A popular eye care brands has voluntarily recalled some lots of its multifocal contact lenses in Canada. The recall, which was posted on June 12, came after a defect was found in the lenses in the form of a "high density of microbubbles"—small air pockets that might cause vision disturbances, particularly in low-light conditions.

Although the company and Health Canada insist that the problem does not present any direct medical injury, experts are urging consumers to take the warning seriously. The recall has reopened vital discussions regarding contact lens safety, the way small defects affect vision, and what action users should take when a product flaw compromises their eye health.

As per Johnson & Johnson's formal announcement, the issue is in a manufacturing defect for a small quantity of certain lots of their Oasys Max 1-Day Multifocal contact lenses. These lenses have been said to have "microbubbles"—small voids that are placed within the lens material. While harmless to the surface of the eye, they may disrupt the clarity of vision and cause observable disturbances in focus, especially when the ambient lighting is low.

Health Canada has classified the incident as a Type II recall, meaning that the problem can cause temporary or reversible adverse health consequences, even though the possibility of serious outcomes is deemed remote.

The company has not been specific regarding how many units have been sold with the issue, or the precise retailers that have carried the affected product, adding a degree of uncertainty for consumers who are already using this product line.

While "microbubbles" may not sound dangerous, they can behave as miniature lenses or blockages within the actual contact lens, bending or dispersing light irregularly. This distortion can cause blurry vision, halos around lights, or visual interference that is especially annoying at night or in low-light settings like restaurants or driving.

This kind of interference doesn't hurt the eye but will interfere with daily activities where clear vision is a necessity. In contact lens wearers—particularly multifocal wearers who depend on the accuracy of optics—this becomes a real quality-of-life problem.

Johnson & Johnson recommends that any customers with problems stop wearing the lenses right away and contact the company for assistance. Customers are also encouraged to consult with their eye care practitioners if they believe that they have lenses from the affected batch. Although there is no danger of permanent eye injury due to this specific flaw, neglecting changes in vision can cause undue delays in detecting other unrelated serious eye problems.

Patients are also instructed not to get rid of the compromised lenses prior to submitting them to be inspected by a healthcare professional. These lenses might need to be used to verify the existence of microbubbles and for reporting.

What Causes Contact Lens-related Eye Problems?

While this recall is not the result of infection or contamination, it emphasizes the need for good contact lens hygiene and caution. Contact lenses, while convenient and comfortable, are not risk-free—particularly if worn for long periods or improperly handled.

Contact lens wear is linked to a number of serious eye conditions including:

• Microbial keratitis, a serious infection brought on by bacteria, fungi, or amoebae
• Corneal ulcers, or open sores on the surface of the eye
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Corneal abrasions from improper fit or debris trapped beneath the lens

These conditions can progress rapidly and, in some instances, lead to permanent loss of vision or the necessity for corneal transplantation.

Symptoms of Eye Infection or Irritation

If you are a contact lens wearer—whether or not you have one of the recalled lenses—be aware of these symptoms:

• Prolonged eye irritation or burning
• Abundant tearing or unusual discharge
• Increased light sensitivity
• Swelling, redness, or gritty feeling
• Blurred or clouded vision
• Eye and around-eye pain

All of these symptoms require urgent medical assessment. Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoid complications in the long run.

Easy Ways To Use Contact Lens Safely

To reduce risks from contact lens use, use these CDC- and Health Canada-approved safety practices:

• Always dry and wash your hands before touching lenses.
• Never reuse or "top off" solution in your lens case.
• Avoid contact with water (tap, bottled, or pool water), which may contain harmful microorganisms like Acanthamoeba.
• Replace lens storage cases every 3 months.
• Do not sleep in your lenses unless prescribed by your eye care provider.
• Remove lenses before swimming or using hot tubs.

These basic hygiene and care practices can drastically reduce the likelihood of infections or complications.

New Zealand has stepped up surveillance after the first detection of a dengue and Zika-carrying mosquito larvae in the country.

The larval species was confirmed as 'Aedes aegypti' — known to carry diseases including dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika, and chikungunya, across the globe.

As New Zealand does not normally have the mosquito species, the larvae detected were counted as "exotic".

The mosquito species did not cause any outbreak, but were spotted during a routine surveillance program in Auckland.

"The National Public Health Service has commenced a heightened surveillance and interception programme following mosquito larvae being collected from a routine surveillance trap at Queens Wharf, Auckland, on Monday 30 March," Health New Zealand said in a statement.

Health New Zealand reported that exotic species were occasionally found at ports and airports.

Not A Public Threat Yet

The health body noted that the larvae were not considered a public health or biosecurity threat yet because there was no indication they had become established.

But the agency aimed to continue "intensive monitoring for at least three weeks".

"The monitoring would take place within a 400m radius of the site where the larvae were identified. Health Protection Officers would place mosquito traps in the survey area," the statement said.

"These have been hidden away from plain sight so they are not disturbed, for example, in old tyres, bushes, or pools of water. We ask members of the public to avoid touching or disturbing these traps if they find them, as it may disrupt our monitoring and trapping efforts," medical officer of health Dr David Sinclair said.

Sinclair said New Zealanders were most at risk from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes when travelling overseas, including to Pacific Island countries and territories where dengue fever was known to be present.

Dengue Surging In 17 Countries

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently issued a travel alert of dengue outbreaks across 17 countries.

The CDC alert issued on March 23 identified 17 countries reporting an increased number of cases of dengue. These include: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Colombia, Cook Islands, Cuba, Guyana, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, New Caledonia, Pakistan, Samoa, Sudan, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, and the United States territories of American Samoa, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, where local transmission is already common.

Also read: Long-term Exposure To Air Pollution Increases Fatality Rates In Dengue: Study

What Is Dengue?

Dengue is a disease caused by a virus spread through mosquito bites. It is transmitted through infected mosquitoes, primarily the species Aedes aegypti.

The breakbone fever is caused by an infection with any of four different dengue viruses. These include:

• Dengue virus type 1 (DENV-1 or DEN-1)

• Dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2 or DEN-2)

• Dengue virus type 3 (DENV-3 or DEN-3)

• Dengue virus type 4 (DENV-4 or DEN-4)

Also read: New dengue vaccine over 80% effective, prevents severe disease for up to 5 years

Common Symptoms of dengue include:

• Sudden onset of high-grade fever.

• Intense headache

• Severe muscle, joint, or bone pain.

• Skin Rash that often appears 2–5 days after the fever starts

• Nausea and Vomiting

• Minor bleeding

• Fatigue.

The COVID Cicada variant, currently circulating in 23 countries, is likely to affect children more than the previous variants.

Children have largely escaped severe illness from the SARS-COV-2 virus.

However, the new Cicada variant with around 75 genetic changes in its spike protein is likely to disproportionately affect children, as per an expert, who noted its presence in the UK.

“Some people have done analysis on this, suggesting it may be more prevalent among young children. Children get infections all the time, but this might be something to do with the fact that they have never been exposed to Covid vaccines," Prof Ravindra Gupta, of Cambridge University, who advised the UK government during the pandemic, was quoted as saying to The Mirror.

“So this is something we’re looking at in the lab to try and work out why. The problem with this is that it is an infection that spreads fast. Eventually, it ends up in someone vulnerable," he added.

Key Symptoms

Symptoms seem to be similar to those of other recent variants and include

• sore throat,
• cough,
• congestion,
• fatigue,
• headache
• fever.

Also read: Cicada Variant: Will The Current COVID Vaccine Provide Protection?

What Do The 75 Genetic Changes Mean?

Cicada, a descendant of the Omicron variant that emerged in 2021, was first detected in South Africa in 2024. However, it disappeared soon after, only to emerge early this year.

Prof Gupta told the publication that “the Cicada variant developed the 75 mutations to escape immunity, and it evolved by incubating a single patient for over a year”.

"This 'patient zero' would have been unable to clear the virus due to a compromised immune system," due to HIV or anti-cancer drugs.

Further, he explained that due to 75 mutations to the spike protein, the body’s antibodies will take a longer time to fight the Cicada variant.

However, there is no evidence yet that it is likely to cause more severe disease.

Will The Cicada Variant Cause Severe Illness?

The Cicada variant is particularly concerning as it provides no immune protection to people with previous infection or even vaccination.

Yet, the World Health Organization and health experts advise that existing COVID vaccinations can help prevent severe illness and hospitalization.

"It would appear that all the protections we have from our experience with the virus and with vaccines probably offer more limited—not zero—but more limited protection against this strain," Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, was quoted as saying by Time.

Also read: COVID Variant BA.3.2 Spreads To 23 Countries: Is The Variant Under Monitoring A Cause Of Worry?

How To Safeguard

Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, a doctor and healthcare strategy executive, writing in Forbes, stressed the need to follow COVID practices such as masks and hand hygiene.

"Healthcare professionals recommend taking general precautions, similar to those used to prevent most viral transmission: get vaccinations when appropriate, wear masks in crowded areas or indoors where there is a high risk of transmission," he said.

He also urged “avoid individuals who have known illness or infections, wash hands frequently, and continue to stay apprised of local community guidelines and the infection spread”.

GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools that can improve health, but it comes with risks and caveats. While these are medical therapies, they are being misused as cosmetic products by cosmetologists, physiotherapists, dermatologists, among others.

To curb its misuse and improve public health, the Indian government today issued guidelines on its use, while also flagging risks around it.

In an official statement issued today, the government has stated that it will roll out stricter inspections to curb the misuse of GLP-1 drugs in the country and will punish those who violate the rules.

“GLP-1 drugs are a significant medical breakthrough in treating type 2 diabetes and obesity, but they are not without risk. The drugs carry a wide range of side effects - from common symptoms like nausea and vomiting to severe complications including pancreatitis, kidney injury, and bowel obstruction. These risks make it essential that GLP-1 drugs are only taken under the supervision of registered medical practitioners/specialists,” the statement said.

In the wake of its hype over weight loss, the country's regulatory authorities have taken firm steps to prevent unsupervised use and malpractices in the supply chain.

It has “strongly advised” patients and the public to” consult a qualified medical specialist before use, and to obtain these medications with prescription only through legitimate, regulated channels”.

“Stricter inspections and surveillance will continue in the coming weeks. Businesses that break the rules will face license cancellation, fines, and legal action,” the statement said.

Also read: GLP-1 Drugs: Why India Needs Stricter Rules Now

What Are The Side-effects Of GLP-1 Drugs?

GLP-1 drugs work to keep food in the digestive system for longer – making people feel fuller for longer, thus reducing appetite and inducing weight loss. Hence, the drugs are also prescribed to people with obesity.

However, when done without clinical oversight, it can lead to severe health complications.

There are various side effects to taking GLP-1 drugs, including nausea and dizziness, to pancreatitis and medullary thyroid cancer.

Some serious side effects include

• Pancreatis
• Thyroid Cancer
• Acute (Sudden) Kidney Injury
• Worsening Diabetes-Related Retinopathy
• Gallstone & Bile Duct Blockage
• Rapid loss of fat in the face
• Wrinkles
• Sunken eyes

GLP-1 medications may also complicate various health conditions, such as allergic reactions, with shortness of breath and low blood sugar.

Rush For Generic Weight Loss Drugs

The government's advisory comes as patent for semaglutide -- an active ingredient in diabetes and anti-obesity drugs, specifically Wegovy and Ozempic -- expired on March 20.

This has led to a rush among Indian pharma companies to launch cheaper generic versions, significantly increasing affordability and access for millions battling Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Also read: CDSCO threatens action against pharma companies for promoting GLP-1 weight-loss drugs

Major Indian drugmakers who launched their generic semglutide injection in the country in March include Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Zydus Lifesciences, Alkem Laboratories, and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories.

WHO Guidelines on GLP-1 drugs

Amid the increasing prevalence of GLP-1 drugs, the World Health Organisation (WHO), late last year, acknowledged its role in treating obesity.

However, it warned that medications like GLP-1 alone will not solve the problem affecting more than one billion people worldwide.

The global health body also issued conditional recommendations for using these therapies as part of a comprehensive approach that includes healthy diets, regular physical activity, and support from health professionals.