Karatitis Associated with Soft Contact Lens Solution

From the office of the Medical Health Officer

Information for BC Physicians about Keratitis Associated with Soft Contact Lens Solution

The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have identified an outbreak of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). A recent increase of laboratory isolations in BC has been observed.

This infection is caused by a free-living amoeba (Acanthamoeba), a microscopic organism found globally in soil and water. Infections can result in permanent visual impairment or blindness. Diagnosis of AK is made on the basis of clinical picture and isolation or identification of organisms from corneal specimens.

An investigation by the CDC has confirmed an association with the use of the contact lens solution Advanced Medical Optics (AMO) COMPLETE MoisturePlusTM Multi-Purpose Solution in the month prior to symptom onset. This product is available in Canada by the name COMPLETE All-In-OneTM Contact Lens Care Solution as well. AMO has issued a global recall. The success of the global recall in Canada is being assessed by Health Canada. Canadian information is available on the Health Canada website. 

To date, none of the AK cases identified in BC have been associated with the use of this product.

Important Points for Physicians:

1. Consider keratitis in the diagnosis in a soft contact lens user with severe eye irritation:
• If you suspect keratitis, early referral for a slit lamp examination is recommended.
2. If you identify patients using the AMO CompleteR MoisturePlusTM Multi-Purpose Solution or COMPLETER All-In-OneTM Contact Lens Care Solution advise them to:
• Stop using the product and discard all remaining solution.
• Discard current lens storage container and current pair of soft lenses.
• See a health care provider if experiencing any signs of eye infection: eye pain, eye redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, sensation of something in the eye, or excessive tearing.
3. Acanthamoeba keratitis has now been added to the list of reportable diseases in BC:
• Acanthamoeba keratitis is reportable by the ophthalmologist or laboratory involved in making the diagnosis. The BC Centre for Disease Control is providing case definitions and reporting processes to those from whom reporting is expected.

The above are largely extracted from a comprehensive posting on the CDC website.