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ENTITY Mag shares tips on eye-careImage via Unsplash/@anikolleshi

COVID-19 is still affecting the world. In many countries, the pandemic still shows no signs of stopping. While this is unfortunate, there are plenty of ways you can prevent COVID-19 from spreading. One thing you may not be thinking about during these times is eyecare.

It is important to make sure that you take care of your entire body—including your eyes. Your vision is an integral part of your everyday life, so don’t neglect it. Protect your eyes and your vision by following these steps for good eyecare during COVID-19.

1. Observe good personal hygiene

ENTITY Mag reminds its readers to wash your hands.
Image via Unsplash/@nate-dumlao

Establishing proper personal hygiene is the first thing you should do. Good hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective ways you can prevent the spread of disease. Even the most basic practice of regular handwashing can protect you (and others) from contracting illnesses including COVID-19. In fact, the World Health Organization recommends frequent handwashing and says it plays a critical role in preventing COVID-19.

Washing your hands goes a long way in preventing disease yet it’s so easy to do. Here’s everything you need to do to wash your hands properly:

  • Wash your hands with water and antibacterial soap.
  • Rub your hands together for 20 seconds and remove any dirt under your fingernails.
  • Rinse thoroughly.
  • Use a fresh paper towel or a clean hand towel to dry your hands completely.

With regular handwashing, you avoid transferring germs and bacteria to areas of your face like your eyes, nose, and mouth.

2. Practice strict contact lens safety

COVID-19 eye-care
Image via Unsplash/@aaaarupar

There is no scientific evidence that contact lens wearers are at greater risk of COVID-19 infection than those who don’t wear contact lenses. However, contact lens wearers do touch their eyes much more than the average person. This means contact lens wearers have greater chances of getting germs and bacteria into their eyes.

The best way to counteract this is to practice contact lens safety and keep these things in mind:

  • Wash your hands before putting in your contact lenses and before taking them out.
  • Only wear contact lenses according to their proper replacement schedule (ex. daily contact lenses are not meant to be worn overnight).
  • Never sleep in contact lenses that aren’t FDA-approved for extended wear.
  • Follow your eyecare professional’s advice on how to clean and store your contact lenses.
  • Use only the contact lens solution recommended by your eyecare professional.

Following strict contact lens safety procedures will minimize the risk of transferring bacteria from your hands to your eyes, and therefore minimize the risk of eye diseases and COVID-19 infection.

3. Take advantage of telehealth services

Image via Unsplash/@nicotitto

The COVID-19 crisis has turned healthcare upside down and the eyecare sector is no exception. With hospitals getting overrun with COVID-19 patients, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have urged healthcare facilities to delay all non-emergency visits and elective surgeries. This includes eye exams.

Fortunately, if you need to have your eyes examined or need a new contact lens prescription, telehealth services are an option. For any healthcare concerns, you can contact hospitals and clinics via phone or video conferencing. 

You can even get eye exams online. Hospitals, clinics, and even contact lens ecommerce websites offer online vision tests. If necessary, you will also receive a valid prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. 

What’s great about these online vision tests is that they mimic the accuracy of actual eye exams, they are convenient, and most of all, they are completely safe since you get them from the comfort of your own home.

ENTITY Mag shares photo of glasses from Unsplash.
Image via Unsplash/@templecerulean

Now more than ever, it’s important you take care of your own body including your eyes. Your eyes are two of your most vital organs. You use your sense of vision every day to perform a variety of tasks, whether it’s cooking your favorite meal, crossing the street, or typing an important document on your computer.

It’s crucial that you practice good eyecare during COVID-19. Just remember to wash your hands on a regular basis, practice contact lens safety, and use telehealth services instead of going outside to visit the nearest eyecare professional.

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