What is the proper hand hygiene protocol before handling contact lenses?

What is the proper hand hygiene protocol before handling contact lenses?

• A. Wash with soap and water, rinse thoroughly, dry with lint-free towel; dry hands completely before handling lenses.
• B. Wipe hands with sanitizer only
• C. Rinse hands with water only
• D. Dry hands on a dirty towel

Answer: (A)

Keeping hands clean before handling contact lenses is essential to prevent transferring bacteria, dirt, or oils to the eye. Washing with soap and water breaks up and remove oils and soils, and rinsing thoroughly washes away any soap residue that could irritate the eye or leave a film on the lens. Drying with a lint-free towel ensures no fibers or lint contaminate the lens, and drying completely helps the lens sit properly and reduces moisture that could affect handling. Relying on sanitizer alone doesn’t remove physical debris and may leave a film on the skin; rinsing with water only leaves oils and microbes; and drying hands on a dirty towel can reintroduce contaminants. So the best practice is to wash with soap and water, rinse well, and dry thoroughly with a clean, lint-free towel before touching lenses.