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A MESSAGE FROM OUR TEAM DURING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK

Our world is changing minute by minute and we are all being faced with an unprecedented sequence of events at this time. Like you, our priority is the health and safety of our families, team, and community. The PHOCCUS Foundation believes in being part of the solution and started practicing social distancing and other preventative measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.


We are following all proper safety precautions and have put into place, the proper procedures to keep our staff and patients safe. The proper PPE will be worn at all times when fitting or dispensing eyewear.



Ways to Stay Safe

  • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when in public settings or around others.
  • Maintain at least six feet distance between you and people coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your face.


  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  • Stay home if you feel unwell.
  • Refrain from smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs.
  • Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people.

COMMON EYECARE CONCERNS IN KIDS CAUSED BY THE COVID PANDEMIC​

Distance Learning and Nearsightedness (Myopia)


Eye doctors in some states have suggested a possible uptick in new cases of nearsightedness, or myopia. What’s more, some children who were already nearsighted now seem to experience worsening vision at a faster-than-expected rate. China also reported a possible rise in myopia cases after COVID-19.

Children who spend long hours engaged in close-up work such as reading or writing may be more prone to myopia, some studies suggest. By keeping children indoors, the pandemic also limited one factor thought to lower the risk of myopia: time outside.

Symptoms of myopia include squinting, rubbing eyes frequently and complaining of blurry vision. It’s important to watch for the signs because kids often adapt to vision changes and may not complain.

Preventing or keeping myopia from progressing is important because the condition can lead to more serious eye problems later in life, such as cataracts and glaucoma. Their performance in school can also start to decline.

Screen Time Increased Eye Strain, Dry Eye and Headaches


Dry eye and headaches are common side effects of staring at phones, laptops and tablets for long periods of time. When children and adults use digital devices, we tend to slow down our blinking, preventing moisture from lubricating the surface of our eyes.

Symptoms of strain include eyes that feel tired, achy or dry.

Dry eye can show up as frequent blinking, irritation in and around the eyes, blurry vision, or even tearing excessively. Headaches caused by eye strain tend to be felt in front of the head or around the eyes, and most often come on toward the end of the day. A few changes to your daily routine may help alleviate dry, achy eyes.

Many Children Stopped Wearing Eyeglasses During COVID-19


A number of children stopped wearing their eyeglasses for near or distance vision during the pandemic.

Some broke their glasses and didn't replace them. Other families tried to order replacement lenses online but weren't able to find the correct power. Sometimes, glasses ordered online just didn't fit well.

Early childhood is the most critical time for a child's vision development. Blurry vision can prevent the visual system from developing properly, leading to permanent problems later in life. That’s why it’s essential that children get back on track with their glasses.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT:


CDC

https://www.cdc.gov/


AAO (AMERICAN ACADEMY OF OPTHALMOLOGY)

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/covid19-pandemic-myopia-children-eyes


OAA (Opticians Association of America)

https://oaa.org/covid-19-response



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