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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) has received five more reports of fungal corneal infection (keratitis) since mid-April, bringing the total number of contact lens users affected to 32 since the infection was firstly reported in May 2005.
A CHP spokesman said the five recently identified cases comprised two males and three female aged between 21 and 28 who had attended public hospitals last year.
¡°Of the 32 patients, 31 were interviewed and 29 of them claimed that they were users of B&L ReNu multipurpose contact lens solution.¡±
The manufacturer has voluntarily suspended sales of the contact lens solution in question from the local market since February this year.
¡°CHP will continue to monitor the local situation closely,¡± the spokesman said.
He reminded contact lens users to observe the following measures to prevent contact lens associated infection:
* Always wash hands properly with soap and water and dry them before handling contact lens, contact lens solutions or related accessories.
* Attend regular check up by your optometrists/ophthalmologist and follow their instruction of cleaning and disinfection procedures for contact lenses and the accessories.
* Follow wearing hours and replacement schedule recommended by your optometrists/ophthalmologists. Do not wear lenses for duration longer than recommended and replace them as recommended by your optometrists/ophthalmologists.
* Practise proper contact lens cleaning and care regimes. Both sides of the lenses must be rubbed with the fingers for 20 seconds and rinsed thoroughly before soaking overnight in multi-purpose solution. Rinse the lenses with saline before wearing the contact lenses next time.
* The multi-purpose solution in the lens storage case must be changed everyday even if the lenses are not used daily.
* Close all bottles of contact lens solution properly after use.
* Discard contact lens solutions after one month of 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 and 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.
* Do not wet your lens with saliva, bottled water or tap water.
* Remove the contact lens whenever you feel discomfort or redness and seek advice from your optometrists or ophthalmologists (eye doctors).
* Seek medical advice from your doctor promptly if symptoms persist despite contact lens is off.
Ends/Wednesday, May 3, 2006
Issued at HKT 20:16
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