Neutrogena Light Mask Information
Neutrogena sells a popular at-home treatment for mild or moderate acne called the “Visibly Clear Light Therapy Acne Mask and Activator.”
The system consists of a face mask containing red and blue LED lights that are controlled by a battery-powered ‘activator’ wand. The mask is worn by a user for 10 minutes a day, every day for 30 days.
Neutrogena Light Mask Recall
Neutrogena issued the recall “out of an abundance of caution” and said that reports of eye problems were rare, generally mild, and transient.
What is the Problem?
Use of the recalled Neutrogena Light Mask can cause irreversible eye damage, vision loss, or blindness, especially for people who take certain acne medications or suffer from certain underlying eye problems.
Side Effects of Neutrogena Light Mask
The potential risks of using the Neutrogena Light Mask include:
- Eye injury
- Retinal damage
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Vision loss
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Eye irritation
- Tearing
- Blindness
- Blurry vision
- Seeing spots or flashes
- Other vision changes (such as color vision)
Acne Medications May Increase Risk of Eye Injury
Neutrogena warned about a “theoretical risk of eye injury” for people who take medications that increase sensitivity to light. Unfortunately, this includes some of the most popular acne medications — including Retin-A and Accutane (isotretinoin) and other retinoid acne drugs.
Underlying Eye Problems Increase Risk of Side Effects
The risk of eye injury also increases for people with underlying eye disorders who use the Neutrogena Light Mask. Examples include retinitis pigmentosa, ocular albinism, and congenital retinal disorders.
Australia Announces Neutrogena Light Mask Recall
On July 17, 2019, a recall notice posted by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) warned users about the risk of “retinal damage that could be irreversible and could accelerate peripheral vision impairment or loss” from the Neutrogena Light Mask.
According to the TGA recall announcement:
Other potential adverse events that may be associated with use of this device are eye pain, eye discomfort, eye irritation, tearing, blinding, blurring of vision, seeing spots/flashes and other changes in vision (for example vision colour).
Neutrogena Light Mask Recalled in Canada
In July 2019, Health Canada issued a Class II recall for the Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask manufactured by Johnson & Johnson.