I am wondering if anyone has a set protocol for cleaning fundus cameras. Specifically, how often do you clean the front objective lens, and what methods do you use? We recently discovered that one of our camera lenses was badly scratched from someone cleaning with something abrasive (seriously looks like it was done with sandpaper..thankfully it does not affect the image at all in most cases)

Does anyone clean lenses preventatively (i.e. daily) or should it be done only as needed?

Any other tips on camera cleaning and maintenance would be welcome!

  Thanks very much!

Noelle Pensec

Never tried the alcohol methods like you are sure to responses about. I am sure that works well too.

Hope this helps...

Gary

Hello all,

I am wondering if anyone has a set protocol for cleaning fundus cameras. Specifically, how often do you clean the front objective lens, and what methods do you use? We recently discovered that one of our camera lenses was badly scratched from someone cleaning with something abrasive (seriously looks like it was done with sandpaper..thankfully it does not affect the image at all in most cases)

Does anyone clean lenses preventatively (i.e. daily) or should it be done only as needed?

Any other tips on camera cleaning and maintenance would be welcome!

  Thanks very much!

Noelle Pensec

Hi Noelle,

Great questions. I would recommend cleaning only when absolutely necessary. Every time you clean the front element, you increase the possibility that you'll scratch the lens. Also, depending on the cleaning method you use, the lens often has more artifacts on the surface after "cleaning" than before. So I view cleaning as a last resort. Trying to keep it from getting dirty in the first place is the best strategy. I would also review any technique by the manufacturer of your equipment for their comments before proceeding.

That being said, here's the technique I've used successfully for many years. Use a blower/brush to remove any loose debris. For stubborn tear residue or nose grease smudges, I use Volk Pricision Optical Cleaner pads: http://volk.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=38

If you are using thes pads or any other lens cleaning tissue or pads, first put on a pair of powder free exam gloves. Skin oils easily wick through any absorbent material and get deposited on the lens if you don't. After GENTLY removing any stubborn smudges with the pad, there will still be the slightest residue. I'll take a second pad and expose it to air for several minutes to let the cleaniing fluid evaporate. Then take that pad & remove the residue with a little breath on the lens. Again being gentle with anything that comes in contact with the front element. It's faster to clean the lens this way than it is to explain it.

The only cleaning method I've seen that does a better job was the old Zeiss service tech technique that requires removing the lens, placing it on a turntable and cleaning it with a special cocktail of solvents. Not a DIY solution...

I've tried the lens cleaning pens on the market, but haven't been that impressed.

I have no finanicial interest in the Volk wipes...