Should I Get an Eye Exam During COVID?
With the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing, many individuals are wondering how to prioritize their health care needs. While many medical offices have slowly reopened their practices for elective services, quarantine guidelines are still in effect nationwide as the government struggles to flatten the curve.
Routine eye exams are important, but should you get an eye exam during COVID? At GW Eye Associates – serving La Jolla, CA, Carmel Valley, CA, and San Diego, CA – our team follows strict hygiene and disinfection protocols to keep you safe. In this blog post, Drs. Gordon C. Wong and Wildon C. Wong tell patients what they should know before their next appointment.
What Protocols Are Being Implemented?
Optometrists are primary health care professionals. As a result, they can perform a range of vision and eye health services. Here are some things our office is doing to manage the COVID crisis:
- We are continuing to monitor the current pandemic situation by conversing with local health care leaders and following the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Upon your arrival to our office, we will check your temperature to ensure you are fever-free. If you exhibit any COVID symptoms, we will reschedule your appointment for a later date.
- Our exam rooms are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis.
- We practice social distancing guidelines in our office.
COVID-19 and Eye Health
There is still a lot of ongoing research about how COVID-19 spreads. However, we know that viruses can easily spread through the eyes, as they consist of highly vascularized tissue.
The novel coronavirus can be accompanied by several ocular symptoms, including eye irritation, light sensitivity, watery discharge, and conjunctivitis (pink eye). If you develop any of these symptoms, we encourage you to get tested.
Safety Tips for Patients
There are several things that patients can do to reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19. These guidelines can help keep you safe during medical appointments and in everyday life:
- Wear a mask. Research confirms that masks help decrease the spread of COVID by reducing contact with respiratory droplets.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth while in public. Viruses can be transmitted through physical contact. Be mindful of this and refrain from touching your face until you have properly washed your hands.
- Practice proper handwashing techniques. Using soap and running water, wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.
- Practice social distancing. Remain six feet apart from others at all times.
- Apply hand sanitizer liberally. We recommend keeping a bottle with you so you can sanitize when you are unable to wash your hands as often as necessary.
- Notify us if you have potentially been exposed. Do not take any chances. If you or someone in your household is exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, call our office right away. We will reschedule your appointment.
Contact Us for More Information
To learn more about what our practice is doing to reduce the risk of spread during COVID, contact us online anytime. You can also reach one of our knowledgeable team members at (858) 454-4699.