Contact lenses are medical devices regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Obtaining them involves a comprehensive process that extends far beyond a standard eye examination for glasses. A valid contact lens prescription requires an evaluation of eye health and a determination of the lens parameters specific to the wearer’s eye curvature and diameter. This procedure is regulated because improper use can pose significant risks to eye health.
The Mandatory Nature of Training and Fitting
The process of obtaining contact lenses is legally mandated to include a fitting, which is distinct from a general eye exam. This requirement exists because the lenses rest directly on the delicate surface of the cornea, necessitating precise measurements beyond mere refractive power. An eye care professional must assess how the lens interacts with the eye, ensuring it moves correctly and allows for adequate tear exchange and oxygen flow.
The fitting process begins with determining the correct base curve and diameter, followed by the use of diagnostic lenses. Only after the prescriber has confirmed a successful fit is the final prescription issued. Federal regulations, such as the Fairness to Contact Lens Consumers Act, require that the prescription be provided to the patient immediately upon the completion of this fitting.
Essential Skills Taught During Instruction
Training, often called instruction, provides the necessary practical skills to safely manage the medical device. A primary focus is on strict hand hygiene, which involves washing hands with non-moisturizing soap and drying them with a lint-free towel before handling the lenses. Wearers are taught to check the lens orientation, ensuring the lens edges curve upward like a bowl and are not inverted before insertion.
Instruction details step-by-step techniques for both insertion and removal, which can be challenging for new users. For soft lenses, this involves using the pads of the fingers to gently apply or pinch the lens off the eye, while specialized lenses like sclerals may require a small suction device called a plunger. Comprehensive cleaning procedures are also covered, including the “rub and rinse” method to dislodge deposits. Users are also instructed to always use fresh disinfecting solution and replace the lens storage case every few months.
The Importance of Proper Lens Hygiene
The mandate for training is directly tied to the severe health consequences that result from misuse. Contact lens wearers face a risk of microbial keratitis, an infection of the cornea, which can be up to 80 times higher than for non-wearers. This serious condition is often caused by bacteria, fungi, or the parasitic organism Acanthamoeba.
Poor hygiene practices, such as “topping off” old solution, handling lenses with unwashed hands, or exposing them to tap water, directly introduce pathogens to the eye. These infections can lead to corneal scarring, intense eye pain, and permanent vision reduction, sometimes requiring a corneal transplant. Overwearing lenses, especially sleeping in them when not approved for extended wear, restricts the oxygen supply to the cornea, making the eye more susceptible to infection.