Posted on

What Is Eyelid Dermatitis?

Eyelid dermatitis is a form of contact dermatitis, a skin condition that occurs when you come into contact with a triggering substance, such as an allergen, dust, or irritating chemical. After contact, the eyelid experiences a reaction, leading to various symptoms.  

Whether you’re trying to determine if you’re experiencing eyelid dermatitis or would simply like to know more about the condition, here’s an overview of what causes eyelid dermatitis, the typical symptoms, and details about treatment.  

What Causes Eyelid Dermatitis  

Generally, eyelid dermatitis comes in two forms. First, there’s irritant contact dermatitis. As the name implies, this occurs after contact with a substance, such as a chemical or dust.  

Second, there’s allergic eyelid dermatitis. This version also occurs when there’s contact with a substance, but the substance is specifically an allergen in this scenario.  

In both cases, symptoms from eyelid dermatitis can develop quickly or slowly. Generally, this varies due to the substance involved, the amount of exposure, and the person’s degree of sensitivity to it.  

Common Symptoms of Eyelid Dermatitis  

Eyelid dermatitis can come with a variety of symptoms. Reddening of the skin is one of the more common ones, along with issues like skin swelling, thickening, or scaling. An itching, burning, or stinging sensation also frequently accompanies eyelid dermatitis. In some cases, pain and blistering can occur.  

Unlike eye irritation caused by an infection, eyelid dermatitis is not contagious. Primarily, that’s because eyelid dermatitis isn’t triggered by bacteria or infection. 

Will Eyelid Dermatitis Go Away Without Treatment  

Mild cases of eyelid dermatitis may clear up on their own, suggesting that no additional exposure to the substance triggered the reaction. However, eyelid dermatitis can lead to other conditions if it’s not treated swiftly. For example, it can increase a person’s chances of developing an eye infection.  

Additionally, the symptoms of eyelid dermatitis can align with the symptoms that occur due to other eye conditions, including infections or other potentially serious medical concerns. As a result, it’s best to consult with your eye care provider if you have symptoms of eyelid dermatitis.  

Treating Eyelid Dermatitis  

For mild cases of eyelid dermatitis, treatment isn’t always necessary. For more severe cases or situations where the discomfort is significant enough to make everyday activities challenging, working with your eye care provider to find a better treatment option is wise. They may precisely topical or oral corticosteroids or allergy treatments, or calcineurin inhibitors, depending on the cause of the reaction.  

It’s also wise to take specific steps if you have symptoms of eyelid dermatitis. Don’t wear makeup even if it isn’t likely to be the cause, as it may irritate the condition. Consider whether the triggering substance is potentially related to a new item in your home – such as lotion, laundry products, or anything else that may have contacted the eye area – and stop using it if it’s a potential irritant. Avoid scratching or touching the eye area, too.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. If you believe you’re experiencing symptoms of eyelid dermatitis or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

Posted on

Ways to Take Better Care of Your Eyes in 2023

Caring for your eyes is an excellent way to help keep them healthy. Specific eye care habits can reduce your odds of developing specific conditions, while others can keep your eyes comfortable during changing environmental conditions. 

Fortunately, creating an effective eye care routine is typically far simpler than most people expect. If you are prioritizing your health this new year, here are a few simple ways to care for your eyes every day. 

Wash Your Hands Regularly (and Avoid Touching Your Eyes) 

Regular hand washing helps remove bacteria, dust, and dirt, reducing the odds of transfer if you contact your eye area. By also avoiding touching and rubbing your eyes, you make it even less likely that any substance or bacteria will infect your eyes. Plus, not rubbing can reduce irritation if anything is in your eye, making injuries less likely, too. 

Adopt Healthy Eating Habits 

Eating a healthy, balanced diet and drinking enough water can improve your eye health. Remaining hydrated can prevent your eyes from getting dry and irritated. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, lycopene, lutein, beta-carotene, and others also help ensures your eyes have what they need to stay healthy. 

Quit Smoking 

Smoking isn’t just harmful to your lungs; it also negatively impacts your eyes. Smokers are more at risk of developing certain conditions, including cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and others. Smoking also leads to optic nerve damage that can reduce your visual acuity over time, even if it doesn’t lead to another condition. By quitting, you reduce your risk significantly, so it’s worth doing. 

Where UV-Blocking Glasses 

Ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your eyes in several ways. Corneas are susceptible to sunburns which, along with being uncomfortable, can potentially lead to vision issues. Exposure to UV rays is also associated with conditions like photokeratitis and age-related macular degeneration. 

By wearing UV-blocking sunglasses or getting UV-blocking coatings on regular glasses lenses, you can filter out harmful UV light. Coupling those with hats or visors can also make the approach more effective. 

Use Screens Correctly 

Digital devices and screens can lead to a variety of eye issues. Improper distances, excessive glare, or extended durations classically lead to problems like eye strain and dry eye. 

When you’re using screens, keep the brightness and angle appropriate. For computer screens, that generally means keeping the monitor about 20 degrees below eye level and the distance close to arm’s length. For any screen, make sure you look away every 20 minutes and focus on a spot that’s about 20 feet away from your position. It’s also wise to take breaks regularly, giving you a chance to move around and rest your eyes before returning. 

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patients’ eyes are our priority. We recommend that everyone get their eyes checked annually by an eye doctor to ensure eye health and early detection of any problems. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today, we’d love to see your family for a checkup. 

Posted on

Why Am I Seeing Halos?

While light is critical for vision, it can also lead to some difficulties. One prime example is halos, rings of light around light sources. At times, halos are simply distracting. In others, they’re a major hindrance. Plus, they can be a sign of certain eye-related medical conditions.  

If you’re wondering why you might be seeing halos and whether you should speak with your eye care provider, here’s what you need to know.  

What Causes Halos in Your Vision?  

In a general sense, halos in your vision occur when light doesn’t move through the eye the correct way. If the light is bent as it enters the eye, it can cause light rings around light sources; a phenomenon commonly referred to as a halo.  

Typically, halos are more noticeable at night. Along with more individual lights being on, the darker background of the night sky or a poorly lit spot makes the halos easier to see. However, they can technically occur at any time, suggesting there is a light source to create them.  

Reasons You Might Be Seeing Halos  

There are several reasons why a person may see halos, and not all of them are cause for concern. A halo is common due to the overall conditions if you see an incredibly bright light against a very dark backdrop.  

Certain refractive errors may also lead to halos. In some cases, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can all create conditions where light passes through the eye in a less than ideal fashion, which may result in halos.  

Similarly, glasses or contact lens wearers may experience halos relating to the lenses. Eyeglasses and contacts alter how light passes into the eye. Additionally, both glasses and contact lenses can get dirty, foggy, scratched, or otherwise damaged. Depending on the issue, that can make halos more likely because light can’t pass through the lenses without encountering an obstacle.  

Halos are known potential side effects of certain vision-related procedures, too. For instance, Lasik can lead to halos. While they usually only last a few weeks, ultimately disappearing when the eye heals, halos can also be a permanent issue in rare cases.  

However, halos can also be symptoms of certain health conditions. Halos are relatively common among those with cataracts. As the cataract clouds the lens of the eye, it alters how light moves through it. The blurriness or haziness that often accompanies cataracts can cause halos as a result.  

In some cases, halos are also a sign of glaucoma. While cataracts are common and generally easy to manage, glaucoma can cause severe, potentially irreversible damage to your vision, including potentially leading to blindness  

Is Seeing Halos Serious?  

Whether halos are serious ultimately depends on the underlying cause and the overall impact to your vision. If the halos make it hard to focus, then night driving or similar tasks could become dangerous, which is a significant hindrance. Additionally, halos can be a symptom of a medical condition, which may require immediate attention.  

Ultimately, any change to your vision should always be treated seriously. Similarly, if any issue is disruptive, it’s better to seek help.  

When to Speak with Your Eye Care Provider About Halos  

While halos aren’t inherently a troubling sign, it’s always best to speak with your eye care provider if you have any vision concerns. This is particularly true of the halos that are new or accompanied by other vision changes.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you are experiencing halos and are worried about the potential cause or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the ECVA team is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

Posted on

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Eyes

Many people have questions about their eyes and vision, particularly regarding visual changes, discomfort, and safety. If you’re one of them, here is a look at some frequently asked questions about eyes.  

Do Wearing Readers Make Your Eyesight Worse?  

Losing some visual acuity comes along with aging, leading many people to turn to reading glasses at some point in their 40s or 50s. However, when their vision declines further, they may wonder if the reading glasses (readers) are to blame.  

In reality, readers don’t harm your vision. Instead, any change in your visual acuity is usually natural, reflecting normal changes that can occur as you age. However, since there can be other causes for vision changes – including some serious medical conditions – it’s best to see your eye care provider to confirm whether you’re experiencing a typical vision decline or if something else is occurring.  

Can I Drive If My Eyes Are Dilated?  

When you get dilation drops, your pupils widen, causing them to take in more light. In most cases, driving home after an eye dilation is fine if you wear sunglasses to reduce the amount of light coming into the eye.  

However, every person is different, and dilating the pupils can cause blurry near vision for several hours. While the distance vision is usually unaffected, if a person’s distance vision is lacking and they’re experiencing near-vision blurriness, they may be better off having someone else drive them.  

Why Does My Vision Fluctuate?  

A significant amount of vision fluctuation can be signal a potential issue. High blood glucose levels may cause short-term changes in the lens, leading to blurriness or distortions. When the glucose levels decline, the person’s vision then clears.  

Since blood glucose fluctuations of this magnitude can be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as diabetes or diabetic retinopathy, it’s best to see a medical professional. That way, they can determine the reason for the vision changes and create a treatment plan if needed.  

Why Do My Eyes Hurt When Working at a Computer?  

Working in front of a computer – or any other kind of screen – causes people to stop blinking as much. Since blinking is critical for keeping eyes moist, you may experience more issues with dry eye if you spend a significant amount of time in front of a computer. Dry eyes can come with a variety of symptoms, including discomfort, itchiness, and fatigue.  

Plus, depending on brightness settings, font sizes, and similar settings, you may end up with eye strain. Insufficient contrast or small fonts may make it hard to read what’s on a screen, causing a person to struggle to focus. An incredibly bright screen might be rough on the eyes, leading to squinting. In either of those cases, pain and fatigue can come with the territory.  

Generally, the best way to combat these issues is to give your eyes a break. The 20/20/20 rule can be a great place to start, ensuring you look away from the screen and at something in the distance for a minimum of 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Using eye drops can also help, ensuring your eyes remain moist, as well as adjusting your screen settings to make it more comfortable to use.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you have any questions about your vision or eye health or haven’t seen your eye care provider in the past year, the team at ECVA is here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today. 

Posted on

AMD Awareness – Age-Related Macular Degeneration

February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month, a time where we share information about this devastating condition. Along with outlining what you need to know about AMD, our goal is to ensure that patients learn about actions to slow the condition and preserve their vision. With that in mind, here’s a look at what AMD is and what you can do about it.  

What Is AMD?  

AMD is a condition that impacts the retina and can cause central vision loss. While a person with AMD can see normally with their peripheral vision, they won’t be able to distinguish fine details when an item is directly in front of them, regardless of the distance.  

There are two main forms of AMD. The dry type involves drusen (a yellow deposit) collecting in the macula. As the drusen increase in size or number, they lead to vision distortions. As the condition progresses, cells in the macula thin, causing worsening vision. In time, those cells die, harming visual acuity even further and potentially leading to blind spots.  

With wet AMD, abnormal blood vessel activity underneath the macula causes visual distortions. Leading vessels introduce fluid into the retina, which can cause straight lines to look wavy. In time, the leaks lead to scarring, resulting in permanent central vision loss.  

Both types have similar symptoms. Along with worsening vision, there can be blurriness or distortions. Dark spots in your central visual field can also occur, and, in some cases, color perception may be altered.  

AMD is a progressive condition in many cases, leading to more severe vision loss over time. In fact, it’s the leading cause of significant, permanent vision loss in individuals over the age of 60.  

Treating AMD  

There isn’t a cure for AMD. However, the right treatments can slow the condition’s progression, keeping as much of your central vision intact as possible. Which approaches are best can depend on the type of AMD involved and the severity of the condition.  

With wet AMD, anti-angiogenesis medications may be used since they can block blood vessel growth and prevent leaking. Laser therapy can also address abnormal blood vessel activity.  

For those with dry AMD, there are fewer options available. Working with a low-vision rehabilitation specialist may help you adapt to any central vision loss, allowing you to live as normally as possible. In severe cases, a telescopic lens implant may be considered.  

Some studies indicate that certain supplements may slow the progression of dry AMD, including copper, vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, and zinc. However, that approach isn’t appropriate for everyone, so you’ll need to consult with a medical professional before beginning a new regimen.  

In either case, seeing your eye doctor is essential. That way, they can monitor your condition and create a treatment plan based on your specific needs.  

At ECVA, the safety and health of our patient’s eyes are our priority. If you have signs or symptoms of AMD, want to explore AMD treatment or management strategies, or simply haven’t seen your eye care provider recently, we are here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

Posted on

Why Are My Eyes So Watery?

At times, water eyes are simply an occasional annoyance. However, since excessive tearing (epiphora) can have various causes, watery eyes may also be a symptom of a medical condition.  

By understanding the various causes of watery eyes, you can find relief and determine if you need to see an eye doctor. Here is a look at why your eyes might be particularly watery.  

You Just Woke Up  

When you wake up in the morning, opening your eyes exposes your pupils to a sudden bout of bright light. That simple act can lead to tearing, with the watery eyes usually subsiding in a few minutes.  

Dry Eyes  

Dry eyes can lead to bouts of excessive tearing. Whether you have chronic dry eye or your eyes dry out due to an activity – like being overly focused on a computer screen – or environmental change – such as going outside on a cold, windy day – more tears are your body’s solution. When your body tries to relubricate your eyes, it can produce more tears than are usually necessary, leading to a short period of wateriness.  

Contact Lenses  

Contact lenses can disrupt eye lubrication and act as a mild eye irritant, both of which can lead to tearing. If the tearing is occasional, it may be no more than an annoyance. If it’s disruptive, you may want to see your eye doctor to determine if your contacts are the wrong material for you, improperly fit, or if you’re simply wearing them too long each day.  

Blocked Punctum  

In some cases, the issue isn’t the amount of tears you produce but your eye’s inability to drain the tears properly. If you have a blocked punctum, the tears can’t leave the eye properly, causing your eyes to be watery.  

Often, blockages caused by minor infections or colds clear on their own in time. However, if the situation isn’t resolving, your eye doctor can examine the issue and remove the blockage.  

Conjunctivitis  

Along with blocking the punctum, an infection can lead to watery eyes. Usually, you’ll have other symptoms as well, such as redness, discomfort, or fever.  

Treating the underlying infection is usually the best way to relieve any symptoms. You’ll want to see your eye doctor to determine which course of treatment is best for your condition.  

Debris  

Small pieces of debris can typically lead to eye tearing. This goes for debris that’s small enough not to be outwardly noticeable, as well as bigger pieces. For example, even a tiny bit of eyeliner or eyeshadow may cause tearing, even if you don’t feel any in your eye.  

Allergies  

When you’re exposed to an allergen, your body release histamine, which can cause an allergic reaction, that allergic reaction may include excessive tearing, causing your eyes to become watery.  

Usually, allergy-related tearing is a straightforward situation. With the right allergy treatment, the issue usually resolves.  

Cornea Issues  

A scratch, sore, or ulcer on your cornea can lead to inflammation, as well as excessive tearing. Usually, the condition is painful and results in light sensitivity. If you experience any of those symptoms, it’s best to see your eye doctor.  

Other Causes  

While the issues above are some of the most common ones, other conditions can lead to watery eyes. Chemical exposure, harmful fumes, eye injuries, facial surgery, nerve conditions, and certain medications are just some of the possibilities.  

At ECVA, we take the safety and health of our patients’ eyes seriously. If you are concerned about watery eyes or excessive tearing, we are here to help. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

Posted on

But My Vision Is Fine – Why Everyone Needs Eye Exams

Many people assume that if they can see clearly, their eyes must be healthy. As a result, they skip regular eye exams or only come in when they think there’s a problem.  

However, while vision changes could undoubtedly indicate a problem, eye diseases don’t always impact your ability to see clearly. If you are wondering why you should get regular eye exams, even when your vision is fine, here’s what you need to know.  

Everyone Needs Eye Exams  

Eye exams are about more than vision correction. They allow your eye doctor to look for signs of disease or particular conditions. This increases the odds that any problems are spotted early, reducing the odds that your vision will be harmed.  

Eye conditions and vision changes can occur at any age. That’s why everyone needs to keep up with their regular eye exams, even if their vision seems fine.  

Eyes Exams Are Thorough But Quick  

In most cases, a comprehensive eye exam takes one to two hours. While that sounds like a long time, that’s a drop in the bucket when you think of how many hours are in a year. Generally, you only need to go once every two years as an adult if you don’t have risk factors for a condition or a family history of eye issues. For adults over 60 and children, an annual exam is best since eye health and vision quality can change rapidly during those times.  

Plus, it ensures that your eye doctor has enough time to test your vision, examine the health of your retina, check for signs of glaucoma, assess your peripheral vision, and much more. Plus, if you need corrective lenses, part of that time will determine your prescription, fitting contact lenses, and similar activities.  

Eye Diseases Can Start Symptomless  

During the early stages of many eye diseases, there are no obvious symptoms. For example, the condition may not initially cause vision or physical changes that a person would notice.  

However, during an eye exam, those early signs can be detectable. Your eye doctor may notice an issue before it causes any harm, allowing them to start treatment and potentially save your vision.  

Your Eye Doctor Is an Important Part of Your Healthcare Team 

By going to your regular eye appointments and using the same eye doctor or clinic, your eye doctor becomes an integral part of your healthcare team. They will get to know you, allowing them to monitor potential signs of trouble or changes that are unique to you. As a result, they may spot problems faster, allowing them to intervene at the earliest possible moment.  

If you haven’t had a regular eye exam within the last one to two years, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. That way, they can check the quality of your vision and your eyes’ health, ensuring you are in the best shape possible.  

Schedule Your Routine Eye Exam in Buffalo 

At ECVA, our staff works tirelessly to care for patients’ eye health and visual acuity, allowing them to identify changes early and intervene as quickly as possible. Schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

  • Family looking at eyeglasses
Posted on

When Are Eye Floaters Serious?

Eye floaters – those little spots, lines, or shapes that flow across your vision – aren’t usually a big deal. There’s a decent chance everyone will notice some on occasion and, while they can be incredibly annoying, they typically don’t signal a major problem.  

However, there are times when eye floaters are a symptom of a serious condition, including some that could lead to substantial, permanent vision loss or other health complications. Figuring out whether you should be concerned isn’t always easy. If you’re trying to determine whether you need to see your eye doctor about floaters, here’s what you need to know.  

What Can Cause Floaters?  

There are a few potential causes of vision issues that a person may describe as floaters. Sometimes, debris drifting across the surface of the eye can have the appearance of a floater. This can occur directly on the eye as well as on contact lenses for those who wear them.  

However, most commonly, floaters occur when the vitreous of the eye shrinks. The gel-like substance makes up about 80 percent of your eye, giving it a rounded shape. As a person ages, the vitreous shrinks and changes texture. As it becomes stringy, the strands might start to cast shadows that hit your retina, creating a floater’s appearance.  

Over time, those floaters usually “settle,” causing them to no longer impede your vision. However, there can be other causes of floaters, including some that are potentially serious.  

Serious Conditions That Cause Eye Floaters  

Several eye conditions can lead to floaters aside from normal aging. First, infections and inflammation (uveitis) can both cause floaters. For example, pink eye (conjunctivitis) can lead to floaters. While it may seem like a common bacterial or viral infection, that doesn’t mean it can’t be serious. Without proper treatment, infections and inflammation can be harmful to your eyes, causing lasting damage.  

Hemorrhaging (bleeding) in the eye may also lead to the appearance of floaters. While many eye bleeds are caused by small broken blood vessels, which can be harmless, it can also be very serious. For instance, hyphema, a form of bleeding in the eye, requires prompt treatment to ensure that pressure doesn’t build to dangerous levels.  

At times, floaters may be a sign of retinal detachment. If the number of floaters increases quickly, that could indicate a retinal detachment in progress. If that occurs, or you see any of the other retinal detachment symptoms, you need to contact an eye doctor immediately. Left untreated, retinal detachments can cause significant permanent damage. With timely treatment, the damage may be reversible or, at least, minimized.   

Ultimately, floaters can be the sign of something dangerous, which is why it’s wise to speak with your eye doctor if you notice an increase in floaters or have any other concerning symptoms. Our experienced ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians work diligently to keep our patients’ eyes healthy, including identifying causes of floaters and treating when necessary. 

Have you had your eyes examined lately? 

 If you would like to make sure your eyes are as healthy as possible, schedule an appointment at your closest ECVA clinic today.  

Posted on

How Blue Light Affects Our Eyes

Most people have heard that they should reduce their exposure to blue light. But it’s common to have questions, including why blue light could be harmful and how it affects the eye. If you’d like to find out more about blue light, here’s a look at what it is and how it could impact your eyes.  

The Light Spectrum  

Sunlight is a natural light source that appears white. However, it’s made up of a full-color spectrum, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet light. That’s what allows rainbows to happen. Water droplets in the air separate the colors visually, creating the rainbow look.  

Different colors of light have different wavelengths. Red rays have a longer wavelength, causing them to have less energy. In comparison, blue rays’ wavelengths are shorter and have more energy.  

Where Blue Light Comes From  

Blue light is produced by a range of sources. The sun is a natural source of blue light, for one. However, there are also numerous sources of artificial blue light, including:  

  • Smartphones  
  • Tablets  
  • Computer screens  
  • Televisions  
  • LED lightbulbs  
  • CFL lightbulbs  
  • Fluorescent lightbulbs  

Blue light isn’t inherently bad. In fact, it can provide some benefits, including boosting alertness and supporting the body’s natural wake cycle.  

While the sun is technically the largest source of blue light, there are concerns regarding artificial blue light exposure. Mainly, this is because people tend to be close to the sources and spend a substantial amount of time focused on them.  

How Blue Light Affects Our Eyes  

When blue light reaches your eyes, nearly all of it passes through the cornea and lens, allowing it to reach the retina. Practically none of it is blocked or reflected, causing it to be absorbed mostly. While our eyes are designed to deal with blue light, artificial sources mean we are taking in far more than we would from natural sources alone. And prolonged exposure could have negative impacts.  

One of the most common effects is digital eye strain. When you look at a screen, you tend to blink less, causing your eyes to fatigue and get dry. Additionally, exposure to artificial blue light may harm circadian rhythms, especially when it occurs late at night.  

Some studies suggest that blue light may actually harm the retina. It could be triggering chemical reactions in the eye that have a toxic effect on retina cells. When that occurs, visual acuity could be damaged over time. There may also be an increased risk of certain conditions, including age-related macular degeneration.  

Protecting Your Eyes from Blue Light  

While getting some exposure to blue light is a good thing, it’s wise to take precautions against prolonged exposure, especially from artificial sources. Begin by limiting your screen time when possible, and take breaks when you use devices to rest your eyes.  

Additionally, consider purchasing screen filters. These can decrease your exposure to blue light by stopping some of the blue light from passing through. Yellow-tinted computer glasses and anti-reflective lens coatings may also help block blue light.  

If you would like to learn more about the effects of blue light and what you can do to keep your eyes healthy, your eye doctor can help. Schedule an appointment at your nearest ECVA clinic today. Our skilled team will listen to your concerns and provide you with guidance, empowering you to make sure your eyes remain as comfortable and healthy.  

woman getting an eye exam
Posted on

Your Safety is Our Priority

Starting on Monday, May 18, 2020, all ECVA locations will be re-opening. Our goal is to provide high-quality eye care services to each and every one of our patients during these unprecedented times.

Your safety is our priority. As a result, we will be taking extra precautions to ensure your health as well as the health of our staff. We are adhering to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations to preserve the well-being of everyone who comes into our clinics. Here is an overview of any changes you may experience when coming in for an eye care appointment.

Socially Distanced Waiting Areas

Each of the waiting rooms in our clinics has been reconfigured. The adjustments support social distancing standards, ensuring patients can remain appropriately separated during their visits.

Protective Shielding

Reducing the spread of germs is essential. Each ECVA clinic now has protective shielding installed in the reception areas, a step that can mitigate the spread of diseases.

Surgical Mask Requirements

When coming in for an office visit, all patients will have to wear surgical masks. This step can help reduce the spread of germs, keeping both patients and staff members safer.

PPE Use by Staff

When appropriate, staff members may choose to wear additional personal protective equipment (PPE). Along with surgical masks, this can include medical gloves, protective face shields, and protective eyewear.

Handwashing Practices

Handwashing can be an effective approach for combating the spread of germs. Our clinics now have new standards in place that promote more frequent handwashing, a step that enhances safety for patients and staff members alike.

Disinfecting

While disinfecting surfaces has always been a priority at ECVA, those efforts are currently enhanced. Along with all equipment used on patients, seating areas and work surfaces are be disinfected regularly throughout the day.

Visitor Limits

As a means of keeping patients and staff members protected, we are requesting that friends or family members who arrive at an appointment with a patient remain in their vehicles. If that is not possible, we ask that only those with an appointment head into the exam room to meet with their doctor.

Rescheduling

If you or a household member are experiencing symptoms that may be associated with COVID-19, or you have been recently exposed to anyone with symptoms, we ask that you reschedule your office appointment. The potential symptoms include:

  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fever

We would also like to reiterate that the situation is fluid, and new precautions may be implemented should the need arise. If you have questions regarding the new processes or about your upcoming appointment, or have an emergency eye care need, please contact the ECVA main office at (716) 631-8888. Our team will be happy to speak with you.

We also thank our patients for their patience during these unique times. We look forward to seeing you again starting on May 18.