COVID-19 Updates and Information

​As news continues to circulate regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus), we at Family Eye Care would like to share with our patients valuable information from the American Academy of Ophthalmology that relates to eye safety and the current pandemic. 
 
Conjunctivitis
Health officials believe viral pink eye, or conjunctivitis develops in about 1-3% of patients diagnosed with COVID-19. This virus can spread by coming in contact with discharge from an infected person’s eye. Be aware not all Conjunctivitis is directly related to COVID-19.
 
Protection from COVID-19
While there is a lot of concern about COVID-19, common sense precautions can significantly reduce your risk of infection. Wash your hands often, follow proper contact lens hygiene and avoid touching or rubbing your nose, mouth and especially your eyes.

Changes to Procedures

• Our hours have changed to 12 PM - 4 PM through the end of April. We are expecting to return to normal office hours when the stay-at-home order is lifted on May 1st.  
• We are still taking emergency medical visits and urgent vision exam appointments, and we are asking that you postpone non-urgent visits until May.
• Dr. Christ and Dr. Alexander are utilizing a special plastic barrier called a slit-lamp breath shield and a mask.
• Our technicians and staff will be wearing masks and shields as well as sanitizing rooms and equipment before and after each patient visit.
• We are limiting the number of patients in our office to eliminate cross contamination.  We are asking everyone to schedule an appointment if they need to come into the office - whether that be for a medical visit, to pick up contacts/glasses, or to make purchases.
• The clinic will advise those who are presenting with any symptoms to postpone their visit and seek medical attention. 
• We are not accepting walk-ins at this time for the safety of our patients and staff. 
• We are offering curbside pick up and direct to home shipping for all glasses and contact lens orders. 

Contact Lens Hygiene

• Contact lens wearers touch their eyes more than the average person. We suggest washing your hands before and after insertion. Switch to a hydrogen peroxide cleansing solution like Clear Care. 

 
Glasses Offer Protection

• Corrective lenses and sunglasses can shield your eyes from infected respiratory droplets. 

Prescriptions

• Experts advise patients to stock up on critical medications to ensure they have enough if you are required to quarantine. And as always, request a refill as soon as you are due. 

Avoid Touching Your Eyes

• We do it all the time. While it can be hard to break this natural habit, doing so will lower our 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. If you must touch your eyes for any reason - even to administer eye medicine - wash your hands before and after. 

 
For more information on eye safety related to the COVID-19, visit the American Academy of Optometry or the CDC websites (links below), or contact our office at (630) 377-2020 to speak with a doctor or technician.

American academy of optometry

Center of Disease Control