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In response to media enquiries on the re-launch of Bausch and Lomb's (B&L) ReNu Multiplus multi-purpose solution in Hong Kong, a spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) today (January 12) gave the following reply:
DH and the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) are monitoring the re-launch of the product concerned by its manufacturer in Hong Kong.
The sale of ReNu multi-purpose solution, had been voluntarily suspended by the company since February 2006 following reports of fungal keratitis infections (inflammation of the cornea of the eye) in Hong Kong and some other places in the world.
Subsequent investigations in Hong Kong and the United States revealed that the fungal keratitis cases were only associated with ReNu MoistureLoc multi-purpose solution, which was withdrawn permanently by B&L in May last year.
DH will liaise with ophthalmologists to monitor the occurrence of fungal keratitis as an ongoing surveillance exercise. Both departments will also monitor any new developments in Hong Kong and overseas for continuous assessment as appropriate.
To prevent contact lens related infections, contact lens users are advised to observe the following measures:
* Always wash hands properly with soap and water and dry them before handling contact lenses, contact lens solutions or related accessories;
* Attend regular check-up by your optometrists/ophthalmologist and follow their instructions for cleaning and disinfection procedures for contact lenses and accessories;
* Follow wearing hours and replacement schedule recommended by your optometrists/ophthalmologists. Do not wear lenses longer than recommended and replace them as recommended by the professionals;
* Remove the contact lens whenever you feel discomfort or redness and seek advice from your optometrists or eye doctors;
* Seek medical advice from your doctor promptly if symptoms persist once lenses have been removed;
* Practise proper contact lens cleaning and care regimes. Both sides of the lenses must be rubbed with fingers for 20 seconds and rinsed thoroughly before soaking overnight in multi-purpose solution. Rinse the lenses with saline before wearing the contact lens next time;
* The multi-purpose solution in the lens storage case must be changed every day even if the lenses are not used daily;
* Close all bottles of contact lens solution properly after use;
* Discard contact lens solutions one month after opening;
* Storage case should be cleaned, rinsed and dried after every use to avoid micro-organism growth contamination;
* All contact lenses, solutions and accessories should be stored in a cool, dry place;
* Disinfect the case weekly by soaking in just-boiled water for 10 minutes;
* Replace case every three months;
* Disposable contact lenses must not be used beyond their recommended disposal period; and
* Do not wet your lens with saliva, bottled water or tap water.
Ends/Friday, January 12, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:01
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