Some research indicates that in 1%-3% of COVID-19 cases, the infected person developed a case of Conjunctiva (Pink Eye). Practicing physical distancing, wearing masks, and washing hands is currently the best way to reduce your chances of catching COVID-19.
Eye Health After COVID-19 Recovery
Fever, cough, and respiratory symptoms are the most common symptoms of COVID-19, but as we have gathered more data, we have learned that it can manifest quite differently from person to person. We still have much to learn about the Coronavirus and any long term effects. If you have recovered from COVID-19 and are now experiencing a new eye problem, do contact our office and let us know.
Fixes for Foggy Glasses
Michigan is requiring for residents to wear some type of face covering when indoors in public places and suggests to wear it when out of doors to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. With people donning this protection, some of our patients are complaining that their glasses are fogging up, making it difficult to see. Condensation has been a common problem for glasses wearers for many years. There are several solutions that can help.
- Make sure your mask fits properly – If your glasses are fogging up, your mask is probably not fitting you properly as air is escaping through the top of your mask. The mask should seal around your face that air goes through it, not around the sides.
- Anti-fog spray or wipes – This option works well for many. The downside is they are rather expensive.
- Use tape on the top portion of your mask – Medical and athletic tape can reduce air from hitting your glasses and producing condensation. Please test a small amount of tape to make sure that your skin is not sensitive. You don’t want to create a bigger problem.
- Place your glasses on top of your mask – You will need to use a mask that is long enough but this works for some, depending on the type, weight, and shape of the glasses you wear.
Blocking the air flow from reaching your glasses is what prevents fog. We hope our tips will help you. If you are in need for an emergent eye appointment, please contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan (248) 333-2900.
Face Coverings Required in Enclosed Public Spaces
Today, the stay-home order has been extended through May 15th, 2020 in the state of Michigan. Some restrictions have been lifted but the new order requires people to wear some type of cloth face covering over both nose and mouth when entering enclosed public spaces. Protocols including social distancing, vigorous hand washing, staying home if sick or exposed, are still in place and must be adhered too. The entire team at Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey appreciates your cooperation to help keep everyone safe and healthy, by reducing the exposure to COVID-19.
Conjunctivitis and COVID-19
Conjunctivitis is a rare indicator of COVID-19 but it has been exhibited in patients who have tested positive with the Coronavirus. Since this is a novel virus, it is essential that if you have conjunctivitis (pink eye), that you take precautions to prevent the spread including following CDC guidelines. If you have conjunctivitis, please adhere to the below:
- frequently wash hands
- wear glasses; not contacts
- clean glasses regularly
- do not touch your face
- do not share pillows
- do not wear eye makeup
- self-quarantine
Conjunctiva is a source of infection that can spread through people’s tears. If you have COVID-19, rubbing your eye can get the virus on your fingers and potentially spread it to another person. Please take precautions to not spread to others.
American Academy of Ophthalmology guidelines recommend that only urgent eye issues and emergencies that can affect vision need to be treated during the pandemic. Regular eye exams will not be performed during the pandemic. If you have an eye emergency, please contact our Bloomfield Hills ophthalmology practice. If you need to schedule a telemedecine visit, please call (248) 221-1022.
Contacts and Eyeglasses Disinfecting Procedures During COVID-19
Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey reminds our patients to be diligent in using proper hand washing techniques before inserting and removing contact lenses, as well as follow proper contact disinfecting methods to reduce the chance of contacting COVID-19 or another virus. We also recommend that you clean your eyeglasses often, since the Coronavirus can live on hard surfaces. Many of us put our glasses down on surfaces, plus it is very common to touch our glasses and our face which increases the likelihood of getting COVID-19.
Clean hands save lives! Are you doing it right? Read CDC recommendations.
COVID-19 Precautions
Our first priority is always to ensure the safety of our patients and staff. We have put measures in place to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 as per CDC guidelines. We have trained our staff about the latest guidelines and are sanitizing commonly used areas more frequently including doorknobs, counters, restrooms, keyboards and phones, and have hand sanitizer available. We ask you to stay home if you have a temperature greater than 100.4 F, or are experiencing fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, or have come into contact with a person who is infected with COVID-19. We thank you for your cooperation during these challenging times.