We’re a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, and things are finally, albeit slowly, starting to look up. The light at the end of the tunnel is growing a little brighter!
With two effective vaccines on the market, and millions of dosages having been administered, more health practices have re-opened their doors and resumed surgical procedures. This includes ADV Vision Centers!
For months we were told to stay safe and stay home and to reschedule elective surgeries for a later time. This included cataract surgery, which is considered elective, despite the condition having such a huge impact on day-to-day life.
If you’re ready to restore your vision, now is the time! Here’s what you need to know about cataract surgery and the covid vaccine.
Is Surgery Safe During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
One of the biggest concerns that people have about getting surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic is whether or not they will be safe. The answer is yes. Just as we have in the past, we take the necessary precautions to ensure the complete safety of our patients and doctors.
We continue to wear the recommended personal protective equipment (PPE) during all procedures. This includes items such as:
- Masks
- Protective shields
- Gowns
Patients must also wear the necessary PPE to protect themselves. Our cleaning and sanitization processes continue to be robust and effective. You can have peace of mind knowing you’re undergoing cataract surgery in a safe, clean environment.
Should You Wait to Get Surgery Until You Get the Vaccine?
You may have heard some guidance that it’s best to wait to get any kind of surgery until after getting the COVID-19 vaccination. This is because medical professionals don’t want to confuse signs and symptoms that could be caused by surgery or related to adverse effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, there is no interaction or correlation between the COVID-19 vaccine and cataract surgery. This means that you can safely undergo the procedure whether you’ve been vaccinated or not.
According to Dr. Risa Hoshino, NYU & Mt Sinai Pediatrician & Public Health Advocate, who works with 28 schools in New York City, “Upcoming/recent surgical procedures/anesthesia is NOT a contradiction to the COVID-19 vaccine as per CDC. As part of your visit to your doctor/surgeon, you may let them know your vaccination date as part of their history-taking so they are informed. Please talk to your care team if you have further questions.”
How Long Should You Wait to Have Cataract Surgery After Getting Vaccinated?
There is no need to wait to have cataract surgery after getting vaccinated. Currently, both COVID-19 vaccines require two stages. The initial shot starts to build protection in the body. The second shot, which is administered a few weeks later, is needed in order to get the most protection possible.
Both of the vaccines on the market are mRNA vaccines. These contain material from the COVID-19 virus that provide instructions for the cells on how to make a protein that’s unique to the virus. Once cells make copies of this protein, they destroy genetic material from the vaccine.
The body then recognizes that the protein shouldn’t be in the body and generates T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes that remember how to fight the virus in the event that you are infected with COVID-19 in the future.
Can You Have Surgery a Day Prior or After Getting Vaccinated?
Yes! There is no waiting period between cataract surgery and the COVID-19 vaccine. Because there is no interaction between the two, it’s safe to do both within a relatively short time period.
Make an Appointment Today!
Don’t let cataracts impact your vision any longer. We offer traditional and laser-assisted cataract surgery. After surgery, you’ll no longer experience blurry or foggy vision, and you’ll be able to see in dim or low light!
Call our team at (805) 987-5300 or text (818) 874-3048 to schedule an appointment!