Health Canada says some products for disinfecting soft contact lenses contain hydrogen peroxide and can cause eye injury if used improperly.
Three products sold in Canada -- Clear Care, Aosept and Oxysept -- contain three per cent hydrogen peroxide and are used for cleaning, disinfecting and storing soft contact lenses.
The hydrogen peroxide in these solutions needs to be neutralized in a specialized lens case provided with the product for a certain amount of time before the lenses can be safely inserted into the eyes.
Only multi-purpose or saline solutions should be used to rinse contact lenses before they are inserted.
Health Canada says it has received reports of eye injuries from consumers who confused the hydrogen peroxide-based contact lens solutions with other types of solutions.
Consumers are advised to carefully read and follow labelling and packaging information before buying and using contact lens products.
Anyone who experiences eye stinging or burning with the use of these products should follow instructions on the package insert or contact their eye-care professional.
Health Canada has requested manufacturers of hydrogen peroxide contact lens solutions to update labels on their packaging to highlight the risk of improper use and provide consumers with clearer, step-by-step instructions for use.
That new packaging and labelling should be on store shelves later this year, the department said Thursday.
