Eye Care During COVID-19

At the office of Dr. Edwin M. Schottenstein, we believe that everyone deserves a healthy, clear vision, and our mission is to help our patients maintain healthy vision over a lifetime. In the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), our office has instituted safety measures for patients to ensure that they are not coming into close contact with one another by utilizing a modified schedule to avoid high volume or density. Additional, safety measures include:

• More cleaning and visible cleaning staff
• Fewer and smaller waiting areas 
• Physical distancing in waiting rooms and patient care areas
• Masks or face coverings on all staff, patients and visitors 
• Additional personal protective equipment (PPE) — such as masks, gloves, and face shields — for health care providers
• Visitor passes for visitors that can accompany you to an appointment or procedure

Additionally, we want to provide helpful information for you, our patients, during this time. Read more about general eye care tips during the Coronavirus pandemic below.

Eye Care Tips During The Pandemic

Eye Care Examinations and Procedures May Be Delayed

In order to insure social distancing of patients, the number of appointments in any day has been reduced, leading to a possible extension in the next available routine appointment. As a result of our modified schedule to avoid high volume or density, routine eye care examinations and procedures may be delayed. Rest assured, the office of Dr. Edwin M. Schottenstein, has allowed and planned for access and appointment availability for urgent problems.

For everyone’s health and safety contact us if:

• 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, headaches, red eye, nausea, or vomiting

Wearing Glasses May Add A Layer of Eye Protection

Corrective lenses or sunglasses can shield your eyes from infected respiratory droplets, but they don’t provide 100% security. The virus can still reach your eyes from the exposed sides, tops, and bottoms of your glasses. If you’re caring for a sick patient or potentially exposed person, safety goggles may offer a stronger defense. 

Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes

While it can be hard to break this natural habit, doing so will lower your risk of infection. If you feel an urge to itch or rub your eye or even to adjust your glasses, use a tissue instead of your fingers. Dry eyes can lead to more rubbing, so consider adding moisturizing drops to your eye routine. Also, you may be a candidate for Lipiflow. Call the office of Dr. Edwin M. Schottenstein to inquire. If you must touch your eyes for any reason — even to administer eye medicine — wash your hands first with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Then wash them again afterwards.  

The office of Dr. Edwin M. Schottenstein has available a lid and lash antimicrobial spray solution designed to remove bacteria and debris around the eyes, Avenova, which kills the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 on hard surfaces. This  gentle, effective solution that is free of side effects is something your body naturally produces and rejuvenates the lids and lashes for healthier eyes. The patented, FDA-cleared formulation is the only stable and truly pure solution in existence. 

Practice Safe Hygiene And Social Distancing

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer these general guidelines to slow the spread of disease:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• You should especially wash your hands before eating, after using the restroom, sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose.
• If you can’t get to a sink, use a hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your face — particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with sick people. If you think someone has a respiratory infection, it’s safest to stay six feet away.
• Stay home when you are sick, or if you are starting to feel sick.
• Regularly disinfect commonly touched surfaces and items in your house, such as door knobs and countertops

While our current situation brings great uncertainty, following the latest guidelines for preventing disease transmission and keeping yourself and loved ones safe can help stop the spread. Our office is here to answer any questions you may have or schedule an appointment. Contact us today to learn more. We hope you stay safe and healthy, and can’t wait to see you back in the office!

Dr. Edwin M. Schottenstein is one of New York City’s top board-certified ophthalmologists, completing years of rigorous training in specialized surgery, vision preservation, and restoration. His private practice, located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, focuses on comprehensive ophthalmology, cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, and helping patients with ophthalmic manifestations of diabetes. Visit his website at www.eyedoctornycnow.com for more information.