Free CPO Contact Lens Patient Instruction Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When instructing a new wearer, what is the 'taco test' used for?
- To check for tears or defects in the lens
- To ensure the lens is not inside-out (Correct answer)
- To measure the base curve of the lens
- To remove protein deposits from the lens surface
Correct answer: To ensure the lens is not inside-out
The 'taco test' is a simple method to check if a soft contact lens is right-side out before insertion. When gently folded, a correctly oriented lens forms a 'U' or taco shape, while an inverted lens has flared edges, resembling a soup bowl.
Question 2: Which liquid should patients be explicitly warned NEVER to use for rinsing or storing their contact lenses?
- Sterile saline solution
- Multipurpose disinfecting solution
- Tap water (Correct answer)
- Hydrogen peroxide solution
Correct answer: Tap water
Tap water can contain microorganisms, most dangerously Acanthamoeba, which can cause a severe, painful, and sight-threatening corneal infection. Patients must be instructed to only use sterile, commercially prepared solutions approved for contact lens care.
Question 3: What is the most critical instruction for a patient using a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning system?
- The lenses must be manually rubbed before soaking.
- The solution must be neutralized before inserting the lenses. (Correct answer)
- The case should be replaced every month.
- The solution can be used as a rewetting drop.
Correct answer: The solution must be neutralized before inserting the lenses.
Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent disinfectant but is toxic to the cornea and will cause a severe chemical burn if it enters the eye directly. It is essential that the solution is fully neutralized, typically by a special case containing a platinum catalyst disc, for the recommended time (usually 6 hours) before lens insertion.
Question 4: The recommended method for removing a soft contact lens is to:
- Use a specially designed suction cup.
- Close the eye and press firmly on the eyelid.
- Slide the lens down onto the sclera and pinch it off. (Correct answer)
- Flush the eye with saline until the lens comes out.
Correct answer: Slide the lens down onto the sclera and pinch it off.
The safest and most effective method is to look up, use one finger to slide the lens down onto the less sensitive sclera (the white part of the eye), and then gently pinch the lens off between the thumb and index finger. This avoids scratching the cornea.
Question 5: A patient calls complaining of sudden eye pain, redness, and blurred vision while wearing their lenses. What is the most appropriate initial advice?
- Keep the lens in and use rewetting drops.
- Remove the lens immediately and contact the office. (Correct answer)
- Rinse the eye with the lens still in place.
- Wait one hour to see if the symptoms improve.
Correct answer: Remove the lens immediately and contact the office.
The symptoms of pain, redness, and vision loss (PRV) are red flags for a potentially serious problem like a corneal ulcer or infection. The first and most important step is to remove the lens to prevent further irritation or damage and to contact the eye doctor's office immediately for instructions.
Question 6: How often should a contact lens case be replaced?
- Every 1-3 months (Correct answer)
- Every year
- Only when it appears dirty
- With every new bottle of solution
Correct answer: Every 1-3 months
Contact lens cases can harbor bacteria and develop a biofilm over time, even with regular cleaning. To reduce the risk of infection, it is standard practice to recommend replacing the case every 1 to 3 months.
Free CPO Contact Lens Patient Instruction Questions and Answers 1
When instructing a new wearer, what is the 'taco test' used for?