The FDA has issued a Class I recall of certain contact lenses in the AvairaTM line. The lenses may be contaminated with the residue of silicone oil. These contaminated CooperVision contact lenses can cause problems, including severe pain, blurred vision and eye injuries, including torn corneas. Not all users of the contaminated lenses experience symptoms.
The recall started with just one type of lens in August 2011, and has been expanded as of November 2011 to include certain packages of Avaira Toric and Avaira Sphere contact lenses. These lenses are used to correct astigmatism. If you wear Avaira Toric or Sphere contact lenses and experience symptoms, stop wearing them and contact your eye doctor. To check if your package of lenses is part of the recall, visit the CooperVision contact lenses website.
Class I warnings from the Food and Drug Administration are the most serious type. This class of warnings is used when there is a reasonable chance of serious health consequences.
Nearly 5 million contact lenses are included in the recall. The consumer hotline for CooperVision is 1-855-526-6737.