Eye health experts and the American
Academy of Ophthalmology to release temporary new guidance for how to care for
eye health during the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic.
During this time of health crisis, eye
care procedures may be delayed. It is recommended to only seek professional eye
care if you have an urgent or emergency need. So, taking safety measures to
protect your vision and maintain eye health at home is more important than
ever.
How to protect your eyes during the
covid-19 pandemic:
- If you wear
contacts, switch to glasses for a while. While
there’s not currently medical evidence that contacts can increase your risk of
contracting coronavirus, it is true that contact lens wearers more frequently
touch their eyes which is one way that coronavirus can be transmitted. Although
they don’t provide 100% coverage, glasses can also act as a shield for your
eyes against infected respiratory droplets in the air.
- If possible, stock
up on your prescriptions for critical eye medicine. This will ensure you have the supply you need in case you are
quarantined for longer than anticipated or if supplies become depleted or
limited.
- Avoid touching your
eyes. Since coronavirus can be transmitted by
touching your face and eyes, it’s important to avoid the urge to rub your eyes.
If you have dry, itchy eyes consider adding moisturizing drops to your eye care
routine. Even if touching your eyes to put in eye drops, make sure you wash
your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water before and after
administering the drops.
- Practice social
distancing – and that includes from your eye health provider, unless you have
an emergent need. You can find the latest guidance on social distancing and safe hygiene from the CDC on
their website.
The AAO also offers several resources for
treating eye problems at home and staying safe around the house. You can check
them out here:
Eye Problems That Can Be Treated at Home
Quick Home Remedies for Pink Eye
Simple Ways to Soothe Dry Eyes
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PLEASE NOTE:
April 2020 – Until further notice, ReFocus
Eye Health is following the recommendations of the CDC, American Academy of
Ophthalmology, and state government orders in our care for our patients. At
this time our offices are open, but we will only be seeing patients with urgent
needs. Please call your doctor directly if you have questions about whether
or not your need is emergent.
Look to the future – give us a call to
schedule your next appointment. We look forward to seeing you when it is safe
to do so!
As the current health crisis subsides in
the coming weeks and months, we want to encourage everyone to continue to make
their overall health their first priority. That includes regular examinations
and moving forward with recommended treatments for eye conditions. As soon as
we are safely able to, we will reopen our doors to all patients.