Expanded Recall

In the interest of your patient's safety and to help you respond to questions you may receive from your patients and the public, The American Optometric Society is helping spread the word that CooperVision has just announced a NEW recall of selected lots of Avaira spherical contact lenses. According to CooperVision, the Avaira toric and sphere are the company's only contact lenses manufactured using silicone oil, and residue contamination of some lenses has caused temporary adverse changes in vision, in some cases leading to severe eye pain or eye injuries requiring medical treatment. 

See the recall notice and “Questions and Answers About the Recall” below.  To determine if they have contaminated lenses, patients can insert their lot number on lenses they already have into the search box at:  http://www.coopervision.com/recall

CooperVision Avaira^® Contact Lens Recall

We have initiated a recall of a limited number of Avaira Toric and Avaira Sphere contact lenses after discovering reports of wearers experiencing hazy vision and discomfort. Some patients reported severe eye pain or eye injuries requiring medical treatment. Not everyone experiences the same symptoms. The recall was initiated due to the level of a residue on certain Avaira lenses.

 The recall was initiated due to the level of a residue on certain Avaira lenses. If you have any further questions about the recall, please read through the below Q&A or contact us with your question or concern.  

Questions & Answers About The Recall:

 ·        What is the cause of the Avaira Toric and Avaira Sphere recall?

The recall was initiated on limited lots of Avaira Toric and Avaira Sphere because CooperVision identified certain lots that did not meet our updated quality requirements due to the level of a residue (silicone oil). The presence of the residue may cause hazy vision or discomfort, severe eye pain or eye injuries requiring medical treatment. Not everyone experiences the same symptoms.

·        What happens if a contact lens wearer puts an impacted lens in their eye?

We have received complaint reports for the Avaira Toric lenses that began as hazy vision. After the recall, some patient complaints were received that began as hazy vision but progressed to severe eye pain or eye injuries requiring medical treatment. Not every patient has the same symptoms. Health and safety of patients are our top priority so the recall was expanded to the limited lots of Avaira Sphere lenses.

·        What should I do if I personally experience these symptoms?

Remove the lenses from your eyes immediately if you are currently wearing them. Contact your eye care practitioner to let them know you are experiencing symptoms. Follow your eye care practitioner’s instructions.

·        If I have symptoms how long will they last?

If the lens is removed promptly after the onset of symptoms it likely will clear up within 15 to 30 minutes. If you leave the lens in your eye for a prolonged period of time the symptoms may progress to a more serious condition. Contact your eye care practitioner to let them know you are experiencing symptoms.

·        Has anyone had permanent damage to their eye because of these symptoms?

To date we have not received any reports of permanent damage to a patient’s eye after wearing the affected lens.

·        What should be done with product that I currently have at home?

A small percentage of Avaira Toric and Avaira Sphere lenses are affected by this situation. Please check the lot number on the carton or blister label you have by using the search box above to see if your product has been impacted by the recall, and if so, discontinue wear and return the lenses to your eye care practitioner. You may also call our Consumer Care hotline at 1-855-526-6737.

·        Will I be able to re-order my Avaira Toric and Avaira Sphere lenses?

We expect that Avaira Toric will be available for ordering in the second quarter of 2012. We anticipate minimal disruption to availability of Avaira Sphere and you can continue to order through your practitioner.

Still Have Questions? Please consult our Customer Care Center by calling 1-855-5-COOPER
(1-855-526-6737) or emailing consumercare@coopervision.com. (Consumer Care hours of operation are 9:00AM - 5:00PM ET Mon-Fri).