Cataract Surgery in a COVID-19 Environment
Question:
Can I get cataract surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Answer:
There are several layers to the answer for this question. At the recommendation of medical experts, all non-emergency clinic visits and surgeries (including most cataract surgeries) had previously been postponed in order to preserve face masks and other protective gear for medical personnel treating COVID-19 patients. There is some variability in when elective surgery, and therefore cataract surgery, can be performed again according to recommendations from local health officials across the state. In the counties we serve, we are currently able to resume elective surgeries with certain restrictions in place regarding patient selection.
Once the restriction is lifted in the area where your cataract surgeon operates, eye exams and surgery for cataracts will be able to be performed safely again. There are no known new risks for cataract surgery due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Our practice, along with many others, is putting standards in place in clinic to ensure that testing for cataract surgery is safe and doesn't expose you to other patients who may be ill. Our surgery centers are doing the same. If you choose to schedule cataract surgery, you can know that everyone involved with your surgery has taken additional precautions to keep you healthy on the road to restoring vision.
Dr. Luke Potts
