CPO FREE CPO Contact Lens Patient Instruction Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

A patient calls stating their soft contact lens tore while they were removing it, and they believe a piece is still in their eye. What is the MOST appropriate initial instruction?

Accepted Answer

"Flush the eye with sterile saline, then look in a mirror. If you see the piece, try to gently slide it to the outer corner of the eye to remove it."

Answer

The correct initial step is to advise the patient to try non-invasive removal methods first. Flushing with sterile saline can help lubricate and dislodge the fragment. If visible, gently sliding it to the outer corner is a safe technique to attempt removal. Rubbing the eye can cause a corneal abrasion, using tweezers is extremely dangerous, and an emergency room visit is only necessary if these initial, safer steps fail or if the patient experiences significant pain.

Question 2

A patient wearing monthly soft lenses calls with complaints of increasing itchiness, excessive mucus upon waking, and a sensation that the lenses are moving excessively when they blink. What should the paraoptometric advise the patient to do?

Accepted Answer

"Schedule an appointment and discontinue contact lens wear until they can be seen by the doctor."

Answer

These symptoms are classic signs of Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC). The primary and most crucial step is to remove the source of irritation, which is the contact lens. The patient should stop wearing their lenses and schedule an appointment for the doctor to evaluate the condition and determine the appropriate management, which may include a temporary break from wear, a change in lens modality (like daily disposables), or prescribed eye drops. The other options do not address the immediate need to let the inflammation subside.

Question 3

Which of the following instructions is specific and critical for a new scleral lens wearer regarding the disinfection process?

Accepted Answer

"You must use a hydrogen peroxide-based system and allow the lenses to neutralize for a minimum of six hours before insertion."

Answer

Hydrogen peroxide systems are frequently recommended for deep cleaning scleral lenses. It is critically important that the peroxide is fully neutralized, a process that takes at least six hours, before the lens is placed on the eye to avoid a painful chemical burn. Topping off solution, using tap water, and storing lenses dry are all dangerous practices that can lead to contamination and serious eye infections.

Question 4

A patient who wears daily disposable lenses is going on a beach vacation and asks for the best advice on swimming in the ocean. What is the safest and most practical instruction?

Accepted Answer

"It's safest to wear well-fitting, waterproof swim goggles over a fresh pair of daily disposables, and discard the lenses immediately after swimming."

Answer

The safest practice is to avoid wearing contact lenses while swimming. However, if a patient must wear them, the recommended approach is to use daily disposables, as they can be discarded immediately after swimming, minimizing exposure to contaminants. This should always be paired with waterproof swim goggles to create a barrier between the eye and the water, which contains harmful microorganisms like Acanthamoeba.

Question 5

When instructing a patient on handwashing prior to lens handling, which of the following substances is MOST important to avoid in a soap because it can adhere to the lens surface and cause irritation or cloudy vision?

Accepted Answer

Lanolin or other oil-based moisturizers

Answer

Patients should be instructed to use mild, basic soap without oils, lotions, or heavy fragrances. Lanolin, a common ingredient in moisturizing soaps, is an oily substance that can easily transfer from the fingers to the contact lens, causing a greasy film that is difficult to clean and results in blurred vision and discomfort.

(CPO) Certified Paraoptometric Practice Test

(CPO) Certified Paraoptometric Practice Test

CPO FREE CPO Contact Lens Patient Instruction Questions and Answers 2