Urgent recall of contact lens solution due to potential "serious health consequences"

Supermarket giant Tesco has issued an urgent recall notice for Baush+Lomb EasySept Hydro+Peroxide Solution 360ml, due to concerns that it may cause injury to the user following a manufacturing fault.

Tesco have confirmed that all batch codes of the product are affected by this recall which was announced on 14 November 2016. The supermarket has advised customers to stop using the product immediately and to return the item to their local Tesco supermarket for a full refund, even if they no longer have a receipt for the product.

According to Tesco, the concerns surrounding the urgent recall relate to residual peroxide remaining in the lens case after neutralisation. They say that this could result in the user experiencing a burning or stinging sensation in their eye, irritation, red eye or in some cases, other “more serious health consequences”. 

There have been no further details released as to what these “serious health consequences” could be, however it is thought that it is likely to relate to a chemical burn injury to the eyes which, if severe, can result in vision loss. 

Although Tesco have advised that it was Bausch+Lomb who identified a potential fault the manufacturers themselves have not released any recall notice for the product, nor have they sought to comment on the urgent recall issued by Tesco. 

Emma Hall, a solicitor in the product liability team at law firm Leigh Day, has specialist experience in ocular injuries caused by products. She said: “We are pleased to see that Tesco have issued an urgent recall over the EasySept solution.  Whilst most injuries caused by using the product are not expected to be permanent, consumers are at risk of suffering from a severe chemical burn which could result in complete vision loss. We therefore call on Bausch+Lomb to urgently recall the product from all others suppliers immediately.”

Any members of the public concerned that they may have suffered an eye injury due to using the EasySept solution are advised to stop using the product immediately and seek medical advice from their GP or the 111 helpline as soon as possible.

If you feel you have been affected by this issue or have experienced an ocular injury due to a product please call 0207 650 1161 for a free initial consultation with Emma Hall.