There’s no denying the impact that the pandemic had and continues to have on the world. During the height of COVID-19, many people were wondering “is it safe to have outpatient surgery now?”. Eye surgery during coronavirus such as PRK, LASIK, SMILE, Full Focus, cataract surgery, etc. was a topic of discussion for many people as there was hesitancy around safety.
Even though procedures such as LASIK and cataract surgery treatment are known to be safe, there’s still the question of safety regarding the pandemic. Rest assured that you are in good hands at Discover Vision Centers.
The coronavirus can spread through your eyes just as it can through the nose or mouth. If someone with coronavirus talks, coughs, or sneezes, the small virus particles can get onto your face, nose, or into your mouth. However, it is also possible that those droplets can enter your bloodstream through your eyes. In some cases, the virus gets onto the face or hands and is rubbed into the eyes by accident.
Although it is possible for coronavirus to cause pink eye, it is extremely rare. If this happens to you, don’t panic and instead get in touch with your ophthalmologist for additional information.
Coronavirus and eye surgery is an important topic for many. One thing to keep in mind is that there is an increased risk of spreading COVID-19 through contact lenses. This has resulted in many people seeking LASIK surgery in Kansas City instead. The main benefit of this procedure is to help improve your vision, but it also means there is no longer a need for prescription glasses or contact lenses.
Before you decide to move forward with eye surgery during this time, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve properly prepared.
You might be wondering if cataract operations are being done now. Procedures such as SMILE vision correction surgery, PRK eye surgery, LASIK surgery, cataract surgery, and vision ICL surgery have always been popular for their incredible results. Even though COVID-19 has impacted countless people around the world, know that all ophthalmologists work hard to keep you safe and protected from exposure.
We’ve outlined some ways in which we can offer safe eye procedures despite the pandemic.
Rest assured that there is not any correlation between eye surgery and the COVID-19 vaccine. There is no need to wait for surgery in case you haven’t been vaccinated. Due to the surgery being focused on the eyes, there is no relationship between surgery and the vaccine. Don’t wait to schedule your surgery!
How long can cataract surgery be postponed? As we mentioned, there isn’t a correlation between your eye surgery and the COVID-19 vaccine. There have been many healthcare professionals who have spoken out against the safety of the vaccine and elective surgeries. In some cases, you can provide your doctor with your last vaccination so they are informed of the latest information. Please note that if you have cataracts, it can be risky to wait longer than 6 months. Take an online cataract self-test for additional information.
Laser eye surgery and the COVID vaccine are not linked, meaning you won’t need to wait to get both vaccine doses before opting for surgery. If you opt to get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, you likely know that these will be given in two different stages. The first shot builds protection while the second shot maximizes protection.
In the case that you need emergency cataract surgery or you’re hoping to get eye surgery after the COVID vaccine, you don’t need to worry. You can get the vaccine on the day before or after your surgery without concern. The most important part is to not correlate potential side effects from the vaccine with surgery side effects. Be aware of the potential vaccine side effects ahead of time.
If you’ve recently had eye surgery such as LASIK or cataracts, make sure to take care of yourself. Generally, recovery time is fast, but there are precautions you should take to ensure healing. Here are some tips from our team.
COVID and cataracts shouldn’t be a cause for concern. Even though many eye surgeries are elective, the risk of spreading COVID-19 is not high. For example, there was a study done in Dubai that found that the LASIK procedure is safe as long as the surgeons follow all of the right protocols and have access to the right protective gear. If you are feeling hesitant about scheduling your surgery, know that you can get the care you need in a safe environment.
Is it safe to have elective surgery during COVID? By now, we hope that you feel confident in the fact that you can get eye surgery during the pandemic without an increased risk of infection. Rest assured that our team at Discover Vision Centers always prioritizes the safety and well-being of our patients, doctors, and staff.
If you’re interested in learning more about our offerings, we encourage you to schedule a safe online consultation to get started.
