5 Smart Tips For Coronavirus Eye Safety

Baptist Eye Surgeons • March 27, 2020

coronavirus eye safetyAs we all navigate the changes that are are part of the coronavirus reality, one piece of constant advice from medical experts has been to avoid touching your face, particularly your nose, mouth, and eyes. Doing so can significantly reduce your risk of getting infected.

However, since you’re advised not to touch your eyes, what’s the best way to go about wearing contact lenses, or maintaining appointments with your eye doctor? And are there other things you should be doing to protect your eyes? Here are some tips from the American Academy of Ophthalmology for you to consider:

1. There may be slight changes to your routine eye exams or procedures.

It’s understandable if you’re nervous about going to the doctor’s office, even for a routine eye exam. After all, the nature of an eye exam requires ophthalmologists to sit face-to-face with many patients daily.

However, did you know that your eye doctor can also meet with you virtually via a telemedicine appointment?

And for appointments that are in office, rest assured that ophthalmologists, like all medical professionals, follow strict hygiene and disinfection guidelines for themselves, their equipment, and their offices.

Depending on how local guidelines are changing, here are a few changes you may encounter:

  • Whether you’re a new or established patient with Baptist Eye Surgeons, you can set up a telemedicine appointment by Skype or Google Hangouts.
  • If you do need to come in and coronavirus is especially active in your community, your doctor may ask you to wait outside, or in your car, instead of in the normal waiting room. This is to protect you, other patients, and the office staff from germs that could circulate in too-crowded waiting areas.
  • If coronavirus is present in your community, don’t be surprised if non-emergency surgeries and procedures are postponed. If that happens, your appointment will be rescheduled but you should also know that your ophthalmologist will be sure that you are cared for in case of any emergency issues.
  • Your eye doctor may use a mask or a special plastic barrier called a slit-lamp breath shield to help block the exchange of breath between you and your doctor.
  • If you have a cough or a fever, it’s essential to call your eye doctor’s office ahead of time and let them know. If your scheduled visit is not an emergency, they may ask you to stay home. If it is an emergency and you need to come in, they’ll tell you how best to protect yourself and others.

2. What about rubbing your eyes?

Many of us rub our eyes without thinking about it, especially when we’re tired and our defenses are down. It can be hard to break this habit, but try to be aware of it and avoid rubbing your eyes to lower your risk of infection. If you do feel an urge to itch or rub your eye, use a tissue instead of your fingers.

If dry eyes are making you more prone to rubbing your eyes, consider using moisturizing eye drops per the instructions on the package. If you must touch your eyes for any reason—even to use eye drops or eye medicine—wash your hands first with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

3. For those who wear contact lenses:

It’s ok to continue wearing your contact lenses, as long as you follow these hygiene tips to reduce your chances of infection. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before touching your contacts, and practice careful maintenance of your lenses.

You can also consider wearing your glasses more often, particularly if you have a habit of touching or rubbing your eyes more frequently when you’re wearing contacts.

4. Does wearing glasses or safety goggles help?

Many people assume that wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses will shield your eyes from infected respiratory droplets, such as if someone coughs or sneezes nearby. They may provide some degree of protection, but glasses don’t provide 100% of a barrier since the virus could still technically reach your eyes from the exposed sides, tops, and bottoms of your glasses.

If you’re caring for a sick patient or a potentially exposed person, you may be advised to wear safety goggles for a more secure protection of your eyes.

5. Stock up on eye medicine prescriptions if possible.

You may have heard experts saying that patients should stock up on critical medications, so that they have enough to get by if they are quarantined or in case supplies become limited. If you require essential eye medicine, such as glaucoma drops, and your insurance allows you to get more than 1 month supply, you should do so if you can.

Some insurers will approve a 3-month supply of medication in times of natural disaster. If you have any trouble getting approval from your insurance company, ask your pharmacist or ophthalmologist for help. Be sure to also request a refill as soon as you’re due, don’t wait until the last minute to contact your pharmacy.

No doubt this is an unprecedented time, and we at Baptist Eye Surgeons are fully committed to caring for our patients as we all get through this together. Remember that we are set up to help you via telemedicine appointments, so you don’t even need to come into the office if it’s not necessary.

If you have any questions about telemedicine appointments with your eye doctor, or how best to protect and care for your eyes and your vision, don’t hesitate to give us a call at give us a call at 865-579-3920.

Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN, dedicated to providing quality eye care to patients whose needs range from routine comprehensive eye examinations to serious eye diseases to complex surgeries. To meet our doctors and learn more about our specialities, visit our website, or give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information, or schedule an appointment online.

The Connection Between Diabetes and Eye Health

July 29, 2026
Diabetes affects various parts of the body, including your eyes. Keeping your blood sugar under control is not just good for your health overall, but it also helps protect your eyesight. Over time, high blood sugar can irritate the tiny blood vessels in your eyes and increase your risk of serious eye problems. Knowing how diabetes and eye health are linked can help you identify issues and take measures to protect your sight. How Does Diabetes Affect Eye Health? When blood sugar stays high, it can damage the blood vessels in the retina, which is the part of your eye that senses light and helps you see. Damaged blood vessels might leak fluid, swell, or change how well the retina works. Diabetic eye problems usually develop slowly, so you might not pick up on any changes in your vision until significant damage has occurred. That’s why it’s important for people with diabetes to get regular eye exams, even if their eyesight seems fine. Common Eye Conditions Linked to Diabetes People with diabetes are more likely to have certain eye problems. Finding and treating these issues early can lower the chance of losing vision permanently. 1. Diabetic Retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is a common eye issue that happens when high blood sugar damages the retinal blood vessels. These damaged vessels may leak fluid, which may cause blurry vision, dark spots, or changes in how you see. In advanced cases, abnormal blood vessel growth can lead to serious problems. If diabetic retinopathy worsens, new abnormal blood vessels can grow, causing serious problems, including vision loss. Getting regular eye exams can help catch these changes early, before they become severe. When fluid is retained in the macula (part of the retina which focuses on sharp central vision), this swelling can make it harder to read, recognize faces, or see fine details clearly. When detected early, treatments can help reduce swelling and protect your eyesight. 3. Cataracts People with diabetes have a higher chance of getting cataracts early. Cataracts occur when the lens in your eye becomes cloudy, which can cause blurry vision, increased sensitivity to glare, and difficulty seeing clearly. While cataracts come with age, having diabetes can make them appear sooner or progress quicker. 4. Glaucoma Diabetes can also raise your risk for glaucoma, which is a group of eye diseases that harm the optic nerve. Glaucoma usually starts without any clear symptoms, but if it is not treated, it can cause permanent vision loss. Routine regular eye exams are important for finding glaucoma early and keeping your eyes healthy Diabetes-related eye problems might not cause symptoms at first. Still, there are some warning signs you should look out for: • Blurry or distorted vision • Difficulty focusing • Dark spots, floaters, or shadows in your sight • Increased sensitivity to glare • Trouble seeing colors clearly • Sudden alterations in vision • Partial or complete loss of vision If you notice sudden vision changes, contact an eye doctor as soon as possible. The Value of Regular Eye Exams for People With Diabetes Getting a full eye exam is one of the best ways to protect your vision if you have diabetes. During the examination, your physician will study your retina, look for symptoms of diabetic eye disease, and track any changes over time. Many eye problems linked to diabetes can be treated more easily if they are found early. Regular checkups help your eye doctor give you advice that fits your own eye health and diabetes care. Protecting Your Eyes When You Have Diabetes Looking after your general health is important for keeping your eyes healthy. Here are some things you can do to protect your vision: • Keeping blood sugar levels under control • Managing blood pressure and cholesterol • Scheduling regular diabetic eye exams • Following your diabetes treatment plan • Eating a balanced diet that promotes eye health • Avoiding smoking, which increases the risk of eye complications Prioritizing Your Vision and Eye Health Diabetes and eye health are closely linked, but you can lower your risk of serious vision problems by taking action early. Getting regular eye exams, making healthy choices, and managing your diabetes all help protect your eyesight. If you have diabetes, seeing your eye doctor regularly can help catch changes early and keep your vision clear for the future. Your eyes are a key part of your health, so make caring for them a priority at every age. 

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
Understanding Eye Pressure: What It Means for Glaucoma Risk

Understanding Eye Pressure: What It Means for Glaucoma Risk

June 1, 2026
Understanding eye pressure, or intraocular pressure (IOP), is important for protecting your vision. IOP considerably affects the development and progression...