COVID-19 and Your Eye Care

EYE SAFETY

• For your safety we are following all strict hygiene and disinfection guidelines as proposed by the CDC.
• Wearing masks and limiting close physical contact is the key to reduce spread of the virus
• We are currently seeing patients in our office and also providing virtual telehealth visits for our long distance patients
• For in-person appointments here are the following ways we are protecting your health:
  •  Taking temperature with non-contact thermometer
  • Recording signs and symptoms of Covid-19
  • Installed a Plexiglass sheet at Reception desk
  • Reducing patient relatives and patients in the waiting area, we may ask you to wait in the lobby outside or in the car if the waiting area gets crowded
  • Scheduling patients at a larger time interval
  • All door handles, furniture and equipment wiped down and sprayed with alcohol
  • All slit-lamps (eye microscopes for examination) have new plexiglass shield installed 
  • The eye pressure is checked by using a disposable-covers on the eye pressure instrument
  • Frequent hand washing and alcohol cleansing by all staff and wearing masks and PPE
  • If you arrive sick, we may ask you to go home

HOW CAN CORONA VIRUS AFFECT YOUR EYES?

• Corona virus can spread through the eyes- just as it does through the mouth or nose
• You can also become infected by touching your eyes after        touching something that has the virus on it
• Coronavirus can also cause pink eye or conjunctivitis, but this is not common, do not panic if this happen, call your eye MD

• Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer, do not share your towels, utensils with others

PROTECTING YOUR EYES 

• If your wear Contact Lenses, try switching them to glasses for a while. 
  • Contact lens wearers touch their eyes more often
  • Also, if you need to wear them, please disinfect and clean them as recommended
• Wearing glasses may add a layer of protection
• Wear safety goggles, eye shields, sunglasses to protect your eyes
• Stock up on eye medicine prescriptions if you can, get a 3 month supply especially your glaucoma medications
• Avoid touching and rubbing your eyes
• If you touch your eyes to administer medications, wash your hands first with soap and water for 20 seconds. Then wash again after touching your eyes.

Author

Dr. Swaraj Bose Neuro-Ophthalmologist & Orbital Surgeon