Do you remember the beginning of the pandemic? We all wondered what was next, and safety became an absolute priority. If you were planning laser vision correction or recently underwent such a procedure, you probably had many questions: Is it safe? Are my eyes more vulnerable now? At Swisslaser Clinic, we always prioritize transparent communication. We have gathered and commented on the most important questions about coronavirus and eyes for you. Our goal is simple: to dispel your doubts and give you practical advice!
What will you learn from the text below?
- Does a recent procedure increase susceptibility to coronavirus? Do you want to know if surgery weakens your immunity to the virus? Don’t worry, lasers and lenses do not make you more susceptible to infection.
- Can tears transmit the virus? Can the virus enter the body through the eye? Theoretically yes, which is why we must maintain maximum hygiene.
- What is the connection between COVID-19 and eye healing? Fortunately, coronavirus attacks the lungs, not the eyes. This means your eyes heal regardless of the course of the infection.
- Which vision correction method is safer during the pandemic? It’s time to put away contact lenses. Glasses are your best ally in the fight against the virus!
- How does Swisslaser Clinic care for patients during this period? We prioritized the health of all of us and suspended scheduled procedures, but you can contact us at any time by email or phone.
Medication, Risk, and Safety After Procedures
Does laser vision correction or lens replacement increase the risk of infection?
Breathe easy! Your laser vision correction (you can read more about the procedure on our clinic’s website) or refractive lens exchange absolutely does not suddenly make you a tempting target for coronavirus. That’s a myth. However, you must remember one extremely important duty: wash your hands! Do this necessarily before each application of drops recommended by your ophthalmologist. If you touch a freshly operated eye with unwashed hands, you risk infection, but with any other pathogen, and we certainly don’t want that.
Coronavirus and eye healing: Does infection affect recovery?
Imagine you contracted coronavirus right after the procedure. Will this ruin the treatment outcome? No! Remember that COVID-19 is a respiratory disease. It can cause coughing, shortness of breath, fever, but it does not interfere with the healing process of your eyes. Recovery after the procedure proceeds on its own course.
Postoperative hygiene rules: Hands, drops, and general precautions
Life during a pandemic requires new habits. Simply do not touch your face! This is the golden rule. Under no circumstances should you reach for your eye area with hands that have not been thoroughly washed and disinfected. We must eliminate all risks.
“Each of us must now strictly adhere to hygiene. At Swisslaser, we have always focused on patient education, and during this time, it is fundamental. Rigorous hand washing not only protects against the virus. It is key to avoiding any unnecessary complications after eye surgery. We must be vigilant and responsible,” – emphasizes Dr. Victor Derhartunian.
Virus Symptoms Visible in the Eye
Can conjunctivitis be a symptom of COVID-19?
Yes, but rarely! Reports showed that only 1 to 3% of infected individuals had conjunctivitis. Don’t panic if you only have red eyes!
When should eye symptoms cause concern? (In the context of fever, cough, and shortness of breath)
When should you worry? If conjunctivitis is accompanied by other, much more serious symptoms. Fever, severe fatigue, muscle aches, persistent cough, or shortness of breath – only such a set of signals requires urgent consultation and testing.
Contact Lenses vs. Glasses During the Pandemic
Why do specialists recommend returning to wearing glasses?
If you use contact lenses, specialists have a clear appeal: return to glasses! (We described the exact reasons on our blog). Why? How many times a day do you touch your face when inserting and removing lenses? That’s a risk. Constant maneuvering of fingers near the eye’s mucous membrane is an ideal pathway for transferring pathogens from hands to the body.
Double benefit of glasses: Physical barrier and avoiding touching the face
Glasses give you double protection! First, they physically help keep your hands away from your face (which all epidemiologists recommend). Second, they provide a simple barrier against virus droplets that can float in the air after someone sneezes or coughs. Isn’t that a great reason to reach for your frames?
Availability of Swisslaser Ophthalmic Services During the Pandemic
Suspension of consultations and scheduled procedures (Reasons and clinic decisions)
We made a difficult but necessary decision. Due to the rapid spread of the virus, we suspended all in-office consultations and canceled scheduled surgical procedures. We prioritized your and our collective safety, aiming to return to normal operations as soon as possible.
Alternative forms of contact and appointment booking (Email and phone)
But that doesn’t mean we’re disappearing! We are available and ready to help.
- Do you have questions? Do you want to book an appointment for ‘after the pandemic’ (go to the appointment booking form)? Write to us: info@swisslaser.pl
- Prefer to talk? Call: +48 22 120 16 90
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can coronavirus enter the body through tears? Theoretically yes, although we don’t have strong evidence for it. Therefore, remember: avoid touching your eyes!
2. Do I need to disinfect my smartphone? Absolutely! Your phone is a breeding ground for germs that you constantly bring to your face. Disinfect it regularly or use the speakerphone function.
3. Can I use hand sanitizer if I don’t have access to water? Yes! If you can’t wash your hands immediately after touching a doorknob, reach for an alcohol-based gel. It’s your second line of defense.
4. What should I do with a disposable tissue after coughing? Use a tissue, immediately throw it into a closed trash can, and then wash your hands. This is the simple, life-saving routine.
5. Do I need to completely isolate myself from other people? It’s not about total isolation, but about avoiding close physical contact. Adhering to social distancing is now our shared responsibility.
Would you like me to prepare a similar article now, but focused on a different aspect of eye health?
