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CIBA Vision is conducting a voluntary trade-level recall of select lots of spherical AIR Optix contact lenses.

The company said in a statement that no other CIBA lenses were involved with the recall and that it had notified the MHRA and the MDA of the voluntary trade-level recall.

‘This recall is voluntary, proactive and represents the responsible course of action to assure our products consistently meet customer expectations,’ said CIBA.

The company added that it was taking the action because it had identified some lenses in these lots did not meet CIBA’s standards for ion permeability, a material characteristic which contributes to lens movement on the eye.

‘A medical assessment, confirmed by external experts, concluded that the risk of safety issues to consumers is low to negligible. No serious adverse events have been attributed to this issue anywhere in the world.’

CIBA added that it had already implemented manufacturing process improvements and the issue had been addressed. It was in the process of informing all affected customers by letter and telephone.

Fourth-quarter net profit at Novartis missed expectations due to charges related to the recall, according to the company’s results reported on January 18.

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