Do’s:
While at your eye doctor’s office-
- Do ask your eye care professional if there has been a recent outbreak of viral conjucntivitis or epidemic keratoconjuctivitis
- Do request your doctor and staff always wear gloves when directly touching your face or eyes (for your protection as well as theirs)
- Do politely insist on a witnessed wipe down of the slit lamp and all examining equipment with a proper antiviral disinfectant with hypochlorite (bleach) solution before you sit down (Sani or Cavi-wipes)
- Do tell your doctor if you or your family recently have had EKC
- Do require only disposable single eye drops
- Do glaucoma checks only with disposable, single-use patient tips
- Do opt to use your hand to cover your eye instead of Doctor’s occluder for the vision test
- Do defer and reschedule your eye appointment if your Doctor do not have the proper equipment
- Do inquire in advance of your appointment if the office has been treating patients with severe viral conjunctivitis /EKC and cancel your appointment if their answer is yes
- Do verify if your doctor uses a separate and dedicated exam room for infected eye patients called a “pink room”
- Do notify your eye doctor’s office, and immediately report the incident to the local health department if you suddenly develop EKC about 3-14 days following any eye doctor appointment
While at home-
- Do carry your own antiviral sanitizing wipes with you
- Do wash your hands thoroughly after opening doors and touching public surfaces
- Do keep items that come into contact with your eyes, like glasses or makeup, clean
- Do avoid contact with anyone who has EKC
- Do report to your local and state public health authorities if there has been a recent EKC outbreak at an eye healthcare practice
- Do remember that alcohol wipes do not kill off most viruses like EKC and that a proper disinfectant cleaning must use a hypochlorite solution (Clorox bleach like solution)