1. Insertion and removal

2. As a technician, you are the one responsible for teaching the patient how to insert and remove their new CL’s. Poor instruction or the wrong instruction can lead to a number of problems. Take this part of your job seriously. When a patient comes in that has never worn CL’s before, you are the only person who can teach them the proper care!

3. Insertion and removal The patient needs to know…The patient needs to know..  Cosmetics should be applied AFTER the CL’s.  Cover your eyes while using hair spray.  Washing hands is the MOST important part of lens handling.  Do not use lotions, creams, oils or deodorants soaps while handling lenses.  NEVER expose the CL to saliva or tap water.  Use only specified care systems.  Avoid touching the lens with your fingernails.  Inspect CL’s for rips or tears before insertion.  Re-hydration of a dried out CL is not sufficient, throw it away!  If a CL gets dislodged or dislocated, examine the eye in a mirror before “digging” for it!  If the lens is difficult to remove or hurts after wearing, it may be to tight, consult the Dr.  If the eye becomes red, swollen, or uncomfortable, if your vision is blurred or if there is discharge, remove the lens and see the Dr.

4. Insertion and removal Ways to tell if the lens is inverted or inside out Index finger test  Place the lens on the tip of your index finger and look at it across the top of the lens. If the lens is inverted, the top edge of the lens will appear to be bowed or flared out.

5. Insertion and removal Ways to tell if the lens is inverted or inside out Taco test  Place the lens in between your thumb and index finger or the palm of your hand between your thumb and index finger. When you squeeze the lens between the two the CL should roll up together, if it is inverted, the CL will fold together touching in the middle but bow out on the top edges.

6. Insertion and removal  Some companies have placed inversion markers on the surface of the CL. The company Wessly Jesson has put a WJ on the outside of the lens so if the lens is inverted it will appear as JW.  If the lens is inside out or inverted, you can also feel the lens on your eye or it may even pop out if it is a thicker lens.  Most patients will be able to tell if the lens is inside out by feel.

7. Insertion and removal  It is normal to feel as if there is an eyelash in your eye for several minutes if you are a new CL wearer. This feeling will dissipate after a short time and you will not fell the CL after insertion. If you do…….  There may be foreign matter under the lens.  The lens may be dehydrated.  There may be a defect in the lens such as a rip or tear.  There may be residual peroxide if you use that type of system.

8. Insertion and removal  You should always explain everything thoroughly to the patient until you sure that they understand.  Make sure the patient can insert and remove the lens at least 3 times before you let them leave the office with the CL’s.  The CL should achieve optimal VA and comfort and should remain that way everyday.  You should instruct the patient to look in the mirror at their eyes to check for redness and check VA of each individual eye periodically for the first week to ensure a good fit.  If there are ever any questions, you should instruct the patient to call you or the doctor.  Remember…  You are the person teaching the patient. Your instruction will help the patient develop good habits.

9. Insertion and removal  When teaching someone insertion and removal it will usually take at least two hours.  Sometimes many two hour sessions!  Always be patient and kind to the patient.  Teach the patient to remain calm if they are not able to remove the lens. It is harder to remove the lens while upset and scared.  I believe that you can’t teach someone until you have done it, so guess what you are gonna learn!!!!!

10. The End! See you next week for specialty soft contact lenses. Midterm in two weeks