How Safe Is Lasik Surgery In Covid-19?

IntroductionrnMany hospital systems and medical practices have been affected during the COVID 19 pandemic due to several changes in protocols. The ophthalmology procedures are also affected in this pandemic. LASIK eye surgery is a selective procedure which means it is not a medical emergency. It has been the world’s most popular surgery that corrects farsightedness, nearsightedness and astigmatism. How Covid-19 Affects The Eyes?rnMany organs in the body, including the respiratory tract, are lined by mucous membrane. The membrane is susceptible to the coronavirus. It also lines the surface of the eye and eyelids and is known as the conjunctiva. The virus transmission through conjunctiva is a rare condition and cause conjunctivitis. In this condition, your eye appears pink & the inner membrane (conjunctiva) gets inflamed. The typical symptoms associated with the coronavirus are fatigue, fever and a dry cough and the primary mode of transmission still is infected droplets. The evidence of infection transmission through the eyes is not well studied but, it may be possible that the coronavirus may spread through the eyes. Is There Any Risk In Undergoing Lasik Surgery In Covid-19?rnMany people are enquiring if the LASIK surgery is safe during COVID 19 pandemic. Due to the increased risk of spreading infection through a contact lens, many people opt for LASIK surgery for vision correction. LASIK surgery helps in getting rid of contact lenses and foggy glasses, especially in health care professionals who have a high risk of acquiring a virus. The procedure is safe when it has done with taking proper precautions. How To Prepare For Lasik Surgery In Covid-19?rnIt is necessary to prepare yourself before deciding to treat your eyes with LASIK surgery. Consider the following measures to prepare for the surgery. You should find a skilled and experienced surgeon who performs the surgery with the highest level of safety and care.rnThe doctor may conduct a COVID-19 test before surgery.rnIf you are eligible, you should get vaccinated for COVID-19.rnBefore entering the centre, it is necessary to check the body temperature and other symptoms such as cough. The surgery should cancel if a patient is diagnosed with any of the symptoms.rnThe patients should maintain social distancing and hand hygiene. They should wear the mask and washed clothes.rnThe patients should have no stress and should not come with an empty stomach before surgery.rnThe patient should bring the prescription and prescribed medicines.rnHow To Take Care After The Lasik Surgery?rnGenerally, LASIK surgery has a quick recovery time. However, there are certain precautions one should take to avoid complication and ensure healing. The following postoperative care is required to obtain better results. Sleeping for few hours immediately after the surgery will prevent discomfort and accelerate recovery.rnUse eye drops such as antibiotic eye drop to prevent eye infection, steroid eye drops to decrease inflammation, and artificial eye drops to avoid irritation.rnIt is advised to avoid rubbing your eyes for at least two weeks after the surgery to prevent any severe complication. It also reduces the risk of COVID-19 transmission if you have accidentally touched the surface contaminated with coronavirus.rnYou should wear protective plastic shields to avoid accidental rubbing while sleeping for at least three to four nights after the surgery. Wear sunglasses or dark glasses to protect your eyes from bright light and speeds up corneal healing.rnInstead of taking showers, you should take a bath to protect your eyes from water, shampoo and soap that can cause infection.rnYou should avoid driving for at least two days after the surgery. However, restrictions on driving depend on the healing process of your eyes. While driving, do not forget to wear a mask.rnOne should restrict applying any creams, lotion or other cosmetics around the eyes for at least two weeks after the surgery. It is necessary to prevent contamination through make-up products.rnWhat The Evidence Concludes About Lasik Surgery In Covid-19?rnLASIK comes under elective therapy as it does not treat any life-threatening disease. Further, like other surgeries, the risk of COVID-19 spread is high due to the proximity of the patients and the surgeons. In a study done in Dubai, it was found that the procedure is safe if the surgeons follow all the protocols of COVID-19 and have access to personal protective equipment. ConclusionrnLASIK surgery not only improves your vision also provides you with additional benefits. However, proper precautions should be taken before opting for LASIK surgery. Follow all the instructions provided by your doctor. Wear masks all the time in the hospital until the doctor or nurses ask you to remove them just before the surgery.