Is it Safe to have LASIK Eye Surgery during COVID-19

1. Is it Safe to have LASIK Eye Surgery during COVID-19? With the coronavirus still around, you might be wondering if this is the year you should get LASIK or hold off and whether the virus can spread through the eyes. As we know that when someone infected coughs or sneezes, tiny virus particles get dispersed into the air. If you are in close contact with the infected person, you are at risk as the virus mostly spread through respiratory droplets. These virus particles can either enter your nose, mouth, and eyes as they are suspended in the air or if someone touches a contaminated surface and then touches their eyes. Though the coronavirus transmission through eyes is rare, it may be possible. In this article, we will learn how to prepare for LASIK safely, post eye care, and know the symptoms that arrived are as a result of surgery or COVID-19. LASIK Procedures during COVID-19 During these challenging times in healthcare, many medical practices have been affected by several changes in protocols. One of the most affected healthcare divisions is Ophthalmology because of the risk to increase the COVID-19 transmission rate as the diagnosis and the treatment involves close contact between patients and physicians. As per the guidelines set out by National Health Agencies in the United States, all LASIK vision centers need to maintain control standards to ensure the health and safety of their patients. At Columbus Lasik Vision, we have tried to evaluate a Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) protocol for performing LASIK vision procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Safety is our main consideration and has always been the focus of our medical practice. We assure everyone that all government guidelines and recommended safety measures are being implemented, and those standards are met by our practices. Getting LASIK is Safe during Coronavirus A Pre-LASIK preparation start with finding a surgeon, who is skilled, experienced, and is committed to the highest levels of safety and care.

2. Once you’ve decided to move forward, make sure you come to the surgery with your prescriptions and are in a comfortable and relaxed mood. Also, make sure you arrange for someone to drive you to and from your procedure. In accordance with current guidelines, prior to having a procedure at Columbus Lasik Vision we recommend the patients get the required test done. Everyone wears a mask inside the building and equipment is cleaned according to the most current protocols, and proper social distancing is maintained for your extra protection. To ensure your safety, we have reduced our patient schedules to help minimize traffic. Surfaces are cleaned at regular intervals. We have also increased the use of PPE wear, and ask patients to wear face masks and use hand sanitizer before entering our practice. Here at Columbus Lasik Vision, it’s completely safe and is a perfect time to consider getting LASIK surgery. As during COVID-19, the emphasis is being put on not touching your face and LASIK will offer you the option of not having to touch your eyes daily, as it reduces the hassle of wearing contact lenses or adjusting your glasses. Post LASIK Care During Coronavirus Post LASIK care almost remains the same with an emphasis being put on good hygiene and avoid unnecessary social interaction. A patient is encouraged to wash the hands thoroughly before touching the face or while putting post-surgical eye drops and should continue cleaning around the eyes to promote good ocular hygiene. This is similar to the good hand washing hygiene practice that is recommended to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Your immediate post-surgery vision might still be somewhat fuzzy but the majority of patients have a high functioning vision immediately after their LASIK procedure. They can restart their normal day to day tasks usually within 24 hours and won’t require contact lenses after LASIK. Know the symptoms are a result of surgery or COVID-19 While entering into laser eye surgery, patients must know that some irritation and redness is to be expected. Experiencing red eyes after LASIK is a common and normal part of the healing process.

3. However, with coronavirus, a patient uniquely develops red-eye for several days or weeks and is usually associated with systemic symptoms such as fever, body ache, and upper respiratory problems but this is not the case with LASIK. So, for the majority of patients having red eyes after LASIK is very common, not caused by an infection, but just part of the post-surgery process. Speak to Philadelphia Eye Experts At Columbus Lasik Vision, we have decades of experience and our eye consultants would love to discuss your treatment options and the best possible ways to protect your eyes during coronavirus. Schedule a consultation today!