AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- When service members and coalition partners suffer from an injury or infection in their eyes or notice a change in their vision, their ability to do their job to support the mission is affected. The 379th Expeditionary Medical Operations Squadron’s optometry clinic works to keep their patients’ vision clear and focused on the fight.
Maintaining eye health and protecting one’s vision in the sunny, dusty desert environment here requires a few specific precautions, such as wearing polarized sunglasses and ensuring the proper wear of contact lenses to avoid infection.
“We have seen a lot of contact lens abuse cases in the past few weeks, like wearing them too long or sleeping in them in this environment,” said Staff Sgt. Andrew P. Heath, an ophthalmic technician at the 379th Expeditionary Medical Operations Squadron.
To prevent vision issues from inappropriate or unauthorized wear of contact lenses, Air Force members deployed here need a waiver from the optometry clinic to wear contacts.
According to Heath, the clinic here can also update a patient’s vision prescription, test for glaucoma, and order and repair government-issued glasses.
With the month of August designated as Preventive Health Month by the Air Force Medical Service, the deployed preventative health series examines the health and vitality of the nation’s warfighters.
In addition to Preventive Health Month, the Center for Disease Control designated August 22-26 as Contact Lens Health Week as well.
For more information about eye health and obtaining a contact lens waiver, contact the optometry clinic at 455-5244.