Safety Alert for avaira toric and biocomfort xo toric contact lenses

Safety alert

2011-08-22

Hong Kong

DH

https://www.mdco.gov.hk/english/safety/recalls/press_20110822.html

Recall of avaira toric and biocomfort xo toric contact lenses subsequent to department of health’s (dh’s) advice on suspension of use of avaira toric contact lenses over the weekend, the dh today (august 22) endorsed the recall of the avaira toric contact lenses and another product biocomfort xo toric contact lenses because further information from the distributor, coopervision hong kong, revealed that the product marketed as biocomfort xo toric brand, was the same product as avaira toric contact lenses in hong kong. a dh spokesman said upon further investigation, coopervision revealed that both the biocomfort xo toric and avaira toric were manufactured by the same manufacturer and the same production line. the biocomfort xo toric had been directly marketed only to the members of the hong kong association of private practice optometrists (appo) at their shops. dh advised over the weekend that consumers should suspend use of avaira toric contact lenses.  the advice followed the recall of avaira toric in the united states, australia, canada, germany, italy and spain after investigating into complaints of discomfort and/or blurred vision from consumers, which were likely to be due to transient swelling of the surface layer of the corneas brought about by a small amount of residues on the lens. consumers should also suspend the use of biocomfort xo toric because of the same defect. the spokesman further explained that in view of possible consumer safety concern, a total recall of the two products is a prudent measure. coopervision admitted that as revealed by the information at hand, the two products were the affected products identified so far.  dh will continue the investigation. dh had already alerted the hospital authority, private hospitals, relevant healthcare institutions and medical associations about the matter. coopervision hongkong has issued a letter to related eye care practitioners regarding the recall. the company has also set up a hotline at 3718 0602 to answer enquiries between 9 am and 5 pm from monday to friday. the spokesman said dh has so far not received any adverse reports arising from use of the products. "members of the public should consult their healthcare providers when in doubt and in particular, if they feel unwell after using the products. dh will continue the investigation and closely monitor the recall.” ends/.