Contact Lens Patient Instruction Flashcards
6 cards from real CPO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Contact Lens Patient Instruction flashcards as text
When instructing a new wearer, what is the 'taco test' used for?
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.
Which liquid should patients be explicitly warned NEVER to use for rinsing or storing their contact lenses?
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.
What is the most critical instruction for a patient using a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning system?
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.
The recommended method for removing a soft contact lens is to:
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.
A patient calls complaining of sudden eye pain, redness, and blurred vision while wearing their lenses. What is the most appropriate initial advice?
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.
How often should a contact lens case be replaced?
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.