Written By: Reena Mukamal for the American Academy of Ophthalmology on May. 18, 2021

Updated May 18, 2021: Though the CDC has relaxed mask wearing for vaccinated persons, they have not altered recommendations for healthcare settings. Even if you are vaccinated against COVID-19, you will still need to wear a mask to your medical appointments during the coronavirus pandemic.

Many health care providers and patients are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines — and widespread vaccination is key to ending the pandemic. But even if you’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19 or have recovered from a coronavirus infection, it’s important to wear a mask and follow all instructions issued by your doctor’s office. Rest assured that ophthalmologists, like all medical professionals, will also be masked and will follow strict hygiene and disinfection guidelines. 

New procedures for routine and urgent eye care during COVID-19

Limiting close physical contact is key to helping reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath can show up 2 to 14 days after a person is exposed. People with severe infections can develop pneumonia and die from this lung illness.

While most eye clinics are scheduling in-person appointments, many also continue to offer “virtual” telemedicine visits over the phone or through video chat on a computer or smartphone.

For in-person appointments, staff will take several precautions to protect your health.

Expect changes to eye exams and procedures during the coronavirus pandemic

• You should wear a mask to your appointment. If you do not have a mask, one will be provided for you.
• Unless instructed otherwise, please keep your mask on the entire time you are in the clinic building, even if you are alone in the exam room.
• In response to CDC guidelines, many clinics have increased outside airflow and added HEPA air filters, causing the building temperature and airflow to be less comfortable than you are used to. Please be patient with these temporary changes as they are meant to decrease the risk of spreading COVID.
• The clinic may ask you to wait outside, or in your car, instead of in the normal waiting room. This is to protect you, the other patients, and the office staff from possible virus exposure in crowded waiting areas.
• The clinic is likely restricting the number of people that enter. If you do not need someone to be there with you for the actual appointment, please do not bring anyone into the building with you.
• Your temperature may be checked on entry to the building.
• Your eye doctor may use a special plastic breath shield on the slit lamp machine they use to look into your eyes. They will also wear a mask, and may also wear gloves, goggles or a plastic shield over their eyes.
• Your doctor may ask you to wait to speak until after your eye exam is complete. Then they can talk with you and answer questions when they can be a safe distance from you.

Your eye doctor may ask you to follow certain precautions during COVID-19

• If you have a cough or a fever, or have been in close contact with someone who has these symptoms, you must call your doctor’s office ahead of time and let them know. If your visit is not an emergency, you may need to stay home.
• If you arrive sick, your doctor may ask you to return home. If you have a problem that cannot wait to be seen, you will be asked to wait in a special room away from other patients. The clinic staff and your physician may wear additional protective equipment, such as gowns and gloves.
• If you need to cough or sneeze during your exam, move back from the slit lamp microscope machine. Bury your face in the crook of your arm or cover your face with a tissue. Wash your hands with soap and water right away.

Ophthalmologists are always available for eye emergencies

Remember that ophthalmologists are always available to treat urgent/emergency eye issues, deliver eye injections and provide critical care.

Call your ophthalmologist or other medical doctor as soon as possible in the following situations:

• You have macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy and get regular eye injections;
• You notice changes in your vision (like blurry, wavy or blank spots in your field of vision);
• You have an eye injury, even if it seems minor;
• You notice new floaters or flashes in your vision;
• You suddenly lose some vision;
• You have a red eye or eye pain, especially if associated with headache, nausea or vomiting.

How can the coronavirus affect your eyes?

The coronavirus can spread through the eyes, just as it does through the mouth or nose. When someone who has coronavirus coughs, sneezes, or talks, virus particles can spray from their mouth or nose onto your face. You are likely to breathe these tiny droplets in through your mouth or nose. But the droplets can also enter your body through your eyes. You can also become infected by touching your eyes after touching something that has the virus on it.

It might be possible for coronavirus to cause a pink eye infection (conjunctivitis), but this is rare. If you have pink eye, don’t panic. Simply call your ophthalmologist to let them know and follow their instructions for care. Keep in mind that whether pink eye is caused by a virus or bacteria, it can spread if someone touches that sticky or runny discharge from the eyes, or touches objects contaminated by the discharge. Wash and sanitize your hands frequently, and do not share towels, cups or utensils with others.

How to protect your eyes and health during COVID-19

Guarding your eyes — as well as your hands, nose, and mouth — can slow the spread of coronavirus. Here are some ways to you can keep your eyes safe and healthy during this coronavirus outbreak.

“It’s important to remember that although there is a lot of concern about coronavirus, common sense precautions can significantly reduce your risk of getting infected. So wash your hands a lot, follow good contact lens hygiene and avoid touching or rubbing your nose, mouth and especially your eyes,” says ophthalmologist Sonal Tuli, MD, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

1. If you wear contact lenses, consider switching to glasses for a while.

There’s no evidence that wearing contact lenses increases your risk of coronavirus infection. But contact lens wearers touch their eyes more than the average person, Dr. Tuli points out. “Consider wearing glasses more often, especially if you tend to touch your eyes a lot when your contacts are in. Substituting glasses for lenses can decrease irritation and force you to pause before touching your eye,” she advises. If you continue wearing contact lenses, follow these hygiene tips.

2. Wearing glasses may add a layer of protection.

Corrective lenses or sunglasses can shield your eyes from infected respiratory droplets. But keep in mind that they don’t provide 100% security. The virus can still reach your eyes from the exposed sides, tops and bottoms of your glasses. If you’re caring for a sick patient or potentially exposed person, safety goggles may offer a stronger defense.

3. Stock up on eye medicine prescriptions if you can.

Experts advise patients to stock up on critical medications, so that you’ll have enough to get by if you are quarantined or if supplies become limited during an outbreak. But this may not be possible for everyone. If your insurance allows you to get more than 1 month of essential eye medicine, such as glaucoma drops, you should do so. Some insurers will approve a 3-month supply of medication in times of natural disaster. Ask your pharmacist or ophthalmologist for help if you have trouble getting approval from your insurance company. And as always, request a refill as soon as you’re due. Don’t wait until the last minute to contact your pharmacy. 

4. Avoid rubbing your eyes.

It can be hard to break this natural habit, but doing so will lower your 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 first with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Then wash them again after touching your eyes.

5. Practice safe hygiene and social distancing.

Wear a mask. Wash your hands a lot, scrubbing them with soap for at least 20 seconds. Follow good contact lens hygiene. And avoid touching or rubbing your nose, mouth and eyes.

If you have any questions about your eyes or your vision, be sure to ask your ophthalmologist.