How does COVID-19 affect the eye?

Around the world, citizens are hunkering down for extended quarantines and watching for symptoms of COVID-19. As an ophthalmology center, we’d like to shed some light on the impact of COVID-19 on eye health as well.

First we’d like to encourage all our patients to stay calm. It’s easy to look at the growing number of cases and feel panic. But remember, this will pass. Over-stressing about the situation can weaken your immune system and put you at greater risk. Focus on education and prevention, getting enough rest, and staying healthy.

For eye care, the sudden temporary closure of most eye centers is the biggest impact. At Vision Quest Medical Center, we’re still open by appointment for emergencies but have postponed all other surgeries to protect the health of our patients and staff. If you’re experiencing extreme pain or other symptoms that can’t be alleviated at home, please call us immediately. Our office is open from 8 AM to 5 PM by phone Monday through Friday. We remain committed to serving our patients during these uncertain times.

That being said, there are several eye afflictions you can resolve or temporarily alleviate at home. A black eye, pink eye, eye strain, sties, and allergies can all be treated without a visit to the clinic. However, if you notice your condition worsening or experience persistent blurriness, call us immediately. Never attempt to resolve double vision, blurriness, eye pain, or serious eye injury (such as foreign objects being lodged in the eye) on your own. We’re here to help, now even more than ever! 

We urge our patients to protect their eyes during this pandemic. While the virus is primarily spread through air droplets inhaled through the mouth or nose, it can also be contracted through the eyes. For example, if you touched a surface with the virus on it and then touched your eyes you could contract the virus. Avoid touching your eyes (and face!) in public or before you’ve washed your hands. If you wear contacts, consider switching to glasses to decrease contact between your eyes and your hands. Plus, glasses may help to remind you not to touch your eyes. Practice good hygiene and social distancing as recommended by the CDC, and avoid touching your eyes in general.

Through proper education, safety, and support we will get through this together. We ask you to be cautious of your eye health, and please don’t hesitate to call us for an emergency appointment if needed! Stay safe and stay healthy.