Alcon Laboratories is voluntarily recalling one (1) lot of Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-the-Go, 25 count (Lot 10101) to the consumer level. Alcon evaluated a consumer complaint of foreign material observed inside a sealed single use vial and determined the material to be fungal in nature.

Fungal contamination of an ophthalmic product is known to potentially cause eye infections. If an infection occurs, it may be vision-threatening, and in very rare cases potentially life-threatening in immunocompromised patients. To date, Alcon Laboratories has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.

Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF is used for the temporary relief of burning and irritation in persons experiencing dry eye symptoms and is packaged in a cardboard carton containing 25 sterile, single-use LDPE plastic vials of preservative free solution for ophthalmic use (NDC 0065-1432-06, UPC 300651432060). The affected Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-the-Go, 25 count is limited to lot number 10101, expiration date 2025/09. The product can be identified by the green and pink carton design, presence of “Systane” and “ULTRA PF” brand names on the front of the carton, and the “25 vials” package size. Please see product images included in this release. Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-the-Go, 25 count (Lot 10101) was distributed nationwide to retail and internet outlets.

Consumers that have the recalled Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-the-Go, 25 count (Lot 10101) which is being recalled should stop using them immediately and return to the place of purchase for a replacement or refund. Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact Alcon Laboratories at 1-800-241-5999 between 7:30am and 6:00pm (Central), Monday to Friday. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to using this drug product.

Alcon Laboratories is notifying its distributors and customers by letter, email, and/or phone call and is arranging for replacement of all recalled products. Distributors or retailers should discard any remaining stock of Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-the-Go, 25 count (Lot 10101).

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

• Complete and submit the report Online
• Regular Mail or Fax: Download form or call 1- 800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The post Nationwide Recall of Systane Lubricant Eye Drops appeared first on Columbia Eye.

These products are sold under the brand names:

CVS Health
Equate Hydration (Walmart)
Leader (Cardinal Health)
Rugby (Cardinal Health)
Rite Aid
Target Up & Up
Velocity Pharma

Patients who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection after using these products should talk to their healthcare provider or seek medical care immediately.

More information on eye drop retailers and product information.

The post FDA EYE DROP WARNING appeared first on Columbia Eye.

Wearing contacts for longer than instructed can cause eye irritation, infection, abrasions, and vision issues!

Whether your wear daily, weekly, or monthly disposable contacts, Columbia Eye’s contact lens departments at our four convenient locations are here to make sure you always have a supply of fresh contact lenses. Call or walk-in to ask about annual supply discounts, online reordering and contact lens subscription service that provides refills of your contacts shipped directly to you when you need them.

Daily contacts are designed to throw away after a single use. Never reuse daily contact lenses because they’re not designed to withstand washing and disinfecting. Their thin nature, coupled with the soft, flexible material makes the contacts more breathable and comfortable for the eye, but attempting to clean them can cause scratches and tears, causing serious complications that can threaten your vision.

You should also never sleep in your contacts unless they’re FDA-approved for overnight use (dailies are not). Your eyes need rest, so contact lenses should be worn for about 14 to 16 hours per day or according to your doctor’s advice.  Sleeping in your contacts reduces oxygen supply to your eyes and causes irritation.

Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel before handling your contacts. Harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites on dirty hands contaminate the surface of the soft contacts which will then be transferred to your eyes, exposing you to risk for infection. Dirty hands may also introduce debris, such as dust, which can irritate your eyes.

You should wait to insert your contacts until after completing your morning routine. Washing your face or showering can expose your contacts to germs in tap water. Hair styling with sprays and aerosols can expose your contacts to eye irritating chemicals and hair sprays can form a coating on your contacts, affecting your ability to see.

Makeup products are a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and should be applied after inserting your contacts. Makeup residues from your hands can easily get onto your contacts and potentially cause eye infections.

If your eyes are irritated, remove your contact lenses and let your eyes rest before inserting a new pair. Consult your eye doctor if the irritation persists.

The post What’s the worst thing you can do if you wear contact lenses? appeared first on Columbia Eye.

Buy any complete pair of prescription glasses, get 50% off a pair of prescription sunglasses!

Learn about the benefits of lenses with UV protection, polarization, and anti-reflective treatment.

Offer valid at any of our four optical shop locations through June 30, 2023. Some restrictions may apply.

Walk-in or schedule an appointment at 803-779-3070.

The post Protect your eyes from the summer rays appeared first on Columbia Eye.

One visitor is now permitted with each patient.

Face masks are optional for patients and accompanying visitors. Staff members are still required to wear face masks in all patient areas and anytime they are in close contact with other staff members.

The safety of our patients, staff, physicians, and visitors continues to be our highest priority. We are closely monitoring infection rates in the community and will adjust our COVID-19 precautions as appropriate. Thank you for your continued cooperation as we work to provide the highest quality care to our patients.

The post COVID-19 Safety Protocol Update – 4/25/2022 appeared first on Columbia Eye.

Also, for the health and safety of all patients, staff members, and physicians, we are requiring all patients to bring a mask to their appointment and wear it throughout your time in the building.

A physician will be on call, as always, for emergent after-hours care for our patients.

Thank you for your cooperation.  Please contact our office at (803) 779-3070 if you have any questions.

The post COVID-19 Safety Update appeared first on Columbia Eye.

Weekend do-it-yourselfers should take precautions to avoid preventable eye injuries by wearing appropriate eye protection when performing yard work, home repairs or maintenance.

Every household should have at least one pair of ANSI-approved protective eyewear. Choose protective eyewear with “ANSI Z87.1” marked on the lens or frame. This means the glasses, goggles or face shield meets the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z87.1 safety standard. You can buy ANSI-approved protective eyewear from most hardware stores nationwide.

Wear protective eyewear when there is a chance of eye injury such as anywhere there may be flying debris, falling objects, chemicals and intense light and heat.

When working outside, consider that eyes can be damaged by sun exposure, not just chemicals, dust or objects. To protect your vision, wear sunglasses labeled “100% UV protection,” even if you wear UV blocking contact lenses.  Wrap-around styles are best, so rays can’t enter from the side. And don’t skip the shades on cloudy days– damaging UV rays can pass through haze and clouds.

This is the time of year that we love to show our patriotism with fireworks, but fireworks aren’t toys. They can cause ocular injury and even blindness. You may think you are safe if you’re not the one igniting the fireworks, but more than half of reported fireworks injuries occur in bystanders.

For those who attend professional fireworks displays or live in communities surrounding public fireworks shows, you should always:
– Respect safety barriers at fireworks shows. View fireworks from at least 500 feet away.
– Avoid touching unexploded display fireworks. Instead, immediately contact local fire or police departments for help.

If you decide to purchase consumer fireworks, follow these safety tips to prevent eye injuries:
– Never let children play with fireworks of any type, even sparklers, which can burn at up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
– Adults should always wear protective eyewear that meets parameters set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) if handling fireworks and ensure that all bystanders are also wearing eye protection. ANSI-approved protective eyewear can be easily purchased from most hardware stores.
– Leave the lighting of professional-grade fireworks to trained pyrotechnicians.

If an eye injury from fireworks occurs, remember:
– Seek medical attention immediately. A Columbia Eye Clinic physician is on-call 24 hours a day.
– Do not rub your eyes.
– Do not apply pressure.
– Do not remove any objects that are stuck in the eye.
– Do not take any blood-thinning pain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

If you have suffered an eye injury, review these care and treatment recommendations. But most importantly, have an ophthalmologist examine the eye as soon as possible, even if the injury seems minor at first. Columbia Eye Clinic has a physician on-call 24-hours a day for patients with emergencies. A serious eye injury is not always immediately obvious. Delaying medical attention can cause the damaged areas to worsen and could result in permanent vision loss or blindness.

The post Do-It-Yourself and Fireworks Eye Safety appeared first on Columbia Eye.

All three Columbia Eye Clinic locations have returned to a normal appointment schedule after several weeks of focusing care on patients with urgent and emergent needs to comply with American Academy of Ophthalmology recommendations and guidelines in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Read our latest update to learn more about how we are protecting our patients and staff from the Coronavirus.

Our physicians urge patients not to skip comprehensive eye exams because of Coronavirus. Comprehensive eye exams detect hidden signs of eye disease that could result in significant vision loss or blindness if not treated early and expose other serious health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even cancer.

Even if you think you have perfect vision, an annual eye exam can be one of the best things you can do for your overall health and wellness. Comprehensive eye exams check for serious vision-threatening eye problems such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and diabetic eye disease. In the early stages, diabetic eye disease and glaucoma have no discernible symptoms. People typically only recognize something is wrong after they have sustained permanent vision loss from these diseases, and by that time, preventing additional vision loss can be very difficult. Only a comprehensive eye exam can detect signs of the diseases so treatment can begin early enough to prevent vision loss.

To maintain a lifetime of healthy vision, adults should have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years. Adults over 60 should have annual exams.

“At risk” adults should have more frequent exams. Risk factors include:

• a family history of eye disease (glaucoma, macular degeneration, etc.)
• diabetes or high blood pressure
• a visually demanding occupation or one that may pose hazards to the eyes
• taking prescription or non-prescription drugs that may have visual or eye-related side effects
• previous eye injuries or eye surgery (including cataract surgery)

Routine eye exams are just as important after LASIK as they were before the procedure. LASIK does not increase your risk of eye disease, but it does not decrease your risk either. Since LASIK alters the shape and thickness of the cornea, it is also important to monitor the health of the front surface of the eye.

A comprehensive eye exam is relatively simple and comfortable and should not take more than 45 to 90 minutes. The exam will include checks on the following:

• Your medical history. First, your doctor will ask you for an assessment of your vision and your overall health. Your family’s medical history, whether you wear corrective lenses or whether you are on any medication will also be of interest to your doctor.
• Your visual acuity. This is the part of an eye exam people are probably most familiar with. Your will read a standardized eye chart to determine how well you see at various distances. The test is performed on one eye at a time by covering the eye not being tested.
• Your pupils. Your doctor may evaluate how your pupils respond to light by shining a bright beam of light through your pupils. Common pupillary reaction to this stimulus is to constrict (become smaller). If your pupils respond by dilating (widening) or there is a lack of response either way, this may indicate an underlying problem.
• Your side vision. Loss of side vision is a symptom of many disease processes. Because you may lose side vision without knowing it, this test can identify eye problems that you aren’t even aware of.
• Your eye movement. This test, called ocular motility, evaluates the movement of your eyes. Your doctor will want to ensure proper eye alignment and ocular muscle function. Common tests measure the eyes and their ability to move quickly in all directions and slowly track objects.
• Your prescription for corrective lenses. You will be seated and asked to view an eye chart through a device called a phoroptor, which contains different lenses. The phoroptor can help determine the best eyeglass or contact lens prescription to correct any refractive error you may have, such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness or age-related blurry near vision.
• Your eye pressure. This test, called tonometry, measures the pressure within your eye (intraocular eye pressure, or IOP). Elevated IOP is a sign of glaucoma. The test may involve a quick puff of air onto the eye, or gently applying a pressure-sensitive tip near or against your eye. Your doctor may use numbing drops for this test for your comfort.
• The front part of your eye. A type of microscope called a slit lamp is used to illuminate the front part of the eye, including the eyelids, cornea, iris and lens. This can reveal whether you are developing cataracts or have any scars or scratches on your cornea.
• Your retina and optic nerve. Your doctor will put drops in your eye to dilate, or widen, your eye. This will allow him or her to thoroughly examine your retina and optic nerve, located at the back of your eye, for signs of damage from disease. Your eyes might be temporarily sensitive to light for a few hours after they are dilated.

Your doctor may suggest additional testing to further examine your eye using specialized imaging techniques such as OCT, topography or fundus photos. These tests can be crucial in diagnosing a disease in its early stages and allow your doctor to detect abnormalities in the back of the eye, on the eye’s surface or inside the eye.

Bring a list of any prescription or non-prescription medications you are currently taking or that you took on a regular basis in the past. Include vitamins, herbs and other non-traditional remedies you may use. Also note the dosages you take for each medicine or other substance, and how long you have been taking them.

If you currently wear corrective lenses, bring all pairs of eyeglasses you wear routinely. If you wear contacts that were prescribed elsewhere, bring a copy of your most recent contact lens prescription.

If you are interested in specialty services such as contact lens fitting or laser vison correction surgery (LASIK) evaluation, be sure to mention this — both when you schedule your exam and when you check in on exam day.

Contact us at (803) 779-3070 to schedule an appointment for routine eye care at any of our three convenient locations.

The post Don’t Skip Your Comprehensive Eye Exam Because of Coronavirus! appeared first on Columbia Eye.

As of May 18, 2020, our appointment schedules have returned to normal. Routine eye care may now be scheduled. A physician will be on call, as always, for emergent after-hours care for our patients.

Each patient’s care and the safety of all patients and staff members are of paramount importance.  You can rest assured that all Physicians and staff at Columbia Eye Clinic will continue strictly adhering to CDC guidelines for disinfecting the office and hand hygiene.  Visitors and family members of patients will not be allowed in the buildings.  Prior to entering the building, each patient will have their temperature checked and complete a verbal Coronavirus screening to help safeguard everyone’s health.

Also, for the health and safety of all patients, staff members, and physicians, we are requiring all patients to bring a mask to their appointment and wear it throughout your time in the building.

Thank you for your cooperation.  Please contact our office at (803) 779-3070 if you have any questions.

The post All Locations Return to Normal Appointment Schedule appeared first on Columbia Eye.

For the week of May 4th, the Downtown Columbia, Lexington and Northeast locations will be open Monday – Friday, 8AM to 5PM. The Downtown Columbia location will also re-open on Saturdays from 8AM-Noon beginning on May 9th. ***Please note the NE office will close at Noon on Friday, May 8th.***

Our appointment schedules will continue to be limited with the priority being for established patients with urgent and emergent eye care needs.  However, each physician will begin slowly expanding their scope of care to serve more patients in need of examination and treatment.  Patients may still be contacted to reschedule their appointment.  A physician will be on call, as always, for emergent after-hours care for our patients.

Each patient’s care and the safety of all patients and staff members are of paramount importance.  You can rest assured that all Physicians and staff at Columbia Eye Clinic will continue strictly adhering to CDC guidelines for disinfecting the office and hand hygiene.  Visitors and family members of patients will not be allowed in the buildings.  Prior to entering the building, each patient will have their temperature checked and complete a verbal Coronavirus screening to help safeguard everyone’s health.

Also, we urge every patient to wear a mask when coming to their appointment at Columbia Eye Clinic.

Thank you for your cooperation.  Please contact our office at (803) 779-3070 if you have any questions.

The post Coronavirus Update 5/1/2020 appeared first on Columbia Eye.