Alcon rejects solution claim

Alcon has reacted to claims that its Opti-Free Replenish solution has been linked with contact lens-associated infiltrative keratitis (CLAIK).

Last week (07.09.12) Optician reported the findings of two US practitioners, published in Ocular Surgery News. Neal Sher and Jason Jedlicka claimed they had seen more than 35 cases that met the criteria for CLAIK in the three years they had been using Opti-Free Replenish.

Alcon said any potential issues with its products were taken very seriously and that extensive quality control mechanisms were in place.

'We conduct a thorough medical safety investigation anytime potential safety concerns arise. In 2010, Alcon supported a large, case-controlled retrospective multivariate study (conducted by Robin Chalmers, OD and Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology member), which concluded that Opti-Free Replenish was not associated with a significant increase in the risk of corneal infiltrative events. In addition, the study showed that no single contact lens brand, lens care product or combination was associated with a significant increase in risk of corneal infiltrative events.