Protect Your Eyes During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In the midst of uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19), many people are taking a closer look at their health and wellness. Your vision is an important part of your body’s overall health that should not be overlooked.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies fever, cough and shortness of breath as the primary symptoms of COVID-19, conjunctivitis, often referred to as pink eye, may also be a less common symptom related to this viral illness.

Conjunctivitis is an infection of the conjunctiva, the thin transparent layer of tissue on the inner eyelid. When the conjunctiva becomes inflamed, the eye may begin to feel sunburned with painful symptoms such as sensitivity to light, red eyes, excessive tearing and a gritty feeling in the eyes.

While no drops or ointments can treat viral conjunctivitis, cold compresses and over-the-counter artificial tears may help relieve symptoms. In some cases, topical steroid eye drops may be prescribed to reduce discomfort until inflammation subsides.

Following the latest recommendations of credible health sources, like the CDC, is important to help reduce exposure and limit the spread of the coronavirus. Additionally, best eye care practices can protect the health of your eyes during this COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are a few steps you can take to protect your eye health:
• Practice social distancing. The CDC recommends staying at least 6 feet away from others.

• Wash your hands. Practice overall good hygiene and follow the proper handwashing techniques.

• Don’t rub your eyes. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed fingers, or use a clean tissue instead of your hands.

• Clean contact lenses properly. To avoid infection, always wash hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses. Make sure to disinfect and replace contacts when appropriate.

• Consider glasses instead of contacts. While contacts are safe to wear with proper hygienic practices, wearing glasses may help limit touching your eyes.

• Ensure your prescription eye medications are filled. While it is not necessary to stockpile medications, patients should have adequate supply on-hand in order to limit additional trips to the pharmacy.

To further support the health of its patients during this time, Elmquist Eye Group is now offering telehealth services for patients with conditions that do not require an in-office exam.

Offered via a HIPAA-compliant platform, Elmquist Eye Group’s telehealth consultations are intended for ocular conditions that can be diagnosed and managed virtually, including styes, cysts, eyelid swelling and red eyes. Virtual visits can also help determine if a patient’s symptoms require urgent treatment or further evaluation.

“Elmquist Eye Group is dedicated to the overall health of our patients, staff and community, and telehealth allows us to keep serving patients while reducing the number of in-office visits during this unprecedented time for our community,” said Dr. Trevor Elmquist, founder of Elmquist Eye Group. “While a virtual visit cannot replace a comprehensive dilated in-office eye exam, our ophthalmologists and optometrists stand ready to provide consultation and answer any questions.”

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends you call your ophthalmologist for guidance in the following situations:
• You have macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy and get regular eye injections;
• You notice changes in your vision (like blurry, wavy or blank spots in your field of vision);
• You notice a lot of new floaters or flashes in your vision;
• You suddenly lose some vision;
• You have eye pain, headache, red eye, nausea and vomiting.

If you have concerns about your vision, an eye care professional can help determine if further evaluation is needed. Please contact Elmquist Eye Group at 239-936-2020 to learn more about telehealth services or to set up an emergency appointment.

With more than 25 years of service to the Southwest Florida community, Elmquist Eye Group offers experienced doctors who are dedicated to patient care. Dr. E. Trevor Elmquist, Dr. Kate Wagner, Dr. Sarah Eccles-Brown and Dr. Nina Burt of Elmquist Eye Group are available to answer your questions. With three U.S. military veterans leading the practice, rest assured knowing that Elmquist Eye Group’s team stands ready to serve you with knowledge and experience right here in Southwest Florida. For more information, visit www.Elmquist.com, call 239-936-2020.

Elmquist Eye Group
239-936-2020
www.elmquist.com

FORT MYERS: 7970 Summerlin Lakes Dr.

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