cl Flashcards

1
Q

Modern rigid gas-permeable (GP) contact lenses are usually fitted to adhere with which of the following parameters?

Spare the corneal apex from undue pressure and rubbing during wear
Maximize lens movement
Maximize tear exchange for appropriate re-supply of oxygen
Align with the anterior corneal surface and maintain tear exchange

A

Align with the anterior corneal surface and maintain tear exchange

Modern GP CLs are usually fitted to align with the corneal surface and maintain tear exchange, but there is no need to maximize tear exchange for oxygen supply reasons as the lenses themselves are permeable to oxygen. Lenses for keratoconic eyes are often fitted to spare the corneal apex; this is not the normal paradigm for non-keratoconic eyes.

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2
Q

Soft lenses are ideal for sports because they tend to dislodge less than gas-permeable lenses. Which of the following occurs when a soft lens dehydrates?

 The index of refraction decreases  
 The thickness increases  
 The contact lens power becomes more plus  
 The overall diameter increases  
 The base curve steepens
A

The base curve steepens

When a soft contact lens dehydrates, the contact lens power increases in minus, the overall diameter and the thickness decrease while the index of refraction increases. Clinically, it is important to monitor the base curve because as a contact lens dehydrates, its base curve steepens, especially in people with dry eyes. When a contact lens steepens, it can tighten up and can seal off the cornea, causing edema as well as eye infections. In contrast, when a soft contact lens is hydrated, its base curve flattens, the overall diameter and the thickness increase, the contact lens power increases in plus, and the index of refraction decreases.

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3
Q

A new patient to your office presents wearing rigid gas-permeable contact lenses. You begin to analyze the lenses and notice that on lensometry both lenses have a toric prescription and prism. Which of the following lenses does the patient MOST likely currently wear?

 Spherical  
 Front Surface (F1) Toric   
 Toric Base Curve  
 CPE Bitoric  
 SPE Bitoric
A

Front Surface (F1) Toric Correct Answer

Front surface (F1) toric rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses are the only toric contact lenses that always have a prism-ballast design. The back surface of an F1 toric RGP lens is spherical, due to the fact that a patient wearing this design will have a mostly spherical cornea (usually less than about 1.00D). Patients will also have a significant amount of cylinder on over-refraction, so the toricity is placed on the front surface of the lens. In order for the lens to sit properly on the eye so that the lens power is oriented properly, F1 toric lenses have a prism-ballast design, making them heavier at the bottom. These are the only toric RGP lenses that always have this design. Therefore, one can determine that if prism is present, the lens design is most likely an F1 toric. Prism is rarely added to other lens designs to aid in lens centration. For all other toric RGP lenses, one must also use a radiuscope to gather more information on the base curves before being able to determine the exact lens design.

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4
Q

Your patient undergoes pre-testing and reports that she was wearing her +5.00 D soft contact lenses while non-contact tonometry (NCT) was performed. How would you expect this finding to alter the test results?

NCT should never be performed over soft contact lenses
The measured intraocular pressure will be falsely lowered
The measured intraocular pressure will be falsely elevated
The measured intraocular pressure will remain unaffected

A

The measured intraocular pressure will be falsely elevated Your Answer

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5
Q

ou place a diagnostic rigid gas permeable contact lens on your patient’s right eye with a base curve of 44.75D and a power of -3.00D. Analysis of the fit shows that the lens is apical touch by 0.75D, and an over-refraction reveals -1.25 -0.50 x 170. If you desire an apical alignment lens fit and plano equivalent spherical over-refraction, which of the following contact lenses would you order that would MOST likely provide this?

  1. 00 / -5.25
  2. 00 / -4.50 4
  3. 50 / -3.75
  4. 00 / -3.75
  5. 50 / -4.50
  6. 50 / -5.25
A

45.50 / -5.25 Correct Answer
Explanation
In order to find the power of the contact lens, one would add the diagnostic contact lens power (-3.00D) to the equivalent spherical value of the over-refraction (-1.50D), which equals -4.50D. If there was no need to alter the base curve of the contact lens, this would be the power that would provide an equivalent spherical plano over-refraction. However; in this case, the base curve needs to be adjusted to provide an apical alignment fit. Because the diagnostic contact lens shows apical touch by 0.75D, the base curve needs to be steepened by 0.75D (to 45.50). When a base curve is steepened, the tear lens becomes more plus (or less minus), thus an equal amount of additional minus must be added to the contact lens power to adjust for this. Therefore, adding -0.75D to -4.50D means that the new contact lens will require a power of -5.25 in order to provide a plano equivalent spherical over-refraction.
Note: An easy way to remember this is SAM FAP (Steepen Add Minus; Flatten Add Plus)

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6
Q

Your 38 year-old male patient wears rigid gas-permeable contact lenses. The following parameters are for his right eye:
Keratometry: 45.50 @ 090 x 44.00 @ 180
Base curve of RGP: 44.00 (apical alignment)
Over-refraction: +0.50 -1.00 x 180
Which 2 of the following would you expect to occur to the over-refraction if you suspect that his contact lens is warped by 0.50D? (Select 2)

The equivalent diopter sphere of the over-refraction will become plus
The amount of with-the-rule astigmatism in the over-refraction will decrease
The amount of with-the-rule astigmatism in the over-refraction will increase Correct Answer
The equivalent diopter sphere of the over-refraction will not change Correct Answer
The amount of with-the-rule astigmatism in the over-refraction will not change
The equivalent diopter sphere of the over-refraction will become minus Your Answer

A

Explanation
When a rigid gas permeable contact lens warps or flexes on the eye, the over-refraction will change.
- If the corneal toricity is WTR and the original over-refraction is WTR, the amount of WTR astigmatism in the new over-refraction will increase (by the amount of warp)
- If the corneal toricity is ATR and the original over-refraction is ATR, the amount of ATR astigmatism in the new over-refraction will increase (by the amount of warp)
- If the corneal toricity is WTR and the original over-refraction is ATR, the amount of ATR astigmatism in the new over-refraction will decrease (warp/flexure actually helps here)
Additionally, the equivalent diopter sphere (EDS) of the over-refraction will remain the same.

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7
Q

A 24-year old female wears soft contact lenses with a Dk/t of 175 and admits to sleeping in her lenses. She is very satisfied with both the comfort and the vision of her lenses. Biomicroscopy reveals mucin balls under her lenses bilaterally that leave impressions in her central corneas upon removal of her lenses. Which of the following actions would BEST help to eliminate the formation of mucin balls?

Altering the power of the contact lens but maintaining the same lens material
Maintaining the same lens material but changing to a steeper base curve Your Answer
Changing her multi-purpose solution
Instructing the patient to increase her blinking frequency

A

Explanation
Mucin balls appear as small, white, pearl-like debris that occur behind the posterior surface of contact lenses. They generally occur with silicone hydrogel lenses that are fit too flat and are used for extended wear purposes. Mucin balls do not actually pose a threat to vision and do not generally compromise the integrity of the cornea. However, if they are severe enough, there are several options available to clinicians to combat their formation. An easy way to decrease generation of mucin balls is to steepen the base curve of the lens. Alternatively, one can decrease the amount of extended wear or add re-wetting drops to the patient’s contact lens regimen. Upon removal, mucin balls will cause pooling of sodium fluorescein but will not cause staining of the cornea.

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8
Q

You are recording the parameters of your patient’s rigid gas permeable lenses into his record that you have obtained from a prescription from his prior optometrist. The overall diameter (OAD) is noted to be 9.0mm, the optic zone (OZ) is 7.4mm, and the tertiary curve width (TCw) is 0.2mm. The secondary curve width (SCw) is not available, but based on the above information you calculate it to be which of the following?

  1. 20 mm
  2. 70 mm
  3. 40 mm
  4. 60 mm
A

0.60 mm Correct Answer
Explanation
The overall diameter of the rigid gas permeable contact lens is equal to the optic zone diameter, 2x the secondary curve width, and 2x the tertiary curve width. One may rearrange the equation to calculate the necessary unknown.

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9
Q

You place a diagnostic rigid gas permeable contact lens on your patient’s right eye with a base curve of 46.50 D and a power of -3.00D. Analysis of the fit shows that the lens is apical touch by 1.50D, and an over-refraction reveals -4.50DS. If you desire an apical alignment lens fit and plano over-refraction, which of the following contact lenses would you order that would MOST likely provide this?

  1. 00 / -8.75
  2. 00 / -9.00 Your Answer
  3. 00 / -6.00
  4. 00 / -9.00
  5. 00 / -8.75 Correct Answer
  6. 00 / -6.00
A

Explanation
In order to find the power of the contact lens, one would add the diagnostic contact lens power to the equivalent spherical value of the over-refraction. Remember though, if the over-refraction is greater than 4.00D, this must be vertexed. Therefore, in this case, one would add the contact lens power of -3.00 to the vertexed over-refraction of -4.25, which equals -7.25. If there was no need to alter the base curve of the contact lens, this would be the power that would provide a plano over-refraction. However; in this case, the base curve needs to be adjusted to provide an apical alignment fit. Because the diagnostic contact lens shows apical touch by 1.50D, the base curve needs to be steepened by 1.50D (to 48.00D). When a base curve is steepened, the tear lens becomes more plus (or less minus), thus an equal amount of additional minus must be added to the contact lens power to adjust for this. Therefore, adding -1.50D to -7.25D means that the new contact lens will require a power of -8.75 in order to provide a plano over-refraction.
Note: An easy way to remember this is SAM FAP (Steepen Add Minus; Flatten Add Plus)

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10
Q

Your rigid gas-permeable contact lens patient presents with dimple veiling of the cornea. What modification can be made to the contact lens in order to decrease the occurrence of this finding?

 Increase the overall diameter  
 Flatten the peripheral curves  
 Increase the optic zone diameter  
 Decrease the optic zone diameter   Your Answer
 Steepen the base curve
A

Explanation
Removing the contact lens for several hours will typically allow for resolution of dimple veiling and any associated symptoms. Long-term treatment, however, will require modification of the contact lens parameters. Dimple veiling is a result of poor tear exchange under the gas permeable contact lens, which leads to the entrapment of bubbles of carbon dioxide under the central curvature of the lens. Decreasing the overall diameter of the contact lens and flattening the base curve of the lens may help prevent the formation of dimple veiling, but the treatment of choice is to decrease the diameter of the optic zone or in some manner reduce the vault of the lens. This allows for better tear flow that may have been impeded by a tight mid-peripheral junction of the optic zone and intermediate and peripheral curvatures of the contact lens.

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11
Q

Which 2 of the following statements are TRUE in regards to the center thickness of rigid gas permeable contact lenses? (Select 2)

As the overall diameter of the contact lens increases, the center thickness of the contact lens should decrease
As the base curve of the contact lens becomes steeper the center thickness of the contact lens should increase Correct Answer
As the base curve of the contact lens becomes steeper, the center thickness of the contact lens should decrease Your Answer
As the overall diameter of the contact lens increases, the center thickness of the contact lens should increase Your Answer

A

Explanation
Rules of thumb for the central thickness of a rigid gas permeable contact lenses state that as the overall diameter of the contact lens increases, the central thickness increases in order to maintain an adequate edge thickness. Additionally, as the base curve of a contact lens increases, the center thickness of the contact lens should increase as well.

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12
Q
Logo
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
TIMED EXAM
REVIEW & STUDY TOOLS 
DIANA
PART I 
Practice Questions 
Answer
Correct
What is the power of the tear lens created by a gas permeable contact lens with a base curve of 43.50D placed on a cornea with a keratometry reading of 44.25 x 43.50 @ 020?
 plano -0.75 x 020   Your Answer
 plano -0.75x 110  
 \+0.75 -0.75 x 110  
 \+0.75 -0.75 x 020  
 \+0.75 DS  
 -0.75 DS  

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A
Explanation
In order to find the power of the tear lens created by the back surface of a rigid gas permeable contact lens (base curve) and the anterior surface of the cornea (keratometry reading), the following equation may be used: 
Tear lens (TL) = base curve (BC) - keratometry (K) 
If the keratometry values are not spherical, this equation must be calculated in each meridian. The easiest way to do this is to place the base curve and keratometry values on an optical cross and subtract K from BC. Then convert from the optical cross to a lens power. This is shown below: 
Explanation
In order to find the power of the tear lens created by the back surface of a rigid gas permeable contact lens (base curve) and the anterior surface of the cornea (keratometry reading), the following equation may be used: 
Tear lens (TL) = base curve (BC) - keratometry (K) 
If the keratometry values are not spherical, this equation must be calculated in each meridian. The easiest way to do this is to place the base curve and keratometry values on an optical cross and subtract K from BC. Then convert from the optical cross to a lens power. This is shown below:
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13
Q

A back surface toric (spherical front surface) gas-permeable (GP) contact lens is ordered with base curve radii of 7.85 mm (43.00 D) and 8.44 mm (40.00 D). When verifying this lens with a lensometer you would expect to find approximately how many diopters of “induced cylinder”?

  1. 50 D
  2. 50 D Correct Answer
  3. 00 D
  4. 00 D Your Answer
A

Explanation
Assuming the 1-2-3 rule is correct, a base curve toric GP lens with a spherical front surface when analyzed will exhibit a difference in lensometry readings that are 3/2 the amount of the base curve difference measured in diopters. In the above case, the difference in the two measured base curve meridians is 3 diopters; therefore, if there is no toricity on the front surface (that is, this is not a bitoric GP); optically, the difference in the two raw powers measured by lensometry will be 4.50 diopters. For example, the powers could be measured to be 1.00 D in one meridian and -5.50 D in the meridian 90 degrees away, or +2.00 D and -2.50 D. Keep in mind that the 1-2-3 rule is based on the index of refraction (n) of the lens material. Most of today’s GP lenses have ‘n’ values that are in the 1.40 to 1.48 range. This range of ‘n’ will result in less difference in the measured lensometry powers. For our example of a 3.00 D base curve toric GP lens, the difference in lensometry powers might be 4.00 D for a GP lens fabricated in a material with a lower ‘n’.

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14
Q

A patient walks into your office and would like to be fit with soft contact lenses. Your subjective refraction reveals: OD: +5.50 DS, OS: +4.75 DS. If the phoropter was placed 13 mm from the corneal plane, which of the following contact lens prescriptions would be the BEST choice for the right eye of this patient?

 \+6.00 DS   Correct Answer
 \+5.75 DS   Your Answer
 \+5.50 DS  
 \+5.00 DS  
0.
A

Explanation
To determine the proper power, you must calculate the power at the cornea rather than the spectacle plane by utilizing the vertex power formula. Vertexing is important when the power in any meridian exceeds +/- 4.00 D. In order to properly vertex, one must use the following formula: Fc= Fs/1-dFs where Fc= the dioptric power at the corneal plane, Fs= the dioptric power at the spectacle plane, and d= the vertex distance in meters. In general, the vertex distance of the phoropter from the corneal plane is 13 mm unless otherwise specified. Solving for Fc, Fc=+5.50/1- (0.013)(+5.50), Fc = +5.50/1 -(0.0715), Fc= +5.50/0.9285, Fc=+5.93; rounding to the nearest 0.25, Fc is +6.0

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15
Q

A 53-year old female soft contact lens patient is seen at your office reporting symptoms of dry eyes while wearing her contact lenses. Her current medications include anti-hypertensive pills and blood thinners. Which of the following dry eye treatments should NOT be recommended to her?

A

Omega III fish oil capsules Correct Answer
Preservative-free artificial tears
Restasis ophthalmic emulsion Your Answer
Punctal occlusion
Explanation
In general, all of the above choices would be acceptable options; this is especially true because the patient is taking medications to help regulate her blood pressure (these medications can have the side effect of dry eye symptoms). Patients taking blood thinners should check with their primary care doctor before beginning an omega III regimen. Omega III fish oil can cause an increase in blood clotting time, which can be dangerous when used in combination with blood thinners.

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16
Q

Which of the following parameters contributes the MOST to the vision achieved through a soft toric contact lens?

Lens markings Your Answer
Lens material
Dk/t
Overall stability Correct Answer

A

Explanation
A toric lens MUST offer stability if it is to perform optimally. Lens markings help to determine lens movement and orientation, but they in themselves do not affect vision. Because toric lenses deliver power in a specific meridian, it is essential that the lens does not rotate or change orientation, as this will alter acuity. Lens stability becomes more significant with higher levels of astigmatism. A lens that is meant to correct 1.25 D of astigmatism that is rotated 15 degrees off axis will induce roughly 0.62 D of astigmatism. A lens that is meant to correct 4.00 D of astigmatism if it is rotated 15 degrees off axis will induce approximately 2.00 D of astigmatism!

17
Q

You obtain the following data during your GP contact lens evaluation:

OD Diagnostic CL: 43.37 / -2.87
OD Distance OR: -0.50-0.25 X 90
OD Fluorescein Pattern: Alignment

OS Diagnostic CL: 42.87 / -3.25
OS DIstance OR: -0.75 DS
OS Fluorescein Pattern: Flat by 0.37 D

It is decided that monovision is the best option for this 51-year old patient who requires a +1.75 D add. Testing reveals that the right eye is dominant. You prescribe the rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses to fit alignment on both eyes. What contact lens powers would you order?

 OD= -2.87 D;	OS= -1.25 D  
 OD= -3.50 D;	OS= -2.25 D  
 OD= -3.50 D;	OS= -2.62 D   Your Answer
 OD= -3.50 D;	OS= -1.62 D  
 OD= -0.50 D;	OS= -4.00 D  
Explanation
The right eye's trial lens fitting relationship is already alignment, so you would add the equivalent sphere of the OR (-0.62 D) to the power of the trial lens (-2.87). This results in a power of -3.50 D. Since the right eye is dominant and will be correcting distance vision and the fitting relationship of the trial lens is alignment, you do not need to further adjust the lens power.
A

For the left eye, adding the trial lens power (-3.25 D) to the OR (-0.75DS) results in a power of -4.00 D. You would order this power if you were prescribing a 42.87 D base curve for distance viewing. However, you desire to prescribe a 43.25 D base curve to achieve an alignment fitting relationship. To compensate for the steeper base curve, you will need to adjust the power by -0.37 D, resulting in a distance correcting power of -4.37 D (SAM-FAP). To prescribe a near monovision lens for the left (non-dominant) eye, you add the add power (+1.75 D) to the -4.37 D value. The final contact lens power for the left eye will be -2.62 D.

18
Q

Your 26 year-old patient wears rigid gas-permeable contact lenses with the following base curve and power, respectively:
OD: 44.37 / -1.00DS and OS: 44.00 / -1.50DS
He reports that after he put his contacts on this morning, his vision was blurred at distance, especially out of the left eye. You suspect that he may have accidentally switched the lenses. If this were the case, what would you expect the over-refraction (OR) to be for each eye? (Assuming that the over-refraction is plano with the proper lenses and fit is apical alignment OD, OS)

 OD: +0.37DS OS: -0.37DS  
 OD: -0.37DS OS: +0.37DS  
 OD: -0.50DS OS: +0.50DS   Your Answer
 OD: -0.87DS OS: +0.87DS  
 OD: +0.87DS OS: -0.87DS   Correct Answer
 OD: +0.50DS OS: -0.50DS  
Explanation
OD: 44.37 / -1.00DS	OS: 44.00 / -1.50DS 
With these lenses, fit is apical alignment and over-refraction is plano. 

OD: 44.00 / -1.50DS (switched).
This lens will create apical touch by 0.37DS; this would add -0.37D created by the negative tear meniscus.
+0.37D would be manifested in the OR to offset the minus power created.

The switched lens is -0.50D overcorrected in power and will require +0.50D in the OR to offset this.

Expected OR: +0.87DS

OS: 44.37 / -1.00DS (switched).
This lens will create apical clearance by 0.37DS; this would add +0.37D created by the positive tear meniscus.
-0.37D would be manifested in the OR to offset to plus power created.

The switched lens is -0.50D undercorrected in power and will require -0.50D in the OR to offset this.

Expected OR: -0.87DS

A

Explanation
OD: 44.37 / -1.00DS OS: 44.00 / -1.50DS
With these lenses, fit is apical alignment and over-refraction is plano.

OD: 44.00 / -1.50DS (switched).
This lens will create apical touch by 0.37DS; this would add -0.37D created by the negative tear meniscus.
+0.37D would be manifested in the OR to offset the minus power created.

The switched lens is -0.50D overcorrected in power and will require +0.50D in the OR to offset this.

Expected OR: +0.87DS

19
Q

An aphakic patient is seen at your office and wishes to be fit with contact lenses. What is an important contact lens parameter that MUST be considered in this patient’s care?

Contact lens solution
Ultraviolet (UV) inhibitor Your Answer
Contact lens material
Edge thickness
Explanation
Because this patient is aphakic, their retinas no longer receive the UV protection that is naturally provided by the crystalline lens. Although all of the above options should be included when deciding which type of lens to order, it is essential that you provide a UV inhibitor on the contact lens as well as sunglasses for this patient. When the contact lens power will be a high plus prescription, one should order a lenticular lens design to reduce lens thickness, help enhance centration, increase comfort as well as increase the Dk/t of the contact lens.

A

Explanation
Because this patient is aphakic, their retinas no longer receive the UV protection that is naturally provided by the crystalline lens. Although all of the above options should be included when deciding which type of lens to order, it is essential that you provide a UV inhibitor on the contact lens as well as sunglasses for this patient. When the contact lens power will be a high plus prescription, one should order a lenticular lens design to reduce lens thickness, help enhance centration, increase comfort as well as increase the Dk/t of the contact lens.

20
Q

You place a soft toric contact lens on your patient’s right eye. You let the lens settle for several minutes and then assess the fit with the slit-lamp. You note that coverage is full and the lens is centered, but the inferior laser lens marking is rotated so that it sits at the 7 o’clock position. Which of the following BEST describes the amount of rotation of this contact lens in degrees?

 15 degrees   Your Answer
 20 degrees  
 30 degrees   Correct Answer
 10 degrees  
 5 degrees  
Explanation
Each hour of the clock represents 30 degrees. Therefore, if the inferior vertical laser marking is rotated to the 7 o'clock position (1 hour away from the desired 6 o'clock position), one would quantify the amount of rotation as 30 degrees (left).
A
15 degrees   Your Answer
 20 degrees  
 30 degrees   Correct Answer
 10 degrees  
 5 degrees  
Explanation
Each hour of the clock represents 30 degrees. Therefore, if the inferior vertical laser marking is rotated to the 7 o'clock position (1 hour away from the desired 6 o'clock position), one would quantify the amount of rotation as 30 degrees (left).
21
Q

When analyzing a gas-permeable lens, you measure base curves of 7.58 and 7.84 with a radiuscope, and -1.00 and -2.50 on lensometry. What type of toric gas-permeable contact lens design do you have?

Back surface (base curve) toric
Front surface (F1) toric Your Answer
Spherical power effect (SPE) bitoric Correct Answer
Thin-flex
Cylinder power effect (CPE) bitoric
Explanation
In order to determine which design of toric gas-permeable contact lens you have once the lens has been analyzed, the difference in base curve (BC) values and contact lens power (CLP) readings must be calculated first.

BC1 = 7.58 = 337.5/7.58 = 44.50
BC2 = 7.84 = 337.5/7.84 = 43.00
Change in BC = 1.50 D

CLP1 = -1.00
CLP2 = -2.50
Change in CLP = 1.50 D

The differences in base curves and contact lens powers for the above gas-permeable contact lens are equal (both 1.50 D), indicating that the design of the lens is a spherical power effect (SPE) bitoric type.

If the change in BC does not equal the change in CLP, the lens type may either be a base curve toric or cylinder power effect (CPE) bitoric. The way to tell these two apart is that if 3/2 change in BC = change in CLP, then it may be considered a base curve toric.

A

Explanation
A common fitting philosophy for gas-permeable contact lenses is to use the average keratometry value minus 0.75 diopters. This is based upon the idea that the cornea is an aspheric surface with an eccentricity of close to 0.50. Therefore, to achieve an apical alignment fit on a surface with this type of curvature, the base curve of the contact lens must be flatter than the central cornea curvature (if the cornea was spherical, an alignment base curve would be equal to the average keratometry value). Assuming a corneal eccentricity of 0.50 and a contact lens optic zone diameter of 7.4mm, the base curve of an alignment-fitting lens should be close to 0.75 diopters flatter than the average keratometry reading. Another common fitting philosophy is to fit the contact lens so that the base curve is equal to the flat keratometry value (this would provide the same answer in the above case).

Therefore, in the above patient, the base curve of a diagnostic contact lens that would provide a predicted fluorescein pattern of apical alignment would be 43.12 D.
Average K= (44.62 + 43.12) / 2 = 43.87
Average K -0.75D = 43.87 - 0.75 = 43.12

When determining the contact lens power that would provide a predicted spherical over-refraction of plano, the spherical portion of the subjective refraction, flat keratometry value, and base curve of the contact lens are utilized for calculations. First, one must determine the effect of the tear layer created between the anterior corneal surface and back surface of the contact lens using the flat keratometry and contact lens base curve values. If the contact lens is fit flatter than K, a minus tear power is created; therefore, a corresponding change in plus power is necessary. On the other hand, if the lens is fit steeper than K, a plus tear lens is created that must be compensated by adding minus to the contact lens power.

In the above case, the contact lens base curve for ideal apical alignment was determined to be 43.12, which also corresponds to the patient’s flat K reading. When the contact lens is fit “on K,” or equal to the flat keratometry reading, the predicted lens power will be equal to the spherical portion of the subjective refraction (this must be vertexed if above 4D). Therefore; in order to provide a predicted over-refraction of plano, a diagnostic contact lens with a base curve of 43.12 should have a power of +2.75D.

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22
Q
Logo
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
TIMED EXAM
REVIEW & STUDY TOOLS 
DIANA
PART I 
Practice Questions 
Answer
Incorrect
Your 32 year-old patient wearing rigid gas-permeable contact lenses comes in to your office complaining of mild redness and irritation with his current set of contact lenses. On slit-lamp examination you notice moderate peripheral cornea desiccation (3-9 staining). Which 2 of the following adjustments could you make to the contact lens parameters in order to minimize his signs and symptoms? (Select 2)

Steepen the peripheral curve Correct Answer
Flatten the base curve Your Answer
Change lens material to higher Dk
Flatten the peripheral curves Your Answer
Steepen the base curve Correct Answer

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A

Explanation
The most common complication associated with rigid gas-permeable contact lens wear is peripheral corneal desiccation, also known as 3-9 staining. In most cases, the patient reports only mild symptoms of interpalpebral redness and slight irritation. Slit lamp examination will reveal superficial punctate staining that can vary from small areas of non-coalescing SPK to larger coalescing areas of SPK, with deep fluorescein staining that can result in dellen formation. These signs are often due to excessive edge lift of the contact lenses which results in areas of tear film disruption, leading to areas of dryness and disruption of the corneal epithelium. In order to minimize these signs and symptoms, adjustments can be made to the fit of the contact lenses in order to decrease the edge lift and increase the lid apposition to the peripheral cornea. Steepening the base curve of the contact lens and/or steepening the peripheral curves of the contact lens will aid in achieving this objective. Additionally, thinning the contact lens edge and lenticulating higher minus lenses will also help. Studies have shown that the 3-9 staining is purely fit related, and changing the material of the lens has no benefit in reducing corneal signs.

23
Q

For a gas-permeable lens, what happens to the following parameters as the oxygen permeability of the lens is increased (Dk)?

The wettability increases, the durability decreases, the lens flexes/warps more easily, the ability of the lens to resist scratches increases Your Answer
The wettability decreases, the durability increases, the lens flexes/warps less easily, the ability of the lens to resist scratches increases
The wettability increases, the durability increases, the lens flexes/warps less easily, the ability of the lens to resist scratches decreases
The wettability decreases, the durability decreases, the lens flexes/warps more easily, the ability of the lens to resist scratches decreases Correct Answer

A

Explanation
As one increases the Dk of a gas-permeable lens, the amount of oxygen that is able to reach the cornea increases; however, the wettability of the lens decreases. This hurdle can be overcome by adding fluorine, which helps to increase the wettability and increase deposit resistance. As the Dk increases, the lens also becomes less durable and can become prone to scratching, flexure, and warping.

24
Q
Logo
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
TIMED EXAM
REVIEW & STUDY TOOLS 
DIANA
PART I 
Practice Questions 
Answer
Incorrect
Which of the following BEST describes the design function of a fused crescent bifocal rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lens?
 Aspheric   Your Answer
 Simultaneous  
 Alternating   Correct Answer
 Concentric  
 Diffractive  
 Annular
A

Explanation
Fused crescent bifocal rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses are fit as an alternating design. The appearance of the contact lens is similar to that of a bifocal spectacle lens in which there is a segment positioned in the inferior portion of the lens that posses a higher index of refraction than that of the main portion of the contact lens. The effectiveness of this type of lens is based on the idea that as the patient views in primary gaze, the pupil will be in the area of the distance Rx; further, as the patient looks down, the lens catches on the lower lid and stays in position while the pupil moves down into the add portion. In order for this to work properly, these lenses are typically prism ballasted so that to segment does not rotate, and truncated so as to catch on the lower lid. With this idea, the patient is “alternating” viewing through the distance and near portion of the lens as desired.

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25
Q

The Dk/t value of a contact lens refers to which of the following terms?

 Oxygen content  
 Water permeability  
 Oxygen transmissibility   Your Answer
 Oxygen permeability  
 Water content  
 Water transmissibility
A

Explanation
The Dk/t value of a contact lens (hard or soft) refers to the oxygen transmissibility of a particular contact lens. Oxygen transmissibility is therefore directly proportional to the oxygen permeability of a material (Dk) and inversely proportional to the average thickness of a lens material (t). In most cases of published Dk/t values, contact lens companies will use a standard -3.00D contact lens prescription to calculate this value.

26
Q

A soft contact lens with a power of -7.00 D states on the package that it has a Dk/t equal to 35. However, given your knowledge of Dk/t, you know that the lens actually possesses which of the following parameters?

Because the lens is minus in power, it is thickest in the periphery; thus the periphery of the lens has a Dk/t lower than that stated on the package Your Answer
Because the lens is minus in power, it is thickest in the periphery; thus the periphery of the lens has a Dk/t higher than that stated on the package
Because the lens is minus in power, it is thickest in the center; thus the center of the lens has a Dk/t higher than that stated on the package
Because the lens is minus in power, it is thickest in the center; thus the center of the lens has a Dk/t lower than that stated in the package

A

Explanation
The Dk/t of a lens is a measurement of the oxygen permeability for a given thickness. Generally, this measurement is given for a lens with a power of -3.00 D. Therefore, a lens that possesses a power higher than -3.00 D will actually display a lower Dk/t, especially towards the edges, because a minus lens is thickest in the periphery. A high plus lens will display a lower Dk/t, especially towards the center, because the lens is thickest in this area.

27
Q

Your 23 year-old rigid gas-permeable contact lens wearer returns to your office for a contact lens follow-up after wearing his new lenses for about 2 weeks. During slit-lamp evaluation you notice several circular, well-demarcated indentations of the central cornea that pool with fluorescein. What is the name of this finding?

Superficial punctate keratitis Your Answer
Dellen
Dimple veiling Correct Answer
3-9 staining
Explanation
Dimple veiling is a finding that occurs almost exclusively in rigid gas-permeable contact lens wearers (but can occur with scleral lenses due to mucin ball formation). Several circular, well-demarcated indentations are found in the cornea, either central or peripheral, that pool with fluorescein (they do not stain, as they do not represent breaks in the corneal epithelium). Dimple veiling is caused by a sub-optimal fitting relationship of a rigid gas-permeable contact lens in which tiny air bubbles that become trapped beneath the contact lens and are then mechanically compressed by the lens, indenting the cornea. Patients are typically asymptomatic; however, if sufficient in number, the dimples may interfere with vision, producing glare, hazy vision, and/or a loss of contrast sensitivity.

Dimple veiling is transient and will resolve within a few hours if the contact lens is removed from the cornea. Longer-term treatment involves modification of the fitting relationship of the contact lens, such as flattening the base curve, decreasing the optical zone diameter, blending the junction between the base curve and peripheral curve, or steepening the peripheral curves to allow for better tear exchange beneath the lens.

Dimple veiling has also been shown to occur in a few cases of soft contact lens wear. In these cases, mucin balls composed of mucus, lipids, and proteins can build up on the contact lens and create a similar corneal finding.

A

Explanation
Dimple veiling is a finding that occurs almost exclusively in rigid gas-permeable contact lens wearers (but can occur with scleral lenses due to mucin ball formation). Several circular, well-demarcated indentations are found in the cornea, either central or peripheral, that pool with fluorescein (they do not stain, as they do not represent breaks in the corneal epithelium). Dimple veiling is caused by a sub-optimal fitting relationship of a rigid gas-permeable contact lens in which tiny air bubbles that become trapped beneath the contact lens and are then mechanically compressed by the lens, indenting the cornea. Patients are typically asymptomatic; however, if sufficient in number, the dimples may interfere with vision, producing glare, hazy vision, and/or a loss of contrast sensitivity.

Dimple veiling is transient and will resolve within a few hours if the contact lens is removed from the cornea. Longer-term treatment involves modification of the fitting relationship of the contact lens, such as flattening the base curve, decreasing the optical zone diameter, blending the junction between the base curve and peripheral curve, or steepening the peripheral curves to allow for better tear exchange beneath the lens.

Dimple veiling has also been shown to occur in a few cases of soft contact lens wear. In these cases, mucin balls composed of mucus, lipids, and proteins can build up on the contact lens and create a similar corneal finding.

28
Q

Which of the following BEST describes the proper method of measuring the contact lens “sag” on your soft contact lens-wearing patient?

Have the patient look in primary gaze without blinking; measure the amount of inferior decentration of the soft contact lens
With the patient looking in primary gaze, have them blink and measure the amount of contact lens movement that occurs during the blink
Have the patient move from primary gaze to superior gaze; measure the amount the soft contact lens drops Your Answer
With the patient looking in primary gaze; measure the amount of movement of the contact lens occurs when it is gently pushed up with manipulation of the lid
Have the patient move from primary gaze to lateral gaze; measure the amount the soft contact lens moves relative to the cornea

A

Explanation
The following describes the proper procedure for measuring certain aspects of the fitting relationship of soft contact lenses:
- Sag: Have the patient move from primary gaze to superior gaze; measure the amount the soft contact lens drops
- Centration: Have the patient look in primary gaze without blinking; measure the amount of decentration (if present) of the soft contact lens; this may be in any direction
- Movement on Blink: With the patient looking in primary gaze, have them blink and measure the amount of contact lens movement that occurs during the blink
- Lag: Have the patient move from primary gaze to lateral gaze; measure the amount the soft contact lens moves relative to the cornea
- Push-up test: With the patient looking in primary gaze; measure the amount of movement of the contact lens occurs when it is gently pushed up with manipulation of the lid

29
Q

Which of the following ophthalmic instruments is MOST commonly used to evaluate the edge profile of a rigid gas-permeable contact lens?

 7x comparator  
 Lensometer  
 V-Channel gauge  
 Shadowscope   Correct Answer
 Radiuscope   Your Answer
A

Explanation
A shadowscope is an instrument commonly used with rigid gas-permeable contact lenses in order to inspect several aspects of the lens. It provides about 20x magnification and projects the contact lens on a glass screen with a reticule for measurements. Shadowscopes are often used for evaluating the contour and thickness of the edge of the contact lens. It is also commonly utilized to measure the overall diameter of the lens, as well as the width of the intermediate and peripheral curves. The shadowscope is also useful in showing any scratches, cracks, or nicks in the edge of the lenses.
- A radiuscope is used to measure the base curve of a rigid gas-permeable contact lens
- A V-channel gauge aids in measuring the overall diameter of the contact lens
- A 7x comparator is a handheld measuring magnifier that is useful for measuring the overall diameter, optic zone diameter, and peripheral curve diameter, as well as overall inspection of the lens for scratches, etc.
- A lensometer is used to measure the power of the contact lens

30
Q
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PRACTICE QUESTIONS
TIMED EXAM
REVIEW & STUDY TOOLS 
DIANA
PART I 
Practice Questions 
Answer
Incorrect
When designing a rigid gas-permeable lens, which type of edge contour is MOST desirable in order to achieve maximal comfort?
 A knife edge  
 A blunt edge  
 A plus edge   Correct Answer
 A V-cut edge   Your Answer
 An A-cut edge  

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A

Explanation
The edge profile is essential in achieving patient comfort. Remember, every time the patient blinks, the eyelids are going to move across that lens, and if the edge is uncomfortable or excessively sharp, the patient will definitely feel it. There are two types of edge profiles that ensure maximal comfort, a round edge and a plus edge. Both of these edges are smooth and slightly round allowing for a smooth transition of the lid over the lens upon blinking. A blunt edge is a straight edge that one would find on an uncut lens. A V-cut occurs when the lens is placed concave side down upon a cutting tool. An A-cut edge results when a lens is placed concave side up on a cutting/finishing tool. A knife edge is very thin and sharp.

31
Q

What is the most effective “procedure” for removing lipid deposits from an existing soft contact lens?

Switch to heat-based care systems
Avoid solutions containing thimerosal
Rub with surfactant cleaner Correct Answer
Switch to hydrogen peroxide-based care system Your Answer
Enzyme treatment

A

Explanation
Rubbing with a cleaner or multi-purpose solution containing a surfactant will remove lipid deposits that are not bound to the lens surface. Lipids tend to readily deposit on today’s silicone hydrogel lenses.

Thimerosal, a mercurial antibacterial effective against Gram-positive bacteria, was a component of some soft lens care solutions from the 1970’s and 1980’s. There were many reports of cytotoxicity to the corneal epithelium, leading to Type IV hypersensitivity and patient discomfort.

Enzyme treatment utilizing papain- or pancreatin-based products attacks denatured tear proteins accumulated on the lens surface or in the lens matrix. Heat-based care systems tended to denature proteins onto the lens surface.

Most current hydrogen peroxide-based lens care systems do not contain a rubbing component to the procedure. Rubbing is instrumental in removing lipid deposition

32
Q

What is the most effective “procedure” for removing lipid deposits from an existing soft contact lens?

Switch to heat-based care systems
Avoid solutions containing thimerosal
Rub with surfactant cleaner Correct Answer
Switch to hydrogen peroxide-based care system Your Answer
Enzyme treatment

A

Explanation
Rubbing with a cleaner or multi-purpose solution containing a surfactant will remove lipid deposits that are not bound to the lens surface. Lipids tend to readily deposit on today’s silicone hydrogel lenses.

Thimerosal, a mercurial antibacterial effective against Gram-positive bacteria, was a component of some soft lens care solutions from the 1970’s and 1980’s. There were many reports of cytotoxicity to the corneal epithelium, leading to Type IV hypersensitivity and patient discomfort.

Enzyme treatment utilizing papain- or pancreatin-based products attacks denatured tear proteins accumulated on the lens surface or in the lens matrix. Heat-based care systems tended to denature proteins onto the lens surface.

Most current hydrogen peroxide-based lens care systems do not contain a rubbing component to the procedure. Rubbing is instrumental in removing lipid deposition

33
Q
Logo
PRACTICE QUESTIONS
TIMED EXAM
REVIEW & STUDY TOOLS 
DIANA
PART I 
Practice Questions 
Answer
Correct
Which 3 of the following typically occur when the oxygen permeability (Dk) of a rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lens increases? (Select 3)

Durability of the lens increases
Wettability of the lens decreases Your Answer
Less resistant to protein deposits on the lens Your Answer
Lenses are less likely to warp/flex
Lenses are more likely to scratch Your Answer
Explanation
A high Dk rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lens will allow greater oxygen permeability, thereby allowing more oxygen to reach the corneal surface. This is beneficial in that corneal physiology is typically superior with a higher Dk lens, and there tend to be fewer complications that can result from lower amounts of oxygen (inflammation, neovascularization, etc.).
However, there are disadvantages to high Dk RGP contact lenses. High Dk lenses tend to be less durable than lower Dk lenses. Thus they are more prone to warpage and flexure and are more likely to scratch. Because of this, these lenses often need to be replaced on a more regular basis. Additionally, higher Dk lenses are also more likely to develop protein deposits and typically have worse wettability than a lens with a lower Dk value.

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A

Wettability of the lens decreases Your Answer
Less resistant to protein deposits on the lens Your Answer
Lenses are less likely to warp/flex
Lenses are more likely to scratch Your Answe

34
Q

When analyzing a rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lens, you measure base curves of 7.30 (46.25) and 7.54 (44.75) with a radiuscope, and -3.75 and -6.00 on lensometry. What type of toric gas-permeable contact lens design do you have?

 SPE Bitoric  
 Front Surface (F1) Toric   Your Answer
 Toric Base Curve   Correct Answer
 CPE Bitoric  
 Spherical  
Explanation
The first measurement that should be made when analyzing RGP contact lenses is lensometry. Lenses should be placed concave side down on the aperture stop, and the power and axis wheels should be rotated until mires are clear and lined up. If cylinder is present, powers should be recorded in both major meridians (record gross amounts). After lensometry, lenses should be analyzed using the radiuscope. Again, once the sharpest focus of mires is found, both base curves should be measured and recorded. Base curves should be converted from millimeters to diopters. The steep meridian is recorded over the flat meridian, and the most plus meridian goes with the flat meridian. 

For the above patient, the measurements are as follows:
46.25 -6.00
44.75 -3.75
The next step is to determine the values of the difference in base curves and the difference in contact lens power. For this patient, the difference in base curves is 1.50D and the difference in contact lens power is 2.25D.
- If the difference in base curve is multiplied by 3/2 and that value is equivalent to the contact lens power then you have a Toric Base Curve lens (with spherical front surface)
o For this patient (3/2) x (1.50) = 2.25 and difference in CL power = 2.25
o 2.25 = 2.25 therefore, this is a Toric Base Curve lens design
o Note that “equivalent” is defined as less than or equal to 0.50D
- If the difference in base curve is equal to the difference in contact lens power then you have a spherical power effect (SPE) bitoric lens design
- If the difference in base curve is not equivalent to the difference in CL power, and 3/2 x the difference in base curve is also not equal to the difference in CL power then you have a cylinder power effect (CPE) bitoric lens

A

Toric Base Curve Correct Answer