Users of certain Johnson & Johnson Acuvue daily disposable contact lenses are being urged by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to check their lenses. The recall affects a low level of stock of certain lots of 1-day Acute Moist for Astigmatism lenses. If not already contacted, customers should return these lenses to their supplier. The affected lots may have particles on the contact lens or in the contact lens blister solution.

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).

There have been no reports of serious adverse events to date.

Johnson & Johnson have notified affected opticians and optometrists, recalling the affected lots and has instructed them to contact patients who may have received the affected product.

Contact lens users who are concerned should speak to their optician or optometrist.

Customers can check if their products are affected, by checking the lot number of the lens boxes against the list published by Johnson & Johnson in the company’s field safety notice (FSN) 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.

Mark Birse, MHRA Group Manager, Device Safety and Surveillance, said: “Whilst 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.”

Knowing how to properly handle contact lenses is essential to avoid eye damage.

Something else that can cause a person to develop complications such as a corneal ulcer includes sleeping in contact lenses.

Acuvue advises why you shouldn’t sleep in contact lenses. It says: “Oxygen from he air is vital for the health of the cornea (the front clear surface of the eye).

“Whilst modern soft contact lenses allow sufficient oxygen to pass through the lens in daily wear, when you sleep your eyes are closed thus reducing the available oxygen and potentially causing problems for your eyes (unless using specific lenses designed for extended wear).

“Falling asleep with your contact lenses on can therefore increase the risk of complications such as developing a corneal ulcer which can be very painful.

“Despite being a very rare and often a treatable condition, it often causes scarring which may have long term effects on your vision.”

If you accidentally take a nap or fall asleep with your lenses on, you should do the following:

1. Wait a few minutes before trying to remove your lenses.

2. Use contact lens rewetting drops if needed. This will hydrate the lens and may allow it to be removed with greater ease.

3. Leave your lenses out for at least a few hours, checking that your eyes feel and look normal.

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