Thanks to COVID-19, we are living in a world that has renewed its focus on health and hygiene. Everyone is paying more attention to things like proper hand-washing techniques and being mindful of not touching their eyes, noses and mouths. Covering sneezes and coughs and doing a great job of washing your hands has always been a good idea, but the spotlight helps.
In addition to washing your hands frequently (and well!), practicing social distancing and trying not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, here are a few more tips we’d like to share with you:
- Put your contacts back in the case. Opt for glasses or consider LASIK instead. (more on this later!)
- Wear a mask. This is probably the best way to avoid the spread of germs. Make sure to choose one that covers your mouth and your nose.
- Keep plastic bags handy. No gloves? No problem. Use a plastic bag at the gas pump or when grabbing things off shelves or opening doors in public spaces. Properly dispose of them after each use.
- Clean things you use frequently. Your phone, keys, pens, keyboards – give them an extra wipe down with an appropriate disinfectant.
- Keep tissues on hand. That way, if you cough or sneeze (allergies!), you can use the tissue and throw it away. Pro tip: tissues also come in handy when you need to scratch an itch on your face or nose!
- Toss the packaging. Take your groceries and take-out meals out of their packages when you get home and throw the packaging away or recycle!
Take a Break From Contacts
Last month, the American Academy of Ophthalmology published recommendations for “coronavirus eye safety,” including how to limit the spread of COVID-19 infection and best practices for contact lens wearers. Recommendations included practical things like ways to properly clean, store and wear lenses. But more notable was the recommendation to stop wearing contacts completely and switch to eyeglasses instead. Why?
Since one of the main CDC recommendations is to avoid touching your eyes, it makes sense that not wearing contact lenses at this time can significantly help with that. At a minimum, you touch your eyes when putting them in every morning and again in the evening when you take them out. And realistically, contact lens wearers probably touch their eyes many more times throughout the day. Allergy season, anyone?!
At Center For Sight, we certainly agree that glasses are better than contacts at this time, but we also believe that LASIK is better still.
LASIK is a Healthy Choice
Let’s take the AAO’s recommendation one step further. Experts have agreed for years that LASIK is a healthy choice and multiple studies have shown LASIK to be safer than long-term negligent contact use. At Center For Sight, the health and wellbeing of every patient we serve, have always been our top priorities. We enjoy talking to people about the freedom and convenience LASIK offers. Check out some of our 20/Happy LASIK patient stories here.
Here to Serve You
With a focus on the health and safety of our patients and our team, our offices remain open and are fully equipped and prepared to serve you. While we are unable to perform elective services at this time, all of our offices remain open with normal business hours to serve your urgent eye care needs. We are closely following CDC guidelines and taking every precaution to provide a safe visit.
Looking Forward to a 20/Happy Future
Las Vegas, we’re here for you. We want you to know that even in these uncertain times, Center For Sight’s commitment to the many communities we serve remains strong. We’re here if you need us so please reach out.
