When a patient begins rifampin therapy, which teaching point is correct regarding eye protection?

• A. He should wear contact lenses during the therapy
• B. He should wear glasses during the therapy
• C. Eye protection is not needed
• D. He should only wear sunglasses

Answer: (B)

Rifampin can color body fluids, including tears, turning them orange-red. That tear color change can permanently stain soft contact lenses and may irritate the eyes if lenses are worn during therapy. Because of this, contact lenses should be avoided while on rifampin, and eyeglasses provide vision correction without risking lens staining. Sunglasses don’t prevent tear discoloration or lens staining, and saying eye protection isn’t needed ignores the practical issue of contact lens damage. So, wearing glasses during therapy is the recommended approach.