On Wednesday 14 August 2024, Luxembourg’s Ministry of Health and Social Security issued a safety alert regarding certain Alcon contact lenses that may cause eye irritation due to a manufacturing issue.
Alcon has initiated a field safety corrective action for certain lots of DAILIES TOTAL1® daily and TOTAL30® monthly contact lenses, including multifocal and astigmatic models.
These lots were reportedly manufactured with a solvent containing an unexpected substance which remained in the finished lenses. This made the products non-compliant, so their distribution was suspended.
The lenses in these lots do not pose a serious health hazard. However, they may cause irritation, redness or blurred vision. These symptoms should disappear after removing or replacing the lens, following the instructions in the package insert, the ministry added.
For contact lens users, the first recommended step is to check the lot number on each lens container to see if it matches one of the affected batches. If an affected lot number is found, users should immediately stop using these lenses and set them aside to prevent further use. Next, the ministry instructs the users to contact the retailer where the lenses were purchased (whether an optician, drugstore, or other outlet). The retailer, who is aware of the corrective action, will guide users on the necessary steps. Users should follow the retailer’s instructions regarding refunds or exchanges. In the meantime, it is advisable to wear prescription glasses and consult the retailer to obtain new contact lenses as soon as possible. If the defective lenses have already been used and are no longer in possession, no further action is required.
More information, including a detailed list of the products concerned with the batch number, is available at the following link: sante.lu.
