Acıbadem University Atakent Hospital Ophthalmology Specialist Dr. Neslihan Sinim Kahraman said, “Working from home and following the lessons on the computer screen during the Covid period greatly increased the digital screen usage time. In addition, due to the decrease in the blink reflex in front of digital screens, both children and adults experience an increase in the degrees of dry eye and eye fatigue, eye redness, bloodshot, conjunctivitis and myopia.”
CAUTION! COULD HAVE COVID-19
Noting that conjunctivitis (infection of the eye surface) with redness, watering and burrs in the eyes can be a sign of Covid-19 infection, Dr. Neslihan Sinim Kahraman says that especially if there are signs such as weakness, muscle pain, fever and cough in addition to these complaints, one should be very careful and consult a doctor. Dr. Neslihan Sinim Kahraman speaks:
“It should be kept in mind that Covid-19 infection can cause coagulation disorders and cause vascular occlusion in the eye. In case of sudden weakening of vision during the Covid-19 infection process, an ophthalmologist should be consulted without delay.” Stating that the surface of the eye is a point of attention as it is a transmission route for infection, especially cases such as dry eye and allergic conjunctivitis cause frequent contact of the hands with the eyes, as they cause burning, itching and stinging sensations in the eyes, Dr. Neslihan Sinim Kahraman draws attention to the fact that this increases the risk of transmission of Covid-19 infection from the eyes.
CAN CAUSE LOSS OF VISION
Pointing out that the fact that patients with chronic diseases and advanced age have hesitations about applying to the hospital during the pandemic process, causes difficulties in the follow-up of these diseases, Dr. Neslihan Sinim Kahraman “Especially our patients who require close follow-up and treatment such as glaucoma (eye pressure), uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye called uvea), diabetic retinopathy (damage developing in the blood vessels in the retina) and age-related macular degeneration (loss of central vision) are hospitalized during the pandemic process. There were problems in their treatment due to the fear of going away. However, delayed eye problems can lead to more difficult treatment, permanent damage and loss of vision.
MEASURES TO BE CONSIDERED FOR EYE HEALTH
Ophthalmologist Dr. Neslihan Sinim Kahraman explains the necessary measures for eye health in the pandemic as follows;
Do not stay long in front of the screen. Rest your eyes by taking a break every 20 minutes.
Do not look too close to the screen and make sure to blink frequently to prevent it from drying out.
In this process, if possible, stop using lenses and use glasses. Thus, it can be ensured that the glasses form a protective barrier and that the contact of the hands with the eyes is reduced.
Put your glasses on the mask so that the mask does not cause evaporation in the glasses. On the other hand, wearing a mask caused steam to form, making it difficult to use glasses.
Be careful about these issues as frequently touching the glasses, removing and putting them on too often, and leaving them on contaminated surfaces pose a risk.
Do not bring your hands to your eyes and face during the day. Washing your hands frequently will reduce possible risks.
Pay more attention than usual to the cleanliness of contact lenses. Always wash your hands before putting on or taking off your lenses.
If you have a chronic eye disease (glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, etc.), you must continue your treatment and do not delay your treatment.
- Consult your doctor so that you don’t wait for a possible eye problem to ‘go away’ and cause bigger problems. Do not waste time, especially in case of sudden decrease in vision.