Week 11

 Insertion of gas perm lenses is very similar to soft CL’s.  It is imperative to look straight ahead while putting the lens on the eye.  Wherever the lens gets placed, is where it stays.

 Rigid, gas perm lenses DO NOT center on the eye like a soft lens.  If you look away while placing it on the eye, it will need to be recentered.  Patients must be taught how to recenter the lens.  While the lens is decentered, it will be very uncomfortable. Patients must used very gentle pressure so as not to break the lens or scratch the cornea.

 The removal of a gas perm lens is different than removal of a soft CL.  The CL has to be forced or “squeezed” out of the eye by the lids.  Gas perm lenses “bounce”, so your hand or a towel should be under the eye to catch the lens.  There are also suction cups that aid in the removal of the lens. One should be very careful while using the suction cup not to land on the conjunctiva instead of the lens.

 You are the person responsible for teaching the patient how to insert and remove the lenses.  Make sure you take the time to make sure the patient is comfortable and capable of insertion and removal and able to relocate the lens if it get dislocated.

 Gas perm lenses have different cleaning systems than soft CL’s but are equally important.  Boston is the most commonly used.  There is a cleaner that removes surface debris and disinfects the lens by rubbing directly on the lens.  Lubricant for storing the CL in the case and rewetting, if needed.

 Gas perm lenses are not disposable and can last for up to 5 years. Protein from tears can build up on the lens and cause the lens to be uncomfortable and blurry.  This can be removed with an enzymatic cleaner that is purchased separately.  The lenses simply soak in the solution or if the protein is severe it can be “buffed” off.

 Next week- lens complications  Lab final project starts  Don’t be afraid- call or me for any help you need!