Why You Shouldn’t Delay Your Eye Care
It is understandable that many of our patients are concerned about COVID-19. At New Eyes, your health is our priority. We take necessary precautions to help ensure the safety of our patients and staff, taking great efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We also firmly believe in the importance of patient education, which is why we strive to help current and potential patients better understand how to protect and maintain their eyesight. When it comes to certain eye conditions, follow-up care with your doctor is paramount — so we want to remind you that in some cases, neglecting your eye care can lead to permanent vision loss.
Recently, there has been an increase in serious, yet preventable conditions, likely due to the ongoing pandemic. To avoid further escalation of these numbers, consider scheduling an annual eye exam.
We understand that there is a lot of uncertainty right now, so we have answered some common questions from patients below that may help you decide the best course of action for your vision care during the pandemic.
How has New Eyes adapted to the threat of COVID-19?
Staff are well-versed in sterilization and hygiene practices that are necessary for patient safety, especially for surgical procedures. We continue to follow these crucial guidelines, but have implemented additional COVID-19 safety precautions to further enhance sanitation at our practice.
Is it risky to delay my eye care treatment or surgery?
Progressive conditions like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, as well as many corneal and other conditions can all worsen over time, so our eye doctors recommend scheduling an appointment sooner, rather than later. Treating these conditions can prevent further damage to your vision, but in some cases, there is no way to reverse existing damage.
Even cataract surgery can have significant benefits. In one study, it was found to reduce the risk of all-cause mortality by as much as 40%. Cataract surgery has also been known to reduce instances of hip fractures and car accidents.
Am I at risk of developing a serious eye condition?
Some eye diseases can be more prevalent in specific demographics, so scheduling regular eye exams can be extremely beneficial for these groups of people. Early detection is typically the best way to prevent permanent damage from serious conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and more. Some common groups that are considered to have higher risk include:
- Diabetics
- Individuals of Asian, African, or Caribbean descent
- Those with high blood pressure or high blood glucose levels
- Patients who have heart disease
- People with nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia)
The eye care professionals at New Eyes want to help you maintain and improve your eye health! While there is inherent risk of developing COVID-19 whenever one is out in public, we are taking extra care while you are at our practice. To learn more about the steps we take to protect the health of our patients, or to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled eye doctors, please contact us today. We are happy to answer any questions you may have, and look forward to providing you with the highest level of care.