Contact Lenses Overview and Management

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Questions and Answers

What is a principal advantage of wearing contact lenses compared to spectacles?

Contact lenses are less expensive.

Contact lenses are easier to lose.

Contact lenses can be used in wet environments. (correct)

Contact lenses require no cleaning.

Which type of contact lens is typically more difficult to adapt to and requires a consistent daily wear schedule?

Colored lenses

Hard lenses (correct)

Soft lenses

Disposable lenses

Which issue may patients experience when wearing soft contact lenses?

Better vision than with hard lenses

Increased risk of corneal scarring

Allergic reactions from lens substances (correct)

Apparent visual clarity in all situations

What is a disadvantage of hard contact lenses?

They are brittle and unsuitable for contact sports. Signup and view all the answers

Which types of corrective issues can hard lenses address that soft lenses typically cannot?

Keratoconus and corneal scarring Signup and view all the answers

Why do some patients find contact lenses less convenient than spectacles?

Contact lenses need to be cleaned and managed on a regular basis. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is true for soft contact lenses?

They wrap onto the corneal surface and have high water content. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason patients choose contact lenses?

They allow for greater flexibility in wearing schedules. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended action for a patient with a corneal abrasion caused by contact lenses?

Apply antibiotic ointment and leave lenses out for 24 hours Signup and view all the answers

Which factor increases the risk of corneal abrasions in contact lens wearers?

Wearing lenses for extended periods without breaks Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is NOT typically associated with a corneal infection in contact lens wearers?

Positions of contact lenses off-center Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided to prevent Acanthamoebic keratitis in contact lens wearers?

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

Which type of tear supplement is recommended for contact lens wearers experiencing dry eye symptoms?

Low viscosity tear supplements Signup and view all the answers

What should patients with hypersensitivity reactions to contact lens solutions do?

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

What is a common recommendation to ensure the effectiveness of unpreserved tear supplements?

Keep them in multiple locations for convenience Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when a contact lens wearer presents with a red eye?

The possibility of corneal abrasions or infections Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step to examine a patient with a potentially displaced contact lens?

Instil a drop of local anaesthetic Signup and view all the answers

Where is a displaced contact lens most likely to be found?

Hidden beneath the top eyelid Signup and view all the answers

When repositioning a displaced contact lens, what should the patient do as you stabilize the lens?

Look towards your finger Signup and view all the answers

What might the patient experience if a contact lens is displaced?

Pain and distress Signup and view all the answers

How can you help stabilize a soft contact lens during repositioning?

Dry your finger on a clean gauze pad Signup and view all the answers

What should be done after successfully repositioning a displaced lens?

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

Why is it important to ascertain whether a contact lens is on the eye or not?

To avoid unnecessary anesthetic application Signup and view all the answers

What should you avoid telling a patient who believes their contact lens is behind their eye?

They should try to find the lens themselves Signup and view all the answers

What is a common reason for patients experiencing difficulty removing their contact lenses?

Vacuum development beneath the lens Signup and view all the answers

Which technique is recommended for breaking the vacuum under a stuck lens?

Push the lid margin backward onto the lens Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step to take if a patient is unable to remove their lenses due to severe pain and swelling?

Instill a drop of local anaesthetic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a necessary follow-up treatment after lens removal in cases of acute overwear?

Instilling a cycloplegic agent Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a hard contact lens breaks?

Remove obvious shards and refer the patient for a review Signup and view all the answers

What should never be done with a contact lens in place?

Instill fluorescein into the eye Signup and view all the answers

How can a patient temporarily store contact lenses?

In saline solution using a specimen pottle Signup and view all the answers

What is a symptom of hypoxia and oedema caused by acute contact lens overwear?

Severe pain and discomfort Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are worn for cosmetic and optical reasons
Benefits include no fogging, weather suitability, and improved vision in specific cases (e.g., keratoconus, high myopia)
Drawbacks include cost, inconvenience (cleaning and solutions)

Types of Contact Lenses

Hard lenses: Rigid, partially gas-permeable, replace corneal surface effectively. More difficult to adapt to, but suitable for wider refractive issues like keratoconus
Soft lenses: More adaptable, flexible wearing schedule, ideal for sports, high water content, wrap onto cornea. May not provide as sharp of vision as hard lenses

Contact Lens Problems and Management

Corneal abrasions: Can occur during lens insertion/removal or trauma. Treat as with any other abrasion (antibiotic ointment, cycloplegic, pad) and remove lens for 24 hours to allow healing.
Red Eye: Contact lens wearers may experience red eye due common causes but also have a higher incidence of corneal abrasions and infections.
Dry eyes: Contact lenses can worsen or trigger dry eyes, especially in smoky/air-conditioned environments. Add tear supplements (Tears Plus™, Poly-Tears™, Tears Naturale™), single-use unpreserved tear supplements (Refresh) for these cases.
Itchy eyes: Hypersensitivity to lens solutions can cause redness and irritation. Try rinsing solutions more thoroughly, or switching to a new cleaning regime. Consult optometrists, ophthalmologists, or pharmacists for advice.
Lens displacement: Lenses may become dislodged. Examine whether a lens is truly present, use local anesthetic, and reposition lens using gentle movements to restore the lens to the cornea.
Stuck lenses: Difficulty removing lenses may occur due to vacuum beneath the lens. Gentle pressure on the lens edge or local anesthetic may help. If unable to remove, consult with a health professional.
Acute overwear: Prolonged contact lens wear (e.g., overnight) can cause corneal hypoxia and edema, leading to severe pain. Always remove lenses before sleeping.

General Tips

Fluorescein and Contact lenses: Avoid instilling fluorescein solution when contact lenses are present as it can permanently stain some soft lenses.
Storing contact lenses: Use a specimen pottle filled with saline solution for short-term storage.
Finding lost lenses: Patience, check face/clothes, use dim lighting to find reflections.
Referring patients: Chronic issues (discomfort, dryness), infection signs require immediate referral to an ophthalmologist bypassing optometrist; avoid antibiotic instillations.
Broken Lenses: Remove visible lens pieces, refer to optometrist/ophthalmologist for evaluation.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential aspects of contact lenses, including their benefits, types, and management of common issues. Learn about hard and soft lenses, how to handle corneal abrasions, and more. Perfect for those seeking to understand the practical use and care of contact lenses.