What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a type of coronavirus that is highly contagious and can cause a range of symptoms from no symptoms (asymptomatic), very mild symptoms, to very severe respiratory issues which can lead to hospitalization or even death. Studies show that severe cases are more common in the elderly, people with compromised immune systems, hypertension, respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Recent studies have shown that there are more asymptomatic cases than previously understood, which increases the risk of transmitting the virus by an asymptomatic individual. It is important for everyone to help limit the spread of this disease.
How does COVID-19 affect my eyes?
Your eyes are mucous membranes, just like you mouth or your nose. This means that it is possible to receive and transmit various bacteria and viruses through your eyes. Some studies have shown that patients with COVID-19 may present with conjunctivitis either as an early sign of infection or during hospitalization in severe cases. The CDC recommends increasing the frequency of hand washing and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. It is especially important to wash your hands fully before inserting or removing your contact lenses.
How do you get COVID-19?
COVID-19, like many other viruses, can be transmitted through airborne droplets when we sneeze or cough. It can also live for several hours on inanimate objects such as plastic, doorknobs, and your cell phone.
How is Silicon Valley Eyecare keeping patients safe?
We are following the CDC, Santa Clara County Department of Health and guidelines from the American and California Optometry Associations for the safest patient protocols. We have adjusted many things in the office to help provide the cleanest and safest environment for patients and staff.
- We have improved our personal protection protocols to protect our patients and our team to an even higher standard of care, as this is our highest priority.
- All medical staff will be wearing protective N95 masks. In addition, we will require all patients to wear their own appropriate personal mask or surgical mask. (Handkerchiefs or gaiter necks aren’t allowed)
- We kindly ask that you arrive to your appointment alone. We will allow one guest for patients with special needs and for pediatric patients.
- All testing and exam rooms are sanitized between each patient visit.
- We screen all patients prior to entering the office, including exposure/symptom screening questions and ensuring you are wearing your mask properly.
- You will be asked to wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before entering the office and periodically throughout the office.
- We strongly recommend the optomap retinal exam, which is a low risk screening tool to check the health of your internal eye. It is faster and requires less physical contact than a dilated examination.
- We are continuing telehealth care for patients who cannot come into the office. Our doctors are always on-call 24/7 for emergency eyecare.
Is it safe to come to Silicon Valley Eyecare during this pandemic?
We want all of our patients to feel safe coming to our office. We are taking every precaution possible while still providing excellent eyecare to our patients. We have taken the recommendations from state, local, and government agencies along with optometric societies, and our own doctors, that is it safe to continue eye care. Of course, we continue to recommend that our patients follow the CDC guidelines for protecting themselves against COVID-19. If you are not sure if you should come to the office, give us a call and our doctors will help you based on your personal risk and your eye care needs.
