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COVID - 19

In response to recent COVID-19 concerns, we are writing to assure our patients that we are taking recommended precautions. We have enacted strict sanitizing protocols to protect you, our patients. We are asking that if you or anyone in your family are exhibiting any signs of illness that you reschedule your appointment. We are limiting the number of patients in the office and are are requesting that you do not bring additional people with you to your appointment. We are requesting appointments for all product dispenses as well as eyewear adjustments to better maintain the amount of patients in our office at any given time. We would like to thank you all for adhering to these changes while we all navigate these times of uncertainty. We are here for you our patients, our community.

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BerryFarmsEyeCare

Dr. Jana Crim

(615) 905-8190

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  • Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments of an Eye Cold

Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments of an Eye Cold

  • Created in Newsletters

Man suffering from an eye cold

Do You Have an Eye Cold?

Colds and other viral infections don't just cause sneezing and coughing but they may also affect your eyes. If your eyes are red, uncomfortable, and won't stop watering, an eye cold may be to blame.

What is an Eye Cold?

An eye cold occurs when you have viral conjunctivitis, commonly called "pink eye." Viruses affect mucous membranes in your body, including those in the eyes, lungs, and nose.

Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can be spread by person-to-person contact or by touching an object contaminated by the virus. If someone coughs near you or shakes your hand after wiping their eyes, you may catch an eye cold. If you already have a cold, it may spread to your eyes if you cough or sneeze into your hand then rub your eyes.

Although viral conjunctivitis isn't a serious eye infection, you might need to stay home from school or work to prevent the virus from infecting other people.

What Are the Symptoms of Viral Conjunctivitis?

If you have viral conjunctivitis, you may develop one or more of these signs and symptoms:

  • The Whites of Your Eyes Look Pink or Red
  • Watery Eyes
  • Discharge
  • Itching and Burning
  • Blurry Vision
  • Sensitivity to Light
  • Eyelid Swelling
  • A Feeling That Something Is Stuck in Your Eye

These symptoms may also occur if you have allergic or bacterial conjunctivitis. If you've haven't been sick but have allergies, your eye discomfort may be related to your allergies.

Bacterial conjunctivitis can occur if your eye comes in contact with bacteria. You can develop this form of conjunctivitis if you don't wash your hands before touching your eyes, fail to clean your contact lenses properly, or use contaminated makeup or personal care products.

How Can I Treat an Eye Cold at Home?

Viruses usually go away on their own within a week or two. While you wait to get better, these steps can help improve your comfort:

  • Create a Soothing Compress. Wet a washcloth with warm water, wring it out, and place it over your eyes. Warm washcloths can be particularly helpful if discharge glues your eyes together when you wake up in the mornings. After the compress remains on your eyes for 10 to 15 minutes, you should be able to gently pry your eyelashes apart.
  • Use Artificial Tears. Artificial tears lubricate your eyes and relieve burning, itching, and grittiness.
  • Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers. The medication may help reduce pain, inflammation, and fever.
  • Get Plenty of Rest. Rest is an important aspect of your recovery. Even if you don't feel ill, it's a good idea to devote more time to rest.

Washing your hands frequently, particularly if you've accidentally touched your eyes, will help prevent the virus from infecting other people in your home. Wash towels, washcloths, and pillowcases in hot water every day. If only one eye is infected, use a separate washcloth and towel to prevent the virus from infecting your other eye.

It's also important to throw away eye makeup, contact lens solutions, and contact lenses (unless you wear daily contact lenses). If you continue to use the products, you may reinfect yourself.

When Should I Visit the Optometrist?

Call your eye doctor if you have trouble seeing, your symptoms aren't improving after a week, you have a green or yellow discharge, or you have severe pain when you look at bright lights.

Your optometrist can determine if your symptoms are caused by viral conjunctivitis or another type of conjunctivitis. Although antibiotic eye drops won't help viral conjunctivitis, they may be prescribed if you have bacterial conjunctivitis. Drops that relieve allergy symptoms may be recommended if your symptoms are actually caused by allergies instead of a virus.

Are you experiencing any of the symptoms of conjunctivitis? Contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Quick Home Remedies for Pink Eye, 3/27/19

American Optometric Association: Conjunctivitis

WebMD: Conjunctivitis

  • Eyeglasses
  • Basic Visual Skills
  • All About Eyes
  • Protecting Your Eyes
  • Visual Rehabilitation
  • Pediatric Vision Issues
  • Glasses
  • Contact Lenses
  • Common Eye Conditions
    • Vision Impairment
    • Eye Lids
    • Age-Related
    • Injury & Irritation
    • Changes in Appearance
    • Cognitive and Acquired
  • Vision Problems
  • Eye Symptoms
  • Eye Diseases
  • A Child's Vision
  • What is Vision Therapy
  • Vision Therapy Programs
  • We Can Help With
    • Cataracts
    • Corneal Disorders
      • Disorders
    • Glaucoma
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  • Newsletters
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    • Conditions That Affect Vision
    • Kid's Vision
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  • ""Who knew in this day and age that you could actually find a Doctor (the entire practice) that actually makes the patient their primary focus. After much frustration with my current provider I stumbled across Dr. Crim and boy did I get lucky. The staff's attention to detail, quality of service, and genuineness shines through. If you are looking for top notch care and great service look no further than Berry Farms EyeCare...trust me!!""
    Craig E.
  • ""Dr. Jana and staff are awesome! They make me feel at home each time I visit. They are an asset to Berry Farms and the surrounding area. We will use them as long as they'll let us!""
    Cody W.
  • ""Stop in and visit Dr. Jana Crim @ her brand new location if you are in the market for eyewear or contacts lenses! I just went there and I am very pleased with my new glasses. Great staff, selection and fast service! Go and 'see' for yourself.""
    David D.
  • ""My college senior walked on over to Dr. Jana during spring break and they fixed him all up with a new prescription and contacts! And Mikki was awesome helping get him in when he was home during break. I don't think he will ever go to the beach again for break when he can get his eyes examined at BF Eyecare instead!!""
    Matt B.
  • ""LOVED my experience here. Honestly, the best eye exam I've ever had. The staff was so kind, the exam was very thorough. Dr. Crim took her time with me and explained all kinds of things about my eye health that I hadn't heard before. I can't recommend Berry Farms EyeCare enough!
    The also give free infant eye exams (up to 1 year old)!""
    Hanna S.
  • ""I want to give a shout out to Berry Farms Eyecare if anybody is in need of a new eye doctor in the Franklin area they are amazing. We had to make an emergency trip there we called on the way there doctor was not in. They called her and she drove in just to see us and she took great care of us and they were all amazing. They have a beautiful office as well.""
    Stacy H.
  • ""Love! Love! Love! Dr. Jana and Mikki not only helped me but they did a fabulous job giving my 6 month old his first eye exam. I've been in glasses for over 20 years and this was the best experience with an eye doctor I've ever had! The office is beautiful and you can tell they really care about their patients!""
    Kayla C.
  • ""I absolutely love my new glasses! And am so happy to be able to walk to my neighborhood eye doctor. Dr. Jana and her team are fabulous and got me seeing clearly!""
    Deb M.
  • ""Love Berry Farms EyeCare!! Just Fabulous!!""
    Jennifer J.
  • ""Dr. Jana & her staff are courteous and very helpful. I had a terrific experience from start to finish; leaving with an order for 3 pairs of glasses as well. I was most impressed with what other had to say about their experience there and Dr. Jana's caring personality. The facility is beautiful inside as well. A+ across the board!""
    Stuart P.
  • ""Berry Farms EyeCare was absolutely wonderful! I was able to get in quickly. They were so friendly and helpful. I will definitely be a returning patient and will recommend them to others""
    Danielle S.
  • ""Great service, great selection, awesome staff, beautiful office space- what more can you ask for?!?!""
    Betsy T.
  • ""My family had a fantastic experience at Berry Farms eye care!! The office is gorgeous and the staff was wonderful!""
    April B.
  • ""This place is amazing! I had an eye issue this morning and Dr. Crim saw me before they even opened for the day. The medicine I needed for my eye was sold out at Publix and she took the time to call many pharmacies for me. Talk about customer service! The space is beautiful and staff is friendly. I'm so excited they have joined the berry farms community and excited to not have to battle the cool springs traffic.""
    Rachel L.
  • ""Dr Crim and her staff are fabulous! Very friendly, no wait time, I received a thorough exam, and my contacts were quickly delivered to my home. The new office is gorgeous and very welcoming. Highly recommend Berry Farms EyeCare.""
    Ashley F.
  • ""I'm a new patient at Dr. Crim's office and I have to say that this was the most pleasant appointment I've ever had. The practice was clean and well put together as well as the service. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Crim ( and staff ). Well done!""
    William F.
  • "Have been suffering from eye strain headaches. Just happened to read about Dr. Crim in an article. To say I am pleased I did is an understatement. From scheduling to the appt & f/up to get my glasses, everything especially the Dr was unbeatable. It's nice when you can tell someone cares & really wants to help. I am very pleased with my new glasses. If you haven't explored the businesses at Berry Farms, give this one a try. You won't regret it. (Review shortened due to space allotment)"
    Nicki R.
  • ""Had the most amazing experience yesterday! Took all 3 kids - in and out in less than an hour. Wonderful customer service! Would highly recommend!""
    J. Cleaver
  • ""Super personalable, they were able to work me to an appointment quick. Would totally recommend to anyone needing eyecare. They listened to me and they answered all my questions.""
    Olivia C.
  • ""Dr Crim took her time with my eye exam and explained everything she did. It was the best eye exam I had ! Dr. Crim staff was awesome too .""
    Pat M.

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