Just months ago, no one could have predicted the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on society. Entire countries are on lockdown to limit the spread of the virus, which means people are turning to virtual solutions for everyday tasks. The widespread introduction of telehealth is allowing medical professionals and patients to stay healthy while discussing important treatment options or medical concerns.
So, what is telehealth, and why should you schedule a telehealth visit, or virtual consultation, with a member of the staff at Nevada Eye Physicians? Due to recent guidelines regarding COVID-19, Nevada Eye Physicians has launched video conferencing capabilities for non-emergency issues. These virtual consultations allow patients to meet with a skilled physician from the convenience of their desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone.
At Nevada Eye Physicians, the health and safety of our patients have always been our first priority. Our clinics in Las Vegas, Pahrump, Henderson, Boulder City, and Mesquite, NV are proud to now offer virtual consultations to treat patients in the convenience of their own homes who need assistance or have concerns about their eyes.
What is telehealth?
In the past, telehealth was used by patients who weren’t able to travel long distances to see their doctor. The current coronavirus crisis makes virtual solutions indispensable to prevent the spread of COVID-19 across communities. Nevada Eye Physicians believes this can help us use medical resources more efficiently while also flattening the curve. During a telehealth appointment, our physicians can evaluate, diagnose, and treat individuals if they have concerns about their eye health.
Telehealth is a way for physicians to still deliver quality care without being in the same location as their patients. These services can be used for consultations, follow-up visits, and managing medications. Although some practices use different applications or tools to conduct meetings, nearly all of them include video conferencing technology. Keep in mind that telehealth is not appropriate for emergency situations, so please reach out to a member of our team if you think you need more immediate assistance.
Coronavirus and eye health
So, why schedule a telehealth visit? With the growing concerns of COVID-19, eye health is now more important than ever. Certain eye conditions can lead to impaired vision or other unpleasant outcomes, so patients should get an assessment as soon as they experience any concerning symptoms. Nevada Eye Physicians is proud to use state-of-the-art technology to diagnose and create custom treatment plans for patients.
Even though the symptoms most often associated with COVID-19 include fever, coughing, and breathing problems, it also can cause an eye infection called conjunctivitis, or more commonly known as pink eye. This happens as a result of the virus reaching and infecting the conjunctiva, the tissue that covers the white part of the eye. If you have red, swollen, or itchy eyes, we encourage you to schedule a virtual consultation right away.
Keep in mind that if you have pink eye, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you have coronavirus. Conjunctivitis is also caused by irritants such as pollen and chlorine in swimming pools. Most forms of pink eye will go away with over-the-counter treatments in roughly 1 – 2 weeks.
Coronavirus eye safety
During a virtual consultation with Nevada Eye Physicians, we can discuss the topic of coronavirus eye safety. Because our eyes play such an essential role in our lives, it’s critical to do everything we can to prevent the spread of infection and keep ourselves healthy. To cut your risk of contracting COVID-19, avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands. This is because the coronavirus is primarily spread through droplets generated from a cough or sneeze. You can also get infected by touching a contaminated surface before touching your eyes. This is why physicians highly recommend washing your hands thoroughly before touching or rubbing your eyes.
Learn more about coronavirus and eye care
The technology behind virtual consultations is now allowing patients to safely and proactively address conditions before they spread to the general public. Nevada Eye Physicians also stays up-to-date on the latest recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). We hope to do everything in our power to provide patients with advanced care thanks to the addition of telehealth to our roster of services. If you live in Las Vegas, Pahrump, Henderson, Boulder City, or Mesquite, NV, we are happy to assist you via a scheduled virtual consultation with one of our professional physicians.
