Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

What is a necessary action if there is a significant amount of dust on the lenses of a phoropter?

1. Use a dry cloth only

2. Clean with an ear syringe

3. Soak in cleaning solution

4. Leave it until next use

The correct answer is: Clean with an ear syringe

Cleaning a phoropter with a significant amount of dust accumulated on its lenses is essential for accuracy and clarity during examinations. Using an ear syringe can be an effective action because it allows for a gentle way to blow off dust without physically touching the sensitive lenses. This method helps avoid scratches or damage that might occur from rubbing or using an inappropriate cleaning method, such as a cloth that can harbor dirt. In contrast, options like using only a dry cloth could lead to scratching or smearing the lenses, as dust particles could be abrasive. Soaking the phoropter in a cleaning solution is not advisable because it could damage the internal components if not done carefully. Leaving the dust until the next use is inappropriate, as it can lead to compromised vision testing and may also make future cleaning efforts more difficult.