Contact Lenses Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary cosmetic benefit of wearing contact lenses?

They are cheaper than glasses.

They are always easy to clean.

They do not fog up. (correct)

They provide better vision than glasses.

What is a significant disadvantage of wearing contact lenses compared to glasses?

They are more comfortable to wear.

They require carrying cleaning solutions. (correct)

They offer wider vision correction.

They come in only one type of material.

Which condition can be better corrected with hard contact lenses than with soft lenses?

Myopia

Keratoconus (correct)

Short-sightedness

High astigmatism

Why are soft contact lenses often preferred for sports?

They conform closely to the corneal surface. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common allergic response related to contact lenses?

Sequestration of allergens within the lens Signup and view all the answers

What is a requirement for using hard contact lenses?

They need a similar wearing schedule each day. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason some people prefer contact lenses over glasses?

Do not obstruct peripheral vision. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the properties of soft contact lenses?

They have a high water content and are easier to adapt to. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action for a patient with corneal abrasions due to contact lens use?

Leave the lenses out for 24 hours to allow healing Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms may indicate a corneal infection in a contact lens wearer?

Decreased vision and marked redness Signup and view all the answers

What condition is most commonly associated with improperly made saline solutions for contact lenses?

Acanthamoebic keratitis Signup and view all the answers

Which type of tear supplement is particularly recommended for patients with dry eyes who wear contact lenses?

Low viscosity tear supplements Signup and view all the answers

What action should be suggested to patients experiencing hypersensitivity reactions to contact lens solutions?

Rinse off solutions more thoroughly or try a new cleaning regime Signup and view all the answers

What should contact lens wearers do if they experience significant redness in their eyes?

Consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist for evaluation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommended practice for preventing corneal abrasions?

Using tap water to rinse contact lenses Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of dry eye in contact lens wearers?

Irritating dryness and discomfort Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step after assessing the patient's pain and distress due to a displaced contact lens?

Wash your hands and instil a drop of local anaesthetic Signup and view all the answers

What common misconception might patients have regarding their contact lens?

The lens can float behind the eye Signup and view all the answers

If the contact lens is found beneath the upper eyelid, what should the healthcare provider instruct the patient to do?

Look down and nasalward Signup and view all the answers

Why is it suggested to dry your finger on a clean gauze pad during lens repositioning attempts?

To increase friction and grip Signup and view all the answers

What should be done after successfully repositioning the contact lens?

Instruct the patient to remove the lens Signup and view all the answers

What tool can be used to help locate a displaced contact lens?

A torch or ophthalmoscope Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical location of a displaced contact lens?

Underneath the top eyelid or laterally Signup and view all the answers

How long does the cornea typically need to heal after contact lens manipulation?

24 hours Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a vacuum develops beneath a contact lens?

Instill local anesthetic to remove the lens. Signup and view all the answers

What symptom indicates that a patient has experienced acute overwear of contact lenses?

Severe pain upon waking. Signup and view all the answers

If a hard contact lens breaks, what is the recommended initial action?

Remove visible pieces and refer to an optometrist. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of instilling fluorescein into an eye with an in-situ contact lens?

It can cause the lens to absorb the dye and become unusable. Signup and view all the answers

What palliative treatments are reasonable after removing lenses following acute overwear?

Instilling a cycloplegic like cyclopentolate 1% and ophthalmic ointment. Signup and view all the answers

Why might padding be of little use for a patient experiencing pain from acute overwear?

The corneal epithelium is usually intact. Signup and view all the answers

What is a suitable temporary storage method for contact lenses when needed?

Use a specimen pottle with saline. Signup and view all the answers

What could be an indicator that someone has not been able to remove their contact lenses due to pain?

They arrive at clinics for immediate assistance. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are worn for cosmetic or optical benefits
They are useful in wet environments and sports
Disadvantages include cost and inconvenience (cleaning solutions, replacement costs)
Two types: hard and soft
- Hard lenses are rigid, gas-permeable, replace corneal surface, more difficult to adapt to
- Soft lenses are flexible, high water content, easier to adapt to, may not provide as clear vision
Corneal abrasions can occur during insertion/removal or trauma; treat with antibiotic ointment, cycloplegic, and/or eye pad, remove lenses for 24 hrs
Red eye: Contact lens wearers are more prone to red eye, but red eye issues can originate from other sources.
- If corneal infection suspected, (like decreased vision, marked redness, white/cloudy areas), refer immediately
Dry eyes: Contact lenses can exacerbate dry eye; use tear supplements (Tears Plus™, Poly-Tears™, Tears Naturale™, Refresh™) as needed.
Itchy eyes: Hypersensitivity reactions to contact lens solutions are possible; ensure thorough rinsing or try a new cleaning regime.
Lens Displacement:
- Most lenses become dislodged; reassure patient and use local anesthetic to examine and reposition the lens
- Inspect for lens displacement and locate lost lens.
- Use a torch and ask patient to look in different directions to move lens back into position.
Stuck Lenses:
- Difficulty removing lenses; vacuum beneath lens develops
- Try pushing gently on lens edge or using a surgical instrument
Acute Overwear:
- Leaving lenses in overnight (or longer) causes corneal hypoxia and edema; severe pain, refer to ophthalmologist
Broken lenses:
- Remove shards; refer to optometrist/ ophthalmologist

Tips

Do not use fluorescein with lenses in place (some lenses stain)
Use a small specimen bottle for storing lenses if needed
Carefully search for lost lenses.
Refer patients with chronic problems (discomfort, dryness, redness) to the practitioner that fitted the lenses.
Refer patients with signs of infection to an ophthalmologist immediately, bypassing optometrist (avoid antibiotic application in suspicious cases)

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Description

This quiz covers the essential aspects of contact lenses, including their advantages and disadvantages, types (hard and soft), and common eye issues associated with their use. Explore the importance of proper care and treatment methods for various ocular conditions like red eye and dry eyes. Assess your knowledge on how to manage contact lens-related concerns effectively.