution, please contact us immediately for evaluation by an experienced attorney.