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NCLE - General Knowledge

front 1

Scleral (Haptic) Lens

back 1

  • 1st successful contact lens
  • made out of gas permeable material
  • very difficult to tolerate
  • used when other types fail in such cases as severe keratoconus, severe lid problems, and great amounts of astigmatism.

front 2

Corneal Lens

back 2

  • Most common design for rigid and gas perm lenses
  • the diameter of the lens is smaller than that of the cornea
  • corneal diameters range from: 10.5–12.5mm while the diameter of the lens can range from: 7.4–9.2mm

front 3

Semi–Scleral Lens

back 3

  • typical of soft contact lenses
  • bridge the limbus and lie partially on the conjunctiva tissue overlying the sclera and adjacent to the cornea

front 4

Daily Wear, Extended Wear, or Prolonged Wear

back 4

  • Determined by the amount of gas permeability of the material
  • Approved by the FDA for 30 days of consecutive wear
  • FDA recommends that they be worn no longer than 7 days in a row.

front 5

Gas Permeable Lens

back 5

Permits the passage of oxygen and carbon dioxide through the lens

front 6

Cosmetic Lens

back 6

  • used to cover an unsightly blind eye
  • enhance cosmetic appearance

front 7

Bandage Lens

back 7

Used over the cornea to protect it from external influences which permits the healing of underlying corneal disorders

front 8

Hydrophobic Lenses

back 8

Made of materials which, if not specially treated, will repel water

front 9

Hydrophilic Lenses

back 9

Made out of materials which will naturally absorb water

front 10

Wetting Angle

back 10

The angle that a bead of water makes with the surface of a given material, the smaller the wetting angle the greater the wetting ability.

front 11

PMMA– Polymethylmethacrylate (Rigid Lens)

back 11

  • Hard transparent plastic
  • typically 8–10 mm in diameter
  • developed in 1947 by Kevin Touhy
  • "conventional hard lenses"
  • Advantages:
    • Consistent vision,
    • durable,
    • spherical lenses can correct for up to 3.00D of corneal astigmatism,
    • easily fabricated
  • Disadvantages:
    • Hydrophobic, absorbs only 1.5% water,
    • uncomfortable,
    • poor gas permeability requires "pumping action" of the tear layer for adequate oxygen exchange,
    • corneal edema/spectacle blur common

front 12

CAB– Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (Rigid Lens)

back 12

  • Developed in 1938 by Eastman Kodak as a photographic material
  • First used as a CL material in 1974
  • Wets easier than PMMA, permitting better tear flow under it
  • Much better gas perm than PMMA
  • Advantages: Increased comfort, longer wearing time, less edema/spectacle blur, elimination of edge flare because it can be fitted larger (about 9 mm), better for sports, can be fitted tighter so there is less chance of loss, very tough and difficult to break, greater gas perm, lower wetting angle.
  • Disadvantages: Poor shape retention (can warp after 1 year of wearing time or can change after hydration and steepen after several weeks), thicker lenses can be used to reduce chance of warpage but it increases lens awareness due to increased center and edge thickness

front 13

Silicone–Acrylate (rigid lens)

back 13

  • The next generation of rigid gas perm contact lens materials
  • Material Composition: Silicone (35%) and PMMA (65%)
  • Developed in 1979 by Syntex Opthalmics
  • Known clinically by the following names:
    • Polycon I and II
    • Boston Lenses I and II
    • Menicon O2
    • Optocryl 60
    • Paraperm
    • B&L Gas Perm
    • Prinicple
  • Advantage over CAB: Since it is a more stable material it can be made thinner. This makes the lens more comfortable and allows for greater oxygen transmission.

front 14

Fluorocarbon and Fluorocarbon Silicone Acrylate (rigid lens)

back 14

  • highest gas permeability of all lenses.
  • may be made of either fluoropolymer or fluoropolymer and silicone combined.
  • Trade names:
    • Advent (Allergan/3M) 100 DK
    • Fluoperm 30 (Paragon) 30 DK
    • Fluoperm 60 (Paragon) 60 DK
    • Fluoperm 92 (Paragon) 92 DK
    • Boston Equalens (Polymer) 71 DK
    • Boston Equacurve (Polymer) 71 DK
    • Boston Equalens (Polymer) 45 DK
    • Fluorex (GT Laboratories) 70 DK
    • Quantum I (B & L) 9 DK
    • Quantum II (B & L) 210 DK
    • Boston EXPFS (Polymer) 203 DK

front 15

DK value

back 15

The oxygen permeability of a contact lens is characterized by its Dk value.

  • Dk is defined as the diffusion coefficient (D) multiplied by the solubility constant (k).
  • The higher the DK value the better the oxygen permeability.

front 16

HEMA– Hydroxyethylmethacrylate

back 16

  • Approved by the FDA in 1971 and manufactured and marketed by Bausch and Lomb
  • Advantages:
    • Greater comfort,
    • rapid adaptation,
    • spectacle blur uncommon,
    • ok to wear intermittenly,
    • minimal lens loss,
    • minimal overwear reaction,
    • less flare and photophobia,
    • corneal protection,
    • offers an alternative for rigid lens drop outs,
    • excellent cosmetic lens (difficult to see),
    • better for infants and children.
  • Disadvantages:
  • spherical lenses will not significantly correct for corneal astigmatism
  • poor vision can result if lenses are not fitted properly or when they become dehydrated under low humidity conditions such as in a heated or air conditioned rooms or when there is inadequate tear flow.
  • lack of durability– average life span of daily wear lenses about two years
  • material is prone to protein build up
  • impossible to modify and difficult to verify
  • disinfection regiment must be strictly adhered to and can be costly.

front 17

Overall benefits of new higher DK Fluorocarbon lenses compared with Soft Hydrogel Materials

back 17

greater oxygen permeability increases the potential for extended wear performance \nLarger tear layer allow greater exchange of fluid with each blink which results in improved venting of debris \nsince they are more durable than soft hydrogel lenses they require less freqent replacement \nthe larger lens sizes tend to mask greater degrees of corneal astigmatism without requiring a special toric lens \nlarger gas permeability rigid lenses are easier to insert and remove \nthey are more economical to maintain than hydrogel lenses\ndue to the general absence of porosity, there is less risk of corneal infection

front 18

What year did the FDA become involved in regulating contact lenses?

back 18

1968

front 19

Bausch and Lomb, Inc. (1971)

back 19

First hydrogel lens approved in the US

front 20

What year was the first clinical marketing of soft silicone lenses?

back 20

1970's

front 21

Bicurve lens

back 21

contains two curves, a primary base curve and a flatter peripheral curve. \nthe junction of the two curves is generally blended to permit greater comfort. \nthe total diameter of the lens is equal to the diameter of the optic zone plus the peripheral curve widths.

front 22

Tricurve lens

back 22

contains two peripheral curves \nthe intermediate curve may be very narrow\ngenerally tricurve lenses are relatively large (9.5mm or greater) with an optic zone of 6.5–7.5mm, just large enough to clear the maximum pupil diameter. \n\nthe peripheral curves are slightly flatter than the base curves by 0.4–0.8mm, or 2–4 diopters, and contain a width of approx. 1.3mm. The intermediate curves of a standard tricurve lens are 1mm flatter than the base curve.

front 23

Base Curve

back 23

The base curve of the central portion of the back surface of a contact lens. \nIt is also known as the central posterior curve (CPC) or the primary base curve.\nThe base curve is desgined to conform to the optic zone of the cornea and is measured in millimeters of radius of an arc, or in diopters.

front 24

Radius of curvature

back 24

the distance from the geometric center of the circle to its periphery where the line is drawn. \nAs the radius of curvature becomes longer the circle gets larger.\nAs the circle gets larger, its curve gets flatter.\nAs the curve gets flatter the power in diopters become less.

front 25

Diopter to Millimeter Conversion

back 25

337.5/Diopters

front 26

sagital depth or height

back 26

the distance between a flat surface and the back surface of the central portion of a lens. \nA greater sagital depth produces greater vaulting of the lens and in effect would be steeper.\nIt is sometimes referred to as sagittal vault.

front 27

Loosening and tightening of a lens

back 27

As the diameter gets greater, the sagital depth or vaulting increases.\nThe greater the sagital depth, the tighter the fit of the lens. \n\nThe shorter the radius of curvature, the greater the sagital depth; the longer the radius, the shorter the sagital depth.

front 28

Optic zone

back 28

the central portion of a contact lens which contains the refractive power and generally corresponds to the central corneal cap.

front 29

Posterior Apecal Radius

back 29

This term is generally used in reference to spin cast soft lenses.\nThe curvature of the posterior surface of the lens changes with the refractive power. The radius of curvature is measured at the apex of the posterior surface.

front 30

Steeper Base Curve

back 30

Occurs when the posterior radius of curvature is decreased (8.4 to 8.1mm).

front 31

Flatter Base Curve

back 31

Occurs when the posterior radius of curvature is increased (8.1 to 8.4 mm).

front 32

Lens Diameter of Chord Diameter

back 32

The width of a lens or the measurement from one edge of the lens to the opposite edge.

front 33

Curve Widths

back 33

The width of the CPC, PPC, or IPC

front 34

Central Thickness

back 34

Separation between the anterior and posterior surface at the geometeric center of the lens. \nMinus lenses are thinner, plus lenses are thicker.

front 35

Ballasted Lens

back 35

Lens with a heavier base which becomes oriented inferiorly or downward when the lens is worn.

front 36

Prism Ballasted Lens

back 36

A ballasted lens which utilizes a prism wedge designed to weight the lens.

front 37

Truncated Lens

back 37

A lens which has been cut off, usually 0.5–1.5mm along its lower edge, to form a horizontal base. Double truncations, along the top and bottom portion of the lens is sometimes done to help improve stabilization.

front 38

Back Surface Power

back 38

Effective power of a lens when measured from the back surface

front 39

Toric Lens or Toroid Lens

back 39

Lenses with different radii of curvature in each meridian which are used to correct astigmatism.

front 40

Principle Meridians

back 40

The meridians of shortest and longest radii which differ by 90 degrees

front 41

Front surface toric lens

back 41

A lens in which the anterior surface has two different radii and the posterior surface is spherical.

front 42

Back surface toric lens

back 42

A lens in which the posterior surface has two different radii and the anterior surface is spherical.

front 43

Bitoric lens

back 43

A lens in which both the posterior and anterior surfaces contain two different radii.

front 44

Lenticular Bowl

back 44

A lens design generally used in higher plus powers which consists of a central optic zone and a surrounding non–optic peripheral or "carrier" portion. \n(moon shaped, thicker in the center thinner on the sides)

front 45

Spin–cast soft lens

back 45

A method of manufacturing soft contact lenses whereby a liquid material is revolved in a mold at a controlled speed and temperature which produces the desired curvature, design, and power.

front 46

Lathe Cut Soft Lens

back 46

A method of manufacturing soft contact lenses in which a machine lathe is used to grind lens designs, size, and power.

front 47

Spherical Equivalent

back 47

A spectacle or contact lens prescription which is expressed only as a sphere. \nTo calculate the sphere equivalent, algebraically add half the cylinder power to the sphere.

front 48

The first successful contact lenses which were originally molded to conform to the shape of the cornea were known as _________ lenses.

back 48

haptic

front 49

The majority of soft lenses fit today are:

back 49

semi–scleral

front 50

A liquid coming in contact with a hydrophillic lens material with a relatively small wetting angle would be likely to...

back 50

spread evenly over the surface

front 51

A contact lens with a diameter larger than that of the cornea is called a ________ lens.

back 51

haptic

front 52

The term "sagittal value" refers to...

back 52

the vaulting effect of the contact lens

front 53

The CPC of a rigid contact lens is held constant while the diameter is increased. This would result in...

back 53

a tighter fit

front 54

HEMA is an abbreviation commonly used to describe...

back 54

soft lenses

It actually stands for hydroxyethyl methacrylate

front 55

The chief reason to utilize a ballasted lens is...

back 55

to inhibit lens rotation

front 56

The central portion of the back surface of the contact lens is called...

back 56

the central posterior curve

the primary base curve

the base curve

front 57

The distance between a flat surface and the back surface of the central portion of a lens is the...

back 57

sagittal depth

front 58

A contact lens design which utilizes a lenticular bowl is typically employed with...

back 58

higher plus lenses

front 59

A contact lens in which the anterior surface contains two different radii of curvature and the posterior surface is spherical is called a ________ lens.

back 59

front surface toric

front 60

When the radius of curvature is held constant while the diameter is increased, the vault of the lens will be...

back 60

increased

front 61

5 layers of the cornea

back 61

Epithelium (highly regenerative

Bowman's membrane

Stroma (90% of thickness)

Desemet's membrane

Endothelium

cornea is about 0.5mm thick at the center

front 62

tear film (function)

back 62

its function: maintaining the optical quality of the cornea as well as the health of the cornea and conjunctiva. it passes lysozyme (an antibacterial enzyme) that inhibits bacterial proliferation.

when contacts are worn the tear film provides oxygen exchange as the lens is moved. the tear film can be shaped into a liquid lens with significant refractive power by the front surface of the cornea and the back surface of a rigid contact lens.

front 63

layers of precorneal tear film

back 63

Lipid layer: top or outer layer; consists of fatty material which forms a thin layer over the whole surface of the tear film; it functions primarily to prevent evaporation of the tear film; this layer is produced by the meibomian glands located in the upper and lower eyelids.

Aqueous layer: middle layer; consists of 98% water and accounts for most of the thickness; it contains ions and other molecules such as sodium and potassium along with a concentration of protein; produced by lacrimal glands which are located in the palbebral conjunctiva or the temporal portion of the upper cul de sac.

Mucoid layer: the bottom or innermost layer; located immediately against the corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells; produced by the goblet cells located in the conjunctiva; functions to convert the hydrophobic epithelial layer of the cornea to a hydrophillic surface; without this layer the tear film would break up very rapidly resulting in drying and corneal damage.

front 64

B.U.T. or TBUT

back 64

stands for "break–up time" of tear film; assesses the quality of the tear film and is performed with flouriscein and a slit lamp.

hort break up time may indicate a problem with the mucoid layer; average break–up time is 20–25 seconds; a BUT of less than 10 seconds presents a potential problem.

front 65

Schirmer Test

back 65

assesses the quantity of tears normally produce; performed with a strip of filter paper placed under each lid and kept there for approx. five minutes; normally there would be about 15mm or more of moistened strip; patients over 40 will find 10mm to 15mm of moistened strip.

front 66

Rose Bengal

back 66

Reddish–purple stain that colors degenerating and dead epithelial cells; may be used either as a paper strip or a unit dose.

front 67

vertex distance

back 67

the distance from the front of the cornea to the ocular surface of the lens is called the vertex distance; as the relative position of the focal point changes the effective power of the lens is changed.

the changes only become significant for contact lenses when the lens powers exceed + or – 4.00 D

front 68

keratometer

back 68

used primarily to measure the curvature of the cornea

it measures about 2–4mm of the corneal cap\nthe corneal cap itself is about 4–5mm in diameter

front 69

topogometer

back 69

an attachment to the keratometer which is a movable light designed to pinpoint the specific location of the corneal cap to be measured by the keratometer.

front 70

placido's disc

back 70

instrument that assess the regularity of the cornea

concentric circle are reflected off the corneal surface can indicate the presence of corneal or irregular astigmatism.

front 71

contact lens fit "on K"

back 71

the base curve of the lens parallels the curvature of the cornea

the power of the tear lens is plano

when there is astigmatism a lens fits "on K" parallels the flatter of the two corneal meridians

front 72

contact lens fit steeper than K

back 72

lacrimal lens will have plus power

tear lens is thicker in the center and thinner on the edges

front 73

contact lens fit flatter than K

back 73

tear lens is thicker on the edges and thinner in the center

lacrimal lens will contain minus power

front 74

the lipid layer functions primarily to...

back 74

prevent evaporation of the tear film

front 75

The test which assesses the QUANTITY of tears normally produced is...

back 75

Schirmer

front 76

The test which assesses the QUALITY of the tear film is...

back 76

BUT or TBUT

front 77

The primary function of a keratometer is to...

back 77

measure the curvature of the cornea

front 78

When a spectacle lens prescription exceeds ______ diopters, vertex distance must be compensated when determining the power of a contact lens...

back 78

4.00D

front 79

vertex distance formula

back 79

(Millimetres moved x Power x Power)/1000 = Dioptric Change

front 80

The transition zone between the sclera and the cornea is called...

back 80

limbal area

front 81

The precorneal tear film provides...

back 81

1. a lubricant to the cornea

2. a smooth optical surface for the cornea

3. nutrients to the cornea

front 82

The normal cornea is in a constant state of dehydration also known as deturgescence. The layer of the cornea most responsible for maintaining this function is...

back 82

the endothelium

front 83

Flourescein

back 83

Flourescein is a common dye or stain whcih can be used to help analyze the fit of a rigid contact lens.

When it mixes with the tear film it will glow in the presence of ultraviolet light or cobalt blue light.

It allows the fitter to examine the shape and flow of the tear layer between the back surface of the lens and the front surface of the cornea. It is available in solution form or impregnated strips.

front 84

With the rule astigmatism

back 84

the verticle meridian has the steeper curve

the lens will pull up or down when blinking

front 85

against the rule astigmatism

back 85

the horizontal meridian has the steeper curvature

the lens will move from left to right when blinking

front 86

Spherical Equivalent

back 86

Spherical soft lenses are often fit even when a relatively low amount of astigmatism is present. Spherical Equivalent derived by algebraically adding half the cyl power to the sphere.

front 87

It is possible to assess the quality of the peripheral curves of a rigid contact lens through the use of...

back 87

shadowgraph

front 88

A flourescein pattern with a rigid contact lens in place shows a narrow band horizontally, with a concentration of flourescein under the lens both inferiorly and superiorly. The type of astigmatism represented by this pattern is...

back 88

with the rule astigmatism

front 89

The lens diameter, optic zone width, and peripheral curve width may be verified simultaneously through the use of...

back 89

measuring magnifier

front 90

A dynamic flourescein pattern is best illuminated by...

back 90

cobalt blue light

front 91

When a keratometer is used to help evaluate the fit of a soft contact lens, distorted mires would most often indicate that the lens is...

back 91

too steep

front 92

A radiuscope is designed to...

back 92

1. inspect surface quality

2. measure radius of curvature

front 93

The primary source of oxygen for the cornea is...

back 93

tears

front 94

Concentric circles reflected off a patients cornea can be evaluated using a ____________.

back 94

placido's disc

front 95

When a rigid lens shows apical touch, this would indicate a...

back 95

flat fit

front 96

A rigid lens showing a band–shaped area of touch on the flattest corneal meridian indicates...

back 96

"On K" astigmatic fit

front 97

A well fit soft contact lens will demonstrate...

back 97

3 point touch

good centration

adequate movement

front 98

An "ideal" flourescein pattern for a spherical lens on a spherical cornea would show...

back 98

an even distribution of flourescein with added thickness under the peripheral curves

front 99

Tear Film – Three Layers

back 99

Lipid layer: a fatty material produced by the meibomian glands which forms a very thin layer over the entire surface of the tear film. It functions primarily to prevent rapid evaporation which would result in dry areas on the cornea and subsequent discomfort and corneal damage.

The Aqueous Layer : The middle layer of the tear film and consists of 98% water. However, it also contains ions and other molecules such as sodium and potassium along with a concentration of protein.

The Mucoid Layer: functions to convert the hydrophobic epithelial layer of the cornea to a hydrophillic surface. It is the innermost layer of the tear film and located immediately against the corneal and conjunctival epithelial cells.

front 100

The cornea

back 100

The cornea is the anterior refracting surface of the eye. It consists of transparent tissue and is devoid of blood vessels.

The average corneal thickness is about 0.52 mm at the center and increases to about 0.65mm at the limbal area and it is composed of 5 distinct layers.

A normal cornea is in a continual state of partial dehydration which also known as deturgescence.

front 101

Eyelids

back 101

AKA Palpebra

front 102

Conjunctiva

back 102

The conjunctiva is the loose tissue covering the sclera and inside the lids.

The bulbar conjunctiva covers the sclera

The palpebral conjunctiva is that portion which lines the inner surface of the upper and lower eyelids.

front 103

Limbus

back 103

The limbus is the transtition zone between the cornea and sclera. It is approx. 1mm wide and the cornea is dependent upon it for receiving part of its nutrients.

front 104

Corneal Edema

back 104

Corneal swelling

front 105

Corneal Epithelial Edema

back 105

This condition appears as a grey cornea and may be best observed with a slit lamp utilizing sclerotic scatter illumination and the unaided eye.

Rated on a scale of 1–4, 4 being the worst.

front 106

Microcystic Edema

back 106

Progressive corneal hypoxia can lead to the rupture of certain epithelial cell membranes which in turn can result in the formation of microcysts.

Microcysts are the result of fluid which has accumulated in the spaces caused by the rupture of these cells. Microcystic edema can be best seen by utilizing a slit lamp with retro–illumination.

Flourescein can also be used to outline intact microcysts and stain the punctate areas where microcysts have ruptured.

front 107

Corneal Striae

back 107

Corneal striae are linear opacities in the cornea.

Corneal striae are best seen either with retroillumination or with direct illumination.

They are found in up to 50% of soft lens wearers but are very rare in rigid contact lens wearers. The reason for this is not completely understood.

front 108

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis

back 108

GPC is a nonspecific response to a conjunctival insult. It results in the formation of papillae on the palpebral conjunctiva.

A papillae is a small conjunctial elevation. It is seen most frequently in soft contact lens wear and is rarely seen with hard lenses.

front 109

Corneal Vascularization

back 109

The invasion of blood vessels into the cornea is known as corneal vascularization.

front 110

Corneal Epithelial Staining Patterns

back 110

The loss of corneal epithelial cells is one of the most common adverse side effects of contact lens wear. Although this can be detected through the use of a slit lamp, the installation of flourescein dye can indicate the precise nature and location of specific corneal epithelial defects.

Flourescein acts either by pooling in the area of the defect or by staining the underlying exposed basement membrane of Bowman's layer.

Corneal epithelial damage can result in the discrete loss of a few epithelial cells to deeper craterlike lesions with cell loss to the level of Bowman's membrane. Epithelial damage can be caused either by direct trauma or by defective tear film distribution over the cornea.

front 111

Epithelial Defects Induced by Direct Trauma

back 111

1. A poorly edged or damaged lens \n2. An excessively flat lens \n3. Foreign particles such as dust or cosmetics which lodge beneath the lens. \n4. Improper insertion, removal, and reentering techniques\n5. Poor cleaning habits \n6. Mucus build up generally due to the dry storage of hard lenses.

front 112

The Slit Lamp (General Characteristics)

back 112

The slit lamp or the biomicroscope is an instrument designed primarily to observe the transparent structures of the human eye under a magnification of from 10 to 50 times.

Its two principle parts include a lamp equipped with an optical system designed to project a slit of light upon the eye, and a stereomicroscope which is mounted horizontally for direct viewing of the patients eye.

The slit lamp may be adjusted to project a variety of light beams. By varying the light beam and the viewing postion, it is possible to improve the view of the various structures of the eye.

front 113

Slit Lamp (Diffuse Illumination)

back 113

A wide beam of light is directed obliquely at the cornea with no attempt to focus the light. It provides a good overall picture of the cornea but no fine details can be seen. It is used primarily for a general survery of the eye.

front 114

Slit Lamp (Direct Focal Illumination)

back 114

The microscope and the beam of light are focused on the same area. There are three types of direct focal illumination:

1. optic section: used to see all the layers of the cornea. It is possible to determine distortions in the corneal contour and the depth of foreign bodies.

2. parallelepiped: provides a broader view of the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces. It is used to help assess any surface irregularities which may exist and to examine the endothelium. It is often used with flourescein in helping to determine the fit of the contact lens.

3. conical beam: it is the most sensitive method for observing flare or relucency in normal aqueous humor in the anterior chamber. Using high magnification it resembles light penetrating fog.

front 115

Slit Lamp (Indirect Illumination)

back 115

The observer focuses the microscope on an area immediately adjacent to the illuminated position. It is particularly valuable for studying the iris for pathology.

front 116

Slit Lamp (Retro Illumination)

back 116

The light is focused on the deeper structures such as the iris, lens, or retina while the microscope is focused to study the more anterior structures in the reflected light.

Most typically, the light is reflected from the iris in order to study the cornea. It can be useful for the examination of corneal edema and to view blood vessels that have invaded the cornea. It can also be used to study deposits on Descemet's membrane.

front 117

Slit Lamp (Specular Reflection)

back 117

The illuminating arm and the microscope are positioned such that the beam of light, when reflected from the corneal surfaces, will pass through one of the oculars of the microscope. At this point the angle of incidence of the light will be equal to the angle of reflection.

It is used for observing elevation and depressions of the anterior surface of the cornea of a soft contact lens. It may also be used to observe lipid or calcium deposits on contact lenses and their general wetting condition.

This form of illumination can also be used to observe the pre–corneal tear film to include mucus and meiobomian secretions.

front 118

Slit Lamp (Sclerotic Scatter)

back 118

A broad beam of light is focused a the temporal limbus so it transilluminates through to the nasal limbus. The microscope is then focused sharply on the cornea. Sclerotic scatter and the unaided eye is used to detect the presence of corneal edema which appears as a foggy patch of cotton.

front 119

Coblat Blue Filter (Slit Lamp)

back 119

A cobalt blue filter is often used after the instillation of flourescein to observe staining patterns and lens fit.

front 120

White Filter (slit lamp)

back 120

A white filter is used to decrease ultraviolet rays and minimally decrease light intensity. It is used primarily for routine examination.

front 121

Neutral Density Filter (slit lamp)

back 121

Decreases light intesity by 10%. Used to examine eyelids and conjunctiva. Useful for photophobic patients.

front 122

Green Filter/ Red Free (slit lamp)

back 122

Makes red or brown objects blacker. Useful for observing blood vessels.

front 123

After about four hours of wear, your patient complains that his eyes feel "hot". This may indicate...

back 123

too tight of a lens

front 124

The slit lamp illumination most commonly used for detecting corneal edema is...

back 124

sclerotic scatter and the naked eye

front 125

During a slit lamp evaluation, a hazzy cornea is an indication of...

back 125

corneal edema

front 126

Focusing the beam of the slit lamp directly on the limbus and observing the cornea without the use of the microscope is an excellent way to observe...

back 126

diffuse epithelial edema

front 127

Superficial punctate staining at the corneal apex combined with edema in this region might indicate...

back 127

a steep fit

front 128

During a slit lamp evaluation certain areas of the cornea are observed which appear dark, retain their configuration during blinking, and do not stain. These areas most likely represent...

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dry spots

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The average pH of the human tear is...

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7.4

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Punctate staining is generally the result of...

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inadequate tear exchange

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Prolonged corneal edema can result in...

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photophobia

limbal injection

excessive spectacle blur

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Stippling can result when when there is...

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inadequate tear exchange

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An arc shaped stain can be caused by...

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a poor edge that is not well rounded

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Corneal vascularization is most likely to occur with...

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PMMA lenses

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A slit lamp is focused on one of the deeper structures of the eye such as the lens or iris while the microscope focuses on the more anterior structures in the reflected light. This illumination is known as...

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retro illumination

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Following the installation of flourescein it is sometimes useful to use the ____________ filter of the slit lamp to observe staining patterns.

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cobalt blue

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The invasion of new blood vessels into the cornea is known as...

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neovascularization

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When using flourescein to aid in the evaluation of the fit of a rigid lens fit, a special filter must be used with...

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fluorocarbon

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Prism Ballast

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This is one of the most common stabilizing techniques.

A prism of between 1 and 1.50D is ground into the base of the lens. However greater amounts of prism may be needed for patients with particularly tight lids, flat corneas, or oblique axis astigmatism. The lens will tend to rotate so that the base of the prism is oriented inferiorly. The added thickness of the lens along the prism base can reduce oxygen permeability through the portion of the lens resulting in possible hypoxia disturbances in the inferior zone of the cornea.

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Truncation

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When a lens is truncated, a portion of it is sectioned off. It is usually 0.50 to 1.5mm on the lower edge of the lens. The truncation will serve to stabilize the lens when the lower flat edge comes to lie adjacent to the lower eyelid margin.

When a lens is truncated its diameter is effectively reduced which results in a looser fit. To compensate for this the base curves of truncated lenses are generally made somewhat steeper.

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Posterior Toric Lenses (Stabilization Technique for Toric Lenses)

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A back toric surface can be used as a lens stabilizing technique. When the shape of the posterior contact lens surface closely parallels that of the cornea lens rotation can be minimized.

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Aspheric Lens Surface (Stabilization Technique for Toric Contact Lenses)

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An aspheric surface can aid in lens–axis stabilization by adding drag to the motion of the lens. It is generally used in combination with truncation or prism ballast since it is only minimally effective by itself.

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Toric Lens Rotation

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Because it is necessary to inhibit lens rotation, toric lenses will typically come with reference markings so the fitter can determine how the lens is oriented on the cornea. These markings may be circles or lines located at the six–o–clock or three and nine–o–clock meridians.

The expression LARS stands for left add, right subtract. If the bottom of the lens is rotated to the fitters left, the appropriate number of degrees is added to the prescribed axis. If it is rotated to the right the appropriate number of degrees is subtracted.

Lens rotation can measured using a slit lamp equipped with a protractor. The use of trial lenses is especially important when fitting toric lenses.

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Aphakia (Patient Selection)

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Certain guidelines apply for the selection of potential aphakic lens patients. They must be able to handle the lens either on a daily or weekly basis and possess the ability to properly care for the lenses. Like any contact lens candidate there needs to be sufficient tear film as well as an abscence of any serious corneal disease.

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Keratoconus

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A degenerative hereditary condition of the cornea. It results in a progressive thinning of the central or paracentral area of the cornea and is accompanied by irregular astigmatism. In more advanced cases the cornea can form a buldge or a cone which is often located near or just below its center. In other cases a diffuse thinning of the cornea can result in a sagging cone otherwise known as Keratoglobus.

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Keratoconus (Treatment With Contact Lenses)

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Keratoconus may be successfully treated with contact lenses. The purpose of the lens is to cover the irregular astigmatism created by the distorted anterior surface of the cornea.

The tear layer found between the back surface of the contact lens and the front surface of the cornea serves to fill in the corneal irregularities thereby providing a smooth optical surface.

Rigid lenses are far more effective at accomplishing this purpose than are soft lenses. Contact lenses do not retard the progression of the disease nor do they provide a cure, although the patient may experience long periods of natural remission.

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Soper Keratoconus Diagnostic Fitting Set

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These lenses are designed with a steep base curve to accomodate the steep central cone area with a much flatter peripheral curve to rest on the surrounding cornea. It is essential to use a trial set containing base curves of 48 to 60D when fitting these lenses. The lens diameters range from 7.5 to 9.5mm.

A good fitting lens would show the following: apical clearance with circulation of tears between the apex of the cornea and the back of the lens, good centration, and some movement of the lens with blinking.

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Soft Lenses (Keratoconus)

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They are useful for the patient who cannot tolerate rigid lenses. They are fit with a relatively flat base curve 8.1 to 8.4mm and a fairly large diameter 13 to 14mm in order to provide lens stability.

While soft lenses don't normally mask astigmatism, they have been shown to reduce a significant amount so that overcorrection with spectacle lenses become effective.

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Piggyback Lenses (Keratoconus)

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These are used when the patient cannot tolerate rigid lenses and when the use of auxillary spectacles needs to be avoided. A soft lens of about 14mm in diameter is placed on the cornea. A rigid lens is placed over it which may ride freely or be placed in a depression in the soft lens designed to hold the rigid lens in place. The diameter of the rigid lens usually ranges from 8.5 to 9.5mm.

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Extending the Range of the Keratometer

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The range of the keratometer may be extended in the steeper range by placing a +1.25D lens over the aperture. It may be extended in the flatter range by placing a –1.00 lens over the aperature.

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Contact lenses for the correction of aphakia have certain advantages over spectacle lenses. These include...

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less peripheral aberration

less magnification

increased visual field

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A conical shaped cornea can best be fit with contact lenses through the use of...

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trial lenses

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Bitoric lenses are prescribed when...

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there is at least 1.50D of corneal astigmatism accompanied by a significant amount of residual astigmatism

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Early stages of keratoconus may be detected through the use of the ______________.

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keratometer

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The hyperflange lens design is useful in fitting...

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high minus lenses

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A patient who has been diagnosed as having keratoconus may present which of the following during a slit lamp examination?

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thinning of the corneal apex

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When fitting the keratoconus patient, which lens styles could be considered?

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Aspheric

Soper

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When fitting a keratoconus patient, the lens should...

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align the apex

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How well a soft toric lens performs on the cornea depends on several factors. These would include...

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tightness of the lid

shape of the cornea

where the lids are positioned

lid shape

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A spherical rigid gas permeable lens fit on the cornea with a signifcant amount of with the rule astigmatism will show touch...

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along the horizontal meridian

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It is possible to extend the range of a keratometer to 61.00D through the use of an auxillary trial lens with a power of...

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b) +1.25

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When the power of a bifocal lens gradually changes from the central area of the lens to the periphery it is called...

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an aspherical lens

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It is possible to inhibit the rotation of a rigid bifocal contact lens by...

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truncating the lens

using a prism ballast

a double slab off technique

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Residual astigmatism can be corrected through the use of...

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toric lenses

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Presbyopia may be corrected through the use of single vision contact lenses by placing the distance vision Rx in the dominant eye and near vision Rx in the other eye. This is called...

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monovision

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Radiuscope

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The radiuscope is designed to measure the radius of curvature of the anterior and posterior surfaces of rigid lenses.