Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT) Practice Exam

What is the purpose of re-capping eye drop containers?

1. It keeps the bottle clean from fingerprints

2. It ensures consistency in drop size

3. It prevents oxidative breakdown of the ingredients

4. It helps with labeling the product after use

The correct answer is: It prevents oxidative breakdown of the ingredients

Re-capping eye drop containers is primarily important for preventing oxidative breakdown of the ingredients. Many eye drop formulations contain active ingredients that can be sensitive to oxygen, light, and moisture. When the cap is securely placed back on the bottle, it creates a barrier that limits the exposure to these elements, preserving the stability and efficacy of the medication. The formulation can deteriorate if exposed to air and moisture, leading to decreased effectiveness or even potential harm to the patient if degraded compounds are introduced into the eye. Proper re-capping also aids in maintaining sterility, which is crucial for ocular medications. While keeping the bottle clean from fingerprints, ensuring drop size consistency, and aiding in labeling post-use are valid considerations in eye drop handling, the primary function of re-capping is specifically oriented towards protecting the chemical integrity of the eye drops from oxidative effects.