An optometrist must take a thorough patient history before fitting contact lenses to determine if they are a suitable candidate and to rule out any contraindications. The history gathering covers general information, ocular history, previous contact lens wear, medical history, lifestyle and current motivation for contact lenses. For children, the optometrist must consider their maturity and ability to properly handle and care for contact lenses independently. A thorough history is essential for diagnosis, treatment decisions and choosing the appropriate contact lens type and care regimen.

1. CL - HISTORY TAKING
Gauri Kunjeer - Patel B. Optom,
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2. History
• Influences our diagnosis and treatment
decisions
• Helps us to determine a potential Contact
Lens (CL) candidate
A patient's history is one
of the most powerful
tools an optometrist has.
Before we correct
vision…, we need to take
a thorough history to
determine what else may
be contributing to a
patient's vision loss.—
Donald J. Siegel, O.D

3. Purpose
• To gather relevant information
• To rule out any contraindication for CL wear
• To understand the level of motivation
• To understand the purpose of CL wear
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4. General History
• Name
• Age
• Gender
• Occupation
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5. LIFESTYLE & HOBBIES

6. Family history
• Systemic disease
• Ocular diseases / conditions
• Use of CL in family
– Awareness
– Motivation
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7. Medical history
• Systemic medication :
– Acne , arthritis medication cause dryness
• Systemic diseases:
– Sjogerns syndrome, arthritis, tremors etc
• dryness
• lens handling
• Choice of lens type
• Systemic conditions : pregnancy, allergies
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8. Ocular History
• Spectacle Rx
• Ocular conditions
• Injuries
• Recurrent erosions
• Dry eye
• Ptyregium, pingicula
• Lid abnormalities
• Blepheritis
• Keratoconus
• Ocular medications

9. Previous CL wear
• When
• Duration
• Type
• Care regimen
• Any discomfort or vision problem with
previous lenses
• Reason for discontinuation
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10. Current visit
• Motivation
• Myths and facts?
• Reason for Contact Lens wear
• How long does the patient intend to wear
Contact Lenss
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11. Child - patient
• Appropriate age!!?
• Its all about handling capability and child’s
maturity
• Parents play a very vital role.
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12. Deciding factor
• 1st
time of refractive correction – spectacles
• Ability to care
• Child’s hygiene
• The child has to do the insertion, removal and
care by itself, if not the child is not ready for
CL.
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13. Thank You!
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