CORONAVIRUS and the EYES

Just like any other upper respiratory infection like a cold or the flu, the coronavirus can present as “pink eye”.  “Pink eye” is the common name for conjunctivitis and symptoms include red, irritated, watery eyes. 

​Based on limited data so far, less than 1% of patients diagnosed with the coronavirus have eye symptoms so the risk of infection is low!  However, if you are not feeling well, call your family doctor right away and if you are experiencing any eye redness, watering or irritation, give us a call!  
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We are still open for emergency care and want to help flatten the curve by taking care of our community in our office, instead of you needing to head to an urgent care or emergency room.  A staff member will connect you with one of our doctors and can even schedule a telehealth video if your insurance allows.  

To decrease your risk of infection, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands - these are mucus membranes that are one of the easiest ways for the virus to enter our systems.  If you are a glasses wearer, make sure to wash your glasses throughout the day with warm, soapy water to help keep them clean! If you are a contact lens wearer, check out our blog on how to wear your lenses safely during this time!