Related Experiment Videos
Sterilisation of tonometers and gonioscopes
1L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India.
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology
|December 16, 1998
Summary
Prevent infection spread by properly cleaning tonometers and gonioscopes. Avoid using these instruments during active eye infections like conjunctivitis or keratitis for patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infection Control
- Medical Device Sterilization
Background:
- Tonometers and gonioscopes are essential ophthalmic instruments.
- Infection transmission is a risk with reusable medical devices.
- Proper disinfection and sterilization protocols are crucial for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline essential precautions for preventing infection spread via tonometers and gonioscopes.
- To provide guidance on the appropriate cleaning and sterilization of ophthalmic instruments.
Main Methods:
- Review of recommended practices for tonometer and gonioscope disinfection.
- Description of cleaning procedures for specific instruments like the Schiotz tonometer, Goldmann applanation prism, and gonioscopes.
- Identification of sterilization methods for surgical lenses (Koeppes and goniotomy).
Main Results:
- Tonometers and gonioscopes should not be used if conjunctivitis or keratitis is present.
- Specific disinfection methods include merthiolate solution for Schiotz tonometers and isopropyl alcohol for Goldmann applanation prisms.
- Gonioscopes require cleaning with running water and isopropyl alcohol; surgical lenses can be sterilized with ethylene oxide.
Conclusions:
- Adherence to described disinfection and sterilization protocols is vital.
- Preventing instrument use during active ocular infections is a key safety measure.
- Implementing these precautions minimizes the risk of iatrogenic infection transmission in ophthalmology.