Ophthalmic equipment or devices that come in contact with only a patient's intact skin should undergo which procedure?

When dealing with ophthalmic equipment or devices that only come into contact with a patient’s intact skin, the appropriate procedure is cleaning with detergent. This process effectively removes organic matter, debris, and potential pathogens from the surface of the equipment without the requirement for more rigorous measures such as sterilization or disinfection.

Cleaning with detergent involves using a cleaner that can break down contaminants on the surface, making it suitable for items that do not penetrate or come into contact with mucous membranes. Since the skin is a naturally protective barrier, the risk of infection is lower compared to instruments that may breach deeper tissues or mucous membranes. This means that while it's important to keep equipment clean, it does not necessitate the more intense procedures associated with disinfection or sterilization.

Disinfection is typically reserved for items that contact mucous membranes or broken skin, which demands a higher level of pathogen control. Sterilization, such as autoclaving, is necessary for surgical instruments that will enter sterile body areas, as it eliminates all forms of microbial life. Thus, cleaning with a detergent is adequate for items that only touch intact skin, balancing safety and practicality in the infection control protocol.