Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune Diseases Affect Vision

Many autoimmune diseases can interfere with the health and function of the eyes.

An autoimmune disease is a disorder that causes the immune system to attack healthy cells. If you or someone you love has an autoimmune disease, it’s important to be aware of these possible effects, so let’s take a closer look at a few of the more common ones.

Multiple Sclerosis


MS is so closely linked with vision problems that eye doctors are often the first to recognize the disease’s signs. In many cases, a gradual or sudden loss of vision due to inflammation of the optic nerve (called optic neuritis) is one of the first symptoms to appear.

Psoriasis

When we think of psoriasis, we tend to think of how it affects the skin, creating scaly, dry, itchy plaques. However, it can also cause inflammation of the conjunctiva (the transparent membrane covering the eyes’ whites and the eyelids’ insides), causing redness and discomfort.

Thyroid Disease


Disorders that cause increased or decreased thyroid function also increase the risk of glaucoma, a sight-threatening eye condition in which pressure builds inside the eye until it permanently damages the optic nerve and causes vision loss. An overactive thyroid can cause tissues to build up around the eyes, increasing pressure, while low thyroid function can disrupt the circulation of fluids in the eye, leading to the increased stress that way.

Lupus

Lupis is a chronic disease that damages the skin, organs, joints, and even the eyes. The effects can range from mild to life-threatening. It affects the eyes through inflammation, with symptoms like blurred vision, dry eye, headaches, light sensitivity, and soreness.

Type 1 Diabetes

While all forms of diabetes have numerous implications for vision health, type 1, an autoimmune disorder, is one of the leading causes of blindness in the US. High blood sugar is tough on blood vessels over time, including the delicate capillaries feeding the retina at the back of the eye. When these vessels weaken and break, they compromise the retina’s blood supply and leak into the eye. This is called diabetic retinopathy, only one of the sight-threatening conditions made more likely by diabetes.

Your Best Resource Is the Eye Doctor

These are just a few of the autoimmune conditions that impact eye health. Others include Sjorgen’s syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, Behcet, and uveitis. If you or a loved one is living with an autoimmune condition, keep us in the loop to work with you on keeping your eyes healthy and your vision strong.

It would be an honor to be your lifelong partner in vision health!

For inquiries, questions, and appointments, call our Patient Care Lines (8 AM to 8 PM):
(+632) 7-368 5238
(+63) 917 862 7454
(+63) 921 217 0517

Talk to our Consultants via Livechat: https://shinagawa.ph/

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Skin Tips

Skin Tips to Kick-Off 2023

New Year, new you, right?

Every year there is a sense of renewal that comes in January. It’s an opportunity to recommit to those things that you didn’t get to the prior year or it’s a chance to set some new goals and stake your claim in the New Year. 

When it comes to your health, it’s only natural that we tend to reevaluate where we can improve at the beginning of each New Year.

Start with these must-know skin tips

1. Start by acknowledging your skin is important, extremely important. Not only is it your largest organ, but it also protects all of your other organs. Consider it your shield to the world. To keep your guard healthy, you must moisturize it; This is easy and affordable. Commit to moisturizing your body after each bath or shower. This simple step will reduce the chances of skin problems and help your skin stay balanced.

2. It’s a new year and the perfect time to dump your old makeup brushes and sponges. Replace these germ containers! Further meetings will not only help evenly apply your makeup, but they will also keep your skin from being exposed to bacteria and germs. If you aren’t able to purchase new ones, at least clean the ones you have.

3. Sunscreen is handy all year long. Gone are the days when we thought sunscreen was only necessary during summer. Next time you are at a store, purchase a travel-size sunscreen to keep in your car. When exposed to the sun for an extended period, put on your SPF and rest easy, knowing you are taking care of your skin.

4. Get some beauty rest! There is a reason it’s called “beauty sleep.” Yes, sleep is one of your skin’s favorite pastimes. You are getting the recommended amount of shut-eye that your body needs, an excellent source of rejuvenation for your skin. While fast asleep, your skin is rebalancing and processing excess water for removal. According to the National Sleep Foundation, most adults should get seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Less than that can play a role in developing wrinkles, sagging skin, and dark circles under the eyes.

5. Out with the old and in with the new! Now is the perfect time to check the expiration date on your skincare products. Whether it’s medications, makeup, or over-the-counter lotions, check the date and discard them if they are expired. If you see 3M, 6M, 12M, or 24M, that denotes the shelf life for the product (i.e., 3M = three months).

6. Add probiotics to your diet. Probiotics help with digestion and can help prevent and treat skin diseases such as eczema, rosacea, acne, and skin allergies. Your skin reflects what you eat. According to a Fox News article in 2018, one dermatologist states, “There’s groundbreaking new science showing that the gut and the skin are intimately connected.”

Let’s make 2023 the year your skin shines. Healthy skin equals a healthy body.

Of course, don’t forget to consult an expert dermatologist for the best skin practices. Book ours now!

Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 for inquiries, questions, and appointments or talk to our consultants via LiveChat at https://shinagawa.ph so we can address and answer them for you.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/shinagawa_ph/

How ICL Rescued Jayco Calandria’s Flailing Vision

Is your eye grade around 1,000 already?


Don’t feel hopeless. Something can most certainly be done for you to gain a bright vision.

When it seemed hopeless, we found a way to give Jayco Angelo Calandria, who had lots of visual issues, a bright vision for him to enjoy life better again.

“For the past 14 years, I’ve been wearing eyeglasses. My eye grade right then was 1,000 for both eyes and I also have a thin cornea, high myopia, and astigmatism,” shared Jayco, who is a dedicated government employee.

The answer was Implantable Contact Lens (ICL). It saved Jayco’s vision and enabled him to see in HD again.

“Having ICL is the best investment that you could give yourself and it’s also the best decision I ever made! Now, it’s time to celebrate freedom from eyeglasses! I can now see the world clearly with happiness!”

Jayco also shared just how frustrating and difficult it was for him with his previous visual struggles before having ICL.

“I’m always annoyed with my foggy eyeglasses. I can’t even wear shared or can’t do small activities like playing basketball. In short, I can’t even enjoy without wearing eyeglasses.”

“I can’t express how happy I can about the result of my ICL! It is life-changing! I highly recommend Shinagawa Lasik Center! Thank you for delivering the best eye care!”

Have the same case, more or less? Book an appointment with us! Let’s see what we can do!

Call our Patient Care Lines(+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 for inquiries, questions, and appointments or talk to our consultants via LiveChat at https://shinagawa.ph so we can address and answer them for you.

Skin Checks Are Very Important

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in adults, and according to dermatology studies, it is estimated that one in five adults will get it in their lifetime. The good news is that most skin cancers are highly treatable if caught early, which is why regular skin checks are so important.

Skin Cancer

There are three common forms of skin cancer: Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, which frequently develops in those with fairer skin. This cancer develops from years of unprotected sun exposure or indoor tanning.

Like BCC, another common skin cancer is Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), which develops from too much sun exposure and develops in both light and dark skin. Early diagnosis for both common skin cancers is important to help contain and get rid of them before they spread.

Melanoma, considered the most serious of all skin cancers, is dangerous because it is known to spread. Melanoma most commonly develops in a mole but sometimes can appear as a new dark spot on the skin.

What Are Skin Checks, And How Do I Perform One?

A skin check is a routine inspection of your body to spot early signs of skin cancer. When you perform a skin check, you should look closely for anything that appears out of the ordinary on your skin, such as the following.:

  • Any new or changing lesion
  • New brown spots
  • Growths
  • Rough, scaly skin
  • Moles that start to become more noticeable
  • Dark lesions
  • Bleeding or itching spots

Skin cancer can look like many other things, but these are some of the most common signs. As a rule, you should schedule an appointment with your dermatologist if you see anything concerning on your skin.

Skin cancer most commonly forms in areas with higher exposure to sunlight; however, it can form anywhere on the body. To perform your skin check, the checking yourself in the mirror and using a hand mirror to inspect hard-to-see areas is recommended. You should also make sure to part your hair and examine your scalp for spots.

Skin Cancer Prevention

It is important to remember that skin cancer may not affect the way you feel. You can feel well and have an unusual spot that either doesn’t itch or hurt. That is why it is imperative to continue monthly skin cancer self-exams. You should also see a dermatologist annually to have an exam done by one of our experts.

Skin cancer can affect males and females of any skin color and age. If you recognize any changes in your skin, or if a particular spot morphs, forms, bleeds, or itches, please do not hesitate to give our clinic a call.

We will schedule an appointment to see one of our doctors to address any questions you may have about a spot that concerns you.

Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 for inquiries, questions, and appointments or talk to our consultants via LiveChat at https://shinagawa.ph so we can address and answer them for you.