Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What is a common preparation step before minor office procedures around the eye?

1. Application of anesthetic

2. Dark adaptation

3. Use of antiseptic agents

4. Cold compress application

The correct answer is: Use of antiseptic agents

The application of antiseptic agents before minor office procedures around the eye is crucial to minimize the risk of infection. Maintaining a sterile environment is essential when performing any procedure, as the eye and surrounding areas are highly susceptible to bacterial contamination. Antiseptic agents help to cleanse the skin and reduce the microbial load, ensuring a safer intervention for the patient. While anesthetic application is also a common practice to manage discomfort during the procedure, it does not directly address infection control, which is typically a higher priority. Dark adaptation and the use of cold compresses are not standard preparation steps specifically related to infection prevention or direct procedural readiness. Therefore, utilizing antiseptic agents remains the most fundamental preparatory step in this context.