Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

How often should a tonometer tip be sterilized?

1. Before every use

2. Once a week

3. After every patient

4. Monthly

The correct answer is: Before every use

The correct response is that a tonometer tip should be sterilized before every use to ensure patient safety and prevent cross-contamination. Tonometers are used to measure intraocular pressure and come into contact with the eye, which makes them susceptible to harboring pathogens that could be transmitted from one patient to another. Therefore, adhering to strict sterilization protocols after each use is crucial for maintaining aseptic conditions and protecting the health of your patients. Other intervals mentioned, such as once a week or monthly, do not provide adequate safeguards against the risk of infection, as contaminants could accumulate on the tonometer tip between uses. Sterilization after every patient is the preferred practice to maintain the highest standard of care in ophthalmic procedures.