Is it Safe to have LASIK Eye Surgery during COVID-19
                     Is it Safe to have LASIK Eye Surgery during COVID-19?
With the coronavirus still around, you might be wondering if this is the year you should get
LASIK or hold off and whether the virus can spread through the eyes.
As we know that when someone infected coughs or sneezes, tiny virus particles get dispersed
into the air. If you are in close contact with the infected person, you are at risk as the virus
mostly spread through respiratory droplets.
These virus particles can either enter your nose, mouth, and eyes as they are suspended in the
air or if  someone touches a contaminated surface and then touches their eyes. Though the
coronavirus transmission through eyes is rare, it may be possible.
In  this  article,  we will  learn how to prepare for  LASIK  safely,  post  eye care,  and know the
symptoms that arrived are as a result of surgery or COVID-19.
LASIK Procedures during COVID-19
During these challenging times in healthcare, many medical practices have been affected by
several changes in protocols. One of the most affected healthcare divisions is Ophthalmology
because  of  the  risk  to  increase  the  COVID-19  transmission  rate  as  the  diagnosis  and  the
treatment involves close contact between patients and physicians.
As per the guidelines set out by National Health Agencies in the United States, all LASIK vision
centers need to maintain control standards to ensure the health and safety of their patients.
 At Columbus Lasik Vision, we have tried to evaluate a Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE)
protocol for performing LASIK vision procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Safety is our main consideration and has always been the focus of our medical practice. We
assure everyone that all government guidelines and recommended safety measures are being
implemented, and those standards are met by our practices.  
Getting LASIK is Safe during Coronavirus
 A  Pre-LASIK  preparation  start  with  finding  a  surgeon,  who  is  skilled,  experienced,  and  is
committed to the highest levels of safety and care.
Once  you’ve  decided  to  move  forward,  make  sure  you  come  to  the  surgery  with  your
prescriptions and are in a comfortable and relaxed mood.  Also,  make sure you arrange for
someone to drive you to and from your procedure.
In accordance with current guidelines, prior to having a procedure at Columbus Lasik Vision we
recommend the patients get the required test done. Everyone wears a mask inside the building
and equipment is cleaned according to the most current protocols, and proper social distancing
is maintained for your extra protection.  
To ensure your safety, we have reduced our patient schedules to help minimize traffic. Surfaces
are cleaned at regular intervals. We have also increased the use of PPE wear, and ask patients
to wear face masks and use hand sanitizer before entering our practice.
Here at  Columbus Lasik Vision, it’s completely safe and is a perfect time to consider getting
LASIK surgery. As during COVID-19, the emphasis is being put on not touching your face and
LASIK will offer you the option of not having to touch your eyes daily, as it reduces the hassle of
wearing contact lenses or adjusting your glasses.
Post LASIK Care During Coronavirus
Post LASIK care almost remains the same with an emphasis being put on good hygiene and
avoid unnecessary social interaction. A patient is encouraged to wash the hands thoroughly
before touching the face or while putting post-surgical eye drops and should continue cleaning
around the eyes to promote good ocular hygiene.
This is similar to the good hand washing hygiene practice that is recommended to reduce the
spread of COVID-19.
Your immediate post-surgery vision might still be somewhat fuzzy but the majority of patients
have a high functioning vision immediately after their LASIK procedure. They can restart their
normal day to day tasks usually within 24 hours and won’t require contact lenses after LASIK.
Know the symptoms are a result of surgery or COVID-19
While entering into laser eye surgery, patients must know that some irritation and redness is to
be expected. Experiencing red eyes after LASIK is a common and normal part of the healing
process.
However, with coronavirus, a patient uniquely develops red-eye for several days or weeks and
is usually associated with systemic symptoms such as fever, body ache, and upper respiratory
problems but this is not the case with LASIK.
So, for the majority of patients having red eyes after LASIK is very common, not caused by an
infection, but just part of the post-surgery process.
Speak to Philadelphia Eye Experts
 At Columbus Lasik Vision, we have decades of experience and our eye consultants would love
to  discuss  your  treatment options  and the best  possible  ways  to  protect  your  eyes  during
coronavirus. Schedule a consultation today!