COVID-19 and Your Vision: Understanding the Risks and Protecting Your Eye Health

COVID-19 and Your Vision: Understanding the Risks and Protecting Your Eye Health

COVID-19 and Your Vision: Understanding the Risks and Protecting Your Eye Health

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on our lives and our health. While we are familiar with the respiratory symptoms associated with the virus, did you know that it can also affect your vision and overall eye health? While it’s not yet fully understood how, several studies have suggested the virus can cause a range of vision and eye health issues.

 

Conjunctivitis

 

Sometimes referred to as “pink eye”, some people with COVID-19 may develop conjunctivitis. This is an inflammation of the thin, clear layer of tissue that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis can cause redness, swelling, itching, and discharge from the eye. While most cases of conjunctivitis are mild and clear up on their own within a few days, some people may require medical treatment.
 

Optic Neuropathy

 

In rare cases, COVID-19 can lead to optic neuropathy, a condition that affects the optic nerve. Your optic nerve is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eyes to the brain. Optic neuropathy can cause partial or complete loss of vision, depending on the severity and extent of the damage to the optic nerve.
 

Dry Eyes

 

Another eye health issue that has been associated with COVID-19 is dry eye syndrome. This is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly, causing discomfort and irritation. Spending long hours looking at computer screens or wearing contact lenses are associated with increased risk of the ocular surface disease.  Use of personal protective equipment, such as masks or goggles may exacerbate chronic dry eye symptoms.

 

In addition to these immediate effects on eye health, there may be longer-term consequences of COVID-19 on vision. Some studies have suggested that the virus can cause damage to the blood vessels in the eyes, which can lead to vision loss over time. This damage can occur even in people who have no history of eye problems or pre-existing conditions.

 

Schedule An Exam with Kopolow & Girisgen, Doctors Of Optometry

 

At Kopolow & Girisgen, Doctors of Optometry, our caring doctors are well-versed in a range of eye issues, including those caused by COVID-19. Be sure to stay on top of your eye health with an annual comprehensive eye exam. It’s easier than ever to schedule your annual eye exam now below or by texting GLASSES to 21000.

none 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Closed Closed optometrist 7024522020 Mon-Sat 9am-6pm
Sun 10am-5pm Lake Mead Inside LensCrafters 7361 W Lake Mead Blvd #104
Las Vegas, NV 89128 9460 W. Flamingo Rd Ste #100
Las Vegas, NV 89147 Meadows Mall Inside LensCrafters 4300 Meadows Ln #126
Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas, NV, 89107 St. Rose Inside LensCrafters - South Fork Pointe 9975 S Eastern Ave #100
Las Vegas, NV, 89183 Galleria Mall Inside LensCrafters 1300 W Sunset Rd #1617
Henderson, NV, 89014 Pearle Vision at N Green Valley Pkwy 1000 N Green Valley Pkwy. Suite 420
Henderson, NV 89074 Pearle Vision at S Maryland Pkwy 9770 S Maryland Pkwy. Suite 10
Las Vegas, NV 89183 Pearle Vision at Nellis Blvd 230 N Nellis Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89110 Pearle Vision at Sunset Rd 1381 W. Sunset Rd Suite 120
Henderson, NV, 89014 Pearle Vision at Sahara Ave 8145 W Sahara Ave #510
Las Vegas, NV, 89117 Pearle Vision at Tropicana 6160 W. Tropicana Ave Suite E-4
Las Vegas, NV, 89103 Pearle Vision at N. Rainbow 2021 N Rainbow Blvd #100
Las Vegas, NV, 89108 Pearle Vision at S. Rainbow 7090 S. Rainbow. Blvd Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV, 89118 Pearle Vision at Valle Verde 75 S. Valle Verde Pkwy. Suite #100
Henderson, NV 89012 Pearle Vision at Rampart Blvd 2279 N Rampart Blvd.
Las Vegas, NV 89128 Pearle Vision at Windmill 8025 S Rainbow Blvd. Suite 104
Las Vegas, NV 89139 https://www.facebook.com/pearlevisionsouthernnevada/ https://www.facebook.com/KopolowGirisgenLasVegasEyeDocs/