Consumers who have purchased the 1-DAY ACUVUE TruEye brand of contact lenses made by Johnson & Johnson Vision Care should check if their purchase was affected by a voluntary recall, the Health Science Authority (HSA) said in a press statement today.

This recall was initiated on Thursday 19 August 2010, due to overseas reports of eye irritation or discomfort as a result of using this product.

There were complaints regarding unusual stinging or pain upon inserting of lens that were reported in Japan, which included eye pain, redness and irritation.

Investigations by Johnson & Johnson found an issue in the lens rinsing process during a certain timeframe on a particular manufacturing line.

The contact lenses were manufactured in Ireland and the following 13 affected lot numbers that were distributed in Singapore are : 4922380103, 4922510105, 4922860803, 4922861008, 4922861107, 4922870109, 4922880504, 4922881006, 4922821200, 4922801103, 4922520201, 4922540105 and 4922540103.

The lot numbers are the first 10 digits that are printed at the side of the product box and on the individual blister packs.

Globally, there are additional lots that are affected. However, these lots were not supplied in the Singapore market.

In Singapore, no reports of adverse events arising from use of these contact lenses have been received so far.

So far, 914 boxes of the affected lots have been distributed to optical outlets in Singapore, each box contains 30 lenses.

In its press statement,  HSA said that it has directed the company to cease supply of all affected lots, inform all retailers to stop the sales of these lenses, and to remove the affected stocks from the shelves. This recall is expected to be completed by next week.

The HSA also advises consumers to stop using the affected lots of the contact lenses. Those who are in doubt of the lot number of their purchase should also cease using the product.

Those who purchased the lenses overseas should contact Johnson & Johnson Vision Care.

Consumers who experience symptoms of eye irritation or feel unwell after using the affected lots of this product should also consult a doctor.