Bacteria in counterfeit CIBA Vision contact lenses

[Musashi Miyamoto]

Jul 20, 2011

Bacteria in counterfeit CIBA Vision contact lenses

By Hoe Pei Shan

The Health Sciences Authority confiscated over 100 boxes of counterfeit coloured contact lenses after raiding five optical shops across the island. -- ST PHOTO: ASHLEIGH SIM

The Health Sciences Authority confiscated over 100 boxes of counterfeit coloured contact lenses after raiding five optical shops across the island. More than 10 people are also being questioned in connection to the case.

This is the first case of counterfeited health products being sold by legitimate suppliers such as licensed optical shops. Previous cases had always been restricted to the black market.

The counterfeits were fraudulently labelled as "FreshLook ColorBlends" Contact Lenses from CIBA VISION and found to be unsafe and of poor quality --- for instance, the solution in which the lenses are packed were tested and determined to have been contaminated with a harmful bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is known to cause serious eye infections.

HSA was alerted to the distribution of counterfeits by CIBA in mid June this year, and is stepping up its surveillance activities in optical shops. No action has been taken against any of the shops as of now as HSA says it will wait for the conclusion of the investigation.

Investigations are still ongoing but HSA is issuing a warning advisory to customers as these contact lenses are still in circulation, and the packaging for the counterfeit is very similar to the actual thing.

Consumers are advised to look out for spelling errors in packaging, and to report any discomfort to their doctors and optometrists. Any persons found supplying counterfeit medical devices such as contact lenses are liable to a penalty of $100,000 and/or a jail term of up to 3 years if convicted.

Please email The Straits Times if you have encountered problems with this product.

Members of the public who are aware of counterfeit health products being sold are encouraged to contact HSA's Enforcement Branch at Tel: 68663485.

 

[Musashi Miyamoto]

Counterfeit coloured contact lenses sold at shops
By Sharon See | Posted: 20 July 2011 1317 hrs
<table align="right" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="260"><tbody><tr><td align="right" width="20">
</td><td align="right" width="240">

</td></tr><tr><td height="60" valign="top">
</td><td class="update" height="80" valign="top"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="f6f6f6" width="138">Photos </td><td bgcolor="f6f6f6" width="47">2 of 3</td><td bgcolor="f6f6f6" width="18"><input disabled="disabled" id="btnPrev" value="<< Previous" src="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/images/butt_previous.gif" height="15" type="image" width="18"></td><td bgcolor="f6f6f6" width="19"><input id="bntPlay" value="Play - Stop" src="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/images/butt_stop.gif" height="15" type="image" width="19"></td><td bgcolor="f6f6f6" width="18"><input disabled="disabled" id="btnNext" value=" Next >> " src="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/images/butt_next.gif" height="15" type="image" width="18"></td></tr></tbody></table>

A zoom in on a counterfeit contact lens packaging (HSA photo) </td></tr><tr><td>
</td><td class="update">
</td></tr><tr><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table>
SINGAPORE: The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) said it found counterfeit coloured contact lenses being sold in local optical shops in June.

The counterfeits are imitations of "FreshLook ColorBlends" by CIBA VISION and have been found to be "unsafe and of poor quality".

This is the first known case of counterfeit health products found with legitimate suppliers.

HSA said it has seized more than 100 boxes from at least five optical shops islandwide.

The counterfeits look almost authentic, apart from typographical errors on the packaging.

It is difficult to differentiate between the authentic and counterfeit lenses with the naked eye.

Chan Cheng Leng, Division Director, Enforcement, Health Sciences Authority, said: "Our laboratories have found that the lens quality is very different from the authentic product.

"One glaring difference is that the colour pigments, which are supposed to be on the external surface of the lenses of the authentic products were found on the internal surface of the contact lens. But those are not visible to the naked eye."

HSA said lab tests also found that the storage liquid was not sterile and was contaminated with a bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa - a harmful bacteria that has been known to cause eye infections in contact lens users.

So far, HSA said one consumer has reported extreme discomfort when she tried to wear the counterfeit lenses.

The unnamed woman, who is in her 30s, and wanted to remain anonymous, reportedly removed the lenses immediately when she could not close her eyes after wearing them.

In a statement, CIBA VISION said this is the first time its lenses have been counterfeited.

The company was alerted to this when some optical shops tried to exchange the counterfeit products with CIBA VISION.

Upon investigation, CIBA VISION confirmed the products were counterfeits as they were not manufactured by them.

HSA said previous cases of counterfeit health products were largely confined to the black market or internet, and they mostly involved imitations of "lifestyle" drugs like erectile dysfunction medicines such as Viagra and Cialis.

HSA said the case is still under investigation. So far, more than 10 people have been questioned by HSA in connection with this case.

"Based on our preliminary investigations, at least five optical shops are being investigated. All counterfeit products have been withdrawn from these shops, and we have stepped up our surveillance and enforcement activities in the optical shops. Our findings so far is that the shops that have been investigated or undergoing surveillance, the products are in order," said Chan.

It is unclear if the retailers knew the products are counterfeits, but HSA said they were "knowingly not buying from an authorised dealer" - as they got some 50 per cent savings when getting them even though they were probably sold to consumers at the same price as the authentic products.

Anyone found guilty of supplying counterfeit medical devices faces a fine of up to S$100,000 or three years' jail.

The public can contact HSA's Enforcement Branch at 68663485 to report any counterfeit health products.

- CNA/fa/ls

 

[Cestbon]

Those wear contact lese are really stupid. Why put something on the eyeball? Even real on also can cause infection.
Best still proven using normal glass.

 

[scoobyhoo]

not a single bateria in the original ?

 

[johnny333]

Those wear contact lese are really stupid. Why put something on the eyeball? Even real on also can cause infection.
Best still proven using normal glass.

For some activities contacts have an advantages.

They don't' fog up in winter. if you run contacts are more comfortable than spectacles. I achieved marksmanship status when using contacts during live firing

 

[Cestbon]

For some activities contacts have an advantages.

They don't' fog up in winter. if you run contacts are more comfortable than spectacles. I achieved marksmanship status when using contacts during live firing

For sport activites you might need contact lense because of the movement.
But why normal daily live many still choose to have contact lense than spec glass. Now spec glass are made to have anti fog, anti glare, ...................much much better quality and view.
Cantact lense will always have infection regardless the brand because of the enviroment.

 

[johnny333]

For sport activites you might need contact lense because of the movement.
But why normal daily live many still choose to have contact lense than spec glass. Now spec glass are made to have anti fog, anti glare, ...................much much better quality and view.
Cantact lense will always have infection regardless the brand because of the enviroment.

Those anti-fog thingees don't work.

Contacts are the closest you'll ever get to freedom if you are a specky. Many are turning to lasik surgery but the long term track record is still unknown.

Contacts are great if you have an active lifestyle. I've never caught an infection but could be because I was using hard lenses & not soft lenses which I've heard are harder to clean. Been many years since I've used contacts, as you get older contacts become alot of hassle. Those who have a heavy prescription must build tolerance for contacts & then wear them regularly to keep this tolerance.

You also need a good fit & that's difficult to get nowadays because most opticians will only only spend 3 to 4 sessions to monitor the fit.

 

[no_faith]

China involved, anyone?

 

[SIFU]

Those wear contact lese are really stupid. Why put something on the eyeball? Even real on also can cause infection.
Best still proven using normal glass.

ooi. can wear specs go play soccer?

 

[Vega.]

ooi. can wear specs go play soccer?

"I can. Special one if u can afford."


​

 

[Cestbon]

Ha ha ............ Good one

 

[SIFU]

"I can. Special one if u can afford."


​

wear this can. but cannot win world cup.