Which statement is true about a steep lens?

Which statement is true about a steep lens?

• A. Excessive movement
• B. Increased tear exchange
• C. Minimal movement, inadequate tear exchange
• D. Improved centration

Answer: (C)

A steep lens sits more tightly on the cornea because its curvature is closer to or tighter than the corneal shape. That tighter grip reduces how much the lens moves with each blink, so movement is minimal. When movement is limited, the tear film under the lens can’t circulate as efficiently, leading to inadequate tear exchange. Poor tear exchange means less refreshment of the tear layer and can reduce oxygen delivery to the cornea, which is why this fit is described as minimal movement with inadequate tear exchange. The other statements don’t fit as well: a lens that moves a lot tends to be too flat or loose, and tear exchange tends to increase with more movement; centration is not inherently improved by a steep fit and depends more on lens diameter and edge design.

A steep lens sits more tightly on the cornea because its curvature is closer to or tighter than the corneal shape. That tighter grip reduces how much the lens moves with each blink, so movement is minimal. When movement is limited, the tear film under the lens can’t circulate as efficiently, leading to inadequate tear exchange. Poor tear exchange means less refreshment of the tear layer and can reduce oxygen delivery to the cornea, which is why this fit is described as minimal movement with inadequate tear exchange. The other statements don’t fit as well: a lens that moves a lot tends to be too flat or loose, and tear exchange tends to increase with more movement; centration is not inherently improved by a steep fit and depends more on lens diameter and edge design.