Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

Soft contact lenses are susceptible to deposits of

1. Proteins

2. Residues

3. Bacteria

4. Xenobiotics

The correct answer is: Proteins

Soft contact lenses are made of hydrophilic materials that attract and hold on to proteins found in tear film. This protein build-up can cause discomfort, blurred vision, and increase the risk of eye infections. Residues, such as cosmetics, can also accumulate on lenses and lead to irritation or damage. Bacteria, commonly found in the eyes, can grow on the surface of contact lenses and potentially cause infections if not properly cleaned and maintained. Xenobiotics, which are foreign substances in the body, can also adhere to contact lenses, but are not as commonly seen as protein and residue build-up. Hence, these three choices are incorrect as they are not the primary causes of deposits on soft contact lenses compared to proteins.