Blinking is a Key Part of your Eye Health

Blinking is a Key Part of your Eye Health

/0 Comments/in /by

Why exactly do we need to blink more often?

If you take a moment to tally your blinks over a minute without altering your natural rhythm, you’ll likely find that an adult blinks between ten to twenty times each minute, with each blink lasting only about a tenth of a second.

Blinking: A Natural Eye Refreshment and Cleansing Process

With every blink, our eyelids perform the crucial task of distributing a fresh layer of tears across our eyes. This action prevents our eyes from becoming dry and helps to clear away small irritants like dust and dirt particles that could disrupt our vision. Should there be an excess of moisture, the surplus tears are expelled through the tear ducts at the eye corners, eventually reaching our nasal passages. This explains the runny nose phenomenon when we cry.

The Impact of Concentration on Blinking

Engrossing activities like reading, playing games, working on projects, or watching TV can significantly reduce our blink rate, sometimes to as few as three times a minute. This rate falls short of what our eyes ideally need to stay well-lubricated and healthy. Consistently blinking too infrequently can lead to problems such as eye strain or dry eye syndrome.

Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome and Its Symptoms

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This imbalance can lead to inflammation and damage to the surface of the eye. Symptoms of dry eye can vary widely but typically include a stinging or burning sensation in the eyes, scratchiness, and a feeling as if something is in your eye.

People with dry eye might also experience excessive tearing as a response to the discomfort, blurred vision, especially after long periods of use, and discomfort when wearing contact lenses. In more severe cases, dry eye can contribute to light sensitivity, eye fatigue, and difficulty performing tasks that require visual focus for extended periods. Understanding the signs of dry eye is crucial for seeking timely treatment and preventing potential long-term damage to the eyes.

Encouraging More Frequent Blinking

If you notice that a lack of blinking is contributing to eye discomfort, especially during intense focus periods, it’s beneficial to consciously increase your blink rate. Training your eyes to blink more often is possible with practice. A good starting point is to blink intentionally during moments of thought or while engaged in tasks that don’t require visual focus. Consider setting hourly reminders for blinking exercises to cultivate this habit. Over time, these reminders may become unnecessary. A straightforward exercise to rejuvenate your eyes is to close them, take a short pause, gently squeeze your eyelids, and then reopen your eyes.

The Complexity of Blinking

Though blinking might appear simple, it’s a complex coordination of various elements, including different tear types, oil-producing glands that maintain the tear film, and the muscles that facilitate the act of blinking. This complexity means there are multiple points where complications can arise. If you’re dealing with dry eye or eye strain despite your efforts with blinking exercises, it’s wise to reach out for a professional consultation.

Seeing our patients see clearly with healthy eyes is our greatest joy!

For inquiries, questions, and appointments, call our Patient Care Lines: 

(+63) 917 862 7454

(+63) 921 217 0517

(+632) 7-368 5238

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

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

Unexpected Causes of Summertime Rashes

Unexpected Causes of Summertime Rashes

/0 Comments/in /by

Warm weather means spending a lot more time outside. You probably already know the sun can wreak havoc on your skin and take steps to prevent sunburn, but you may not be as aware of another summertime skin issue — rashes.

Here are common but surprising causes of rashes during the summer months.

Hot tub rash (folliculitis)

One or two days after soaking in water that’s contaminated with a common bacterium called Pseudomonas aeruginosa found in the ground and water, you may develop a skin rash that’s known as hot tub folliculitis. It’s more common in hot tubs (hence the name), because hot water breaks down the chlorine that kills bacteria. But the rash can also occur after swimming in a poorly maintained pool or contaminated lake.

Symptoms of hot tub folliculitis include an itchy red rash of tiny millimeter-size bumps that’s worse in areas covered by a swimsuit. You may also notice itchy or tender pimples around hair follicles. While the rash tends to get better on its own, see a doctor if it doesn’t disappear in a few days; you may need to take antibiotics.

The best way to prevent hot tub rash is to check the chlorine and bromine levels in the water before you take a dip. When you get out of the water, shower with soap right away and clean your suit in hot water.

Heat rash

Also known as prickly heat or miliaria, heat rash happens when sweat gets blocked in your pores and builds up under your skin. It’s particularly a problem in babies but can happen at any age, especially when it’s hot and humid outside.

Heat rash stings or itches and usually appears as small red bumps or clear blisters that break easily.

The rash also tends to crop up most in areas where skin rubs together, like the armpits, elbows, and groin. Heat rash typically clears up on its own. You can help ease the itch by removing tight-fitting clothing and cooling your skin off. Taking steps to sweat less, such as wearing loose-fitting, lightweight cotton clothing; using lightweight moisturizers like lotions rather than heavier creams or ointments; and staying in the shade or an air-conditioned building when it’s hottest outside can help prevent heat rash.

Seabather’s Eruption

Notice a rash under your swimsuit after a dip in the ocean? You may have seabather’s eruption, also known as pica-pica (which is Spanish for “itchy-itchy”) or sea lice. This occurs when tiny thimble jellyfish and sea anemones become trapped underneath your swimsuit and release stinging cells that inject a toxin, causing an allergic reaction in your skin. You may notice a prickly sensation while you’re swimming. Within 4 to 24 hours, a patch of itchy red bumps that look a bit like insect bites or hives appear in areas covered by your swimsuit.

Polymorphous Light Eruption

People with a sensitivity to sunlight who are exposed to increasingly intense UV rays in the late spring and early summer may break out in very itchy, hive-like bumps known as polymorphous light eruption (PLE). The rash typically appears on the chest, neck, arms, and face.

Research suggests that 10 percent of the general population is affected by PLE, most likely people who live in northern versus southern climates. Three-quarters of the time it starts in females who are ages 20 to 40, according to other data. Those with fair skin are also more susceptible.

Tinea Versicolor

Tinea versicolor is a fungal skin infection. In general, fungal infections are more common in summer, as fungus thrives in the humidity. When it comes to tinea versicolor specifically, this infection appears as white, pink, red, tan, or brown spots.

This fungus is more classically seen in the summer, and it often appears on the torso as you sweat more.

Having troubles with your skin this summer? Our dermatologists can check them. Schedule a consultation!

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.

Our Eyes Can Be Vulnerable to Germs

Our Eyes Can Be Vulnerable to Germs

/0 Comments/in /by

Rubbing our eyes is often an automatic response during moments of fatigue, discomfort from a foreign object, or sensations of dryness and itchiness. While it might seem like a quick fix, this action can actually escalate the issue. This is because with each touch, we transfer bacteria from our hands — along with anything else they’ve come into contact with since we last cleaned them — directly into one of the most delicate areas of our body.

The Microbial World on Our Skin and Under the Fingernails

You may find it astonishing to learn about the diversity of microscopic life residing on our skin, collectively known as “skin flora.” This ecosystem isn’t entirely menacing; indeed, some of its members play beneficial roles. However, certain microbes pose the risk of causing infections or illnesses if they manage to penetrate the skin’s protective layer. This vulnerability renders our eyes an easy target for these organisms. As we interact with various surfaces, microbes adhere to our skin and find refuge under our fingernails, where they multiply and eventually reach other areas we touch, including our eyes.

The Eye’s Built-in Protection

Thankfully, our eyes come equipped with their own set of defenses. Eyelashes serve a purpose beyond mere aesthetics, acting as barriers against foreign particles. Additionally, the act of blinking helps to clear away any debris that lands on the eye. The eye’s tear film functions as an intricate, multi-layered protective system, akin to a moat surrounding a fortress. However, the act of rubbing our eyes can lead to potential injury to the cornea, undermining these natural protective measures.

Steps to Shield Our Eyes from Bacteria

Minimizing direct contact with your eyes is advisable, particularly for contact lens wearers. In instances where touching your eyes is unavoidable, like inserting or removing contact lenses, reducing the risk of infection can be achieved by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and maintaining short, clean fingernails.

We’re serious about fingernails being covered in germs. In fact, it’s the main reason food service workers and healthcare professionals alike have to wear gloves to prevent contaminating everything they touch in the course of their work. It’s basically impossible to scrub away all those germs, and it’s a problem that affects artificial nails too.

Addressing Eye Infection Worries

Should you notice symptoms such as itching, redness, excessive tearing, sensitivity, or a burning sensation in your eyes, it’s possible you’re dealing with an eye infection. We encourage you to book an appointment with us for assistance in addressing the infection or identifying other potential causes.

Meanwhile, resist the urge to rub your eyes!

For inquiries, questions, and appointments, call our Patient Care Lines: 

(+63) 917 862 7454

(+63) 921 217 0517

(+632) 7-368 5238

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

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

LASIK Blog Story of Ricel Diaz - Ricel Diaz: Finally, Visual Freedom

Ricel Diaz: Finally, Visual Freedom

/0 Comments/in /by

Finally. That’s the first word that came out of Ricel Diaz’s mouth after finally getting the clarity she was seeking for.

“Finally! No more blurred faces. No more eyeglasses. No more contact lenses,” expressed Ricel, a cashier and receptionist. “From 200 eye grade and 175 astigmatism, I now have 20/16 vision!”

“I’ve been using all of them (glasses and contacts) for more than 10 years of my life. I honestly say that this is one of my greatest experiences ever!”

Ricel couldn’t be more grateful for the life-changing experience.

“Thank you so much for making my eyes clearer, Shinagawa! I can now see and read everything clearly without putting on any contact lenses or eyeglasses.”

Ready for one of the best experiences you can have in your life? Start your LASIK journey!

For inquiries, questions, and appointments, call our Patient Care Lines: 

(+63) 917 862 7454

(+63) 921 217 0517

(+632) 7-368 5238

 

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

 

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

Signs of Premature Aging You Cant Miss

Signs of Premature Aging You Can’t Miss

/0 Comments/in /by

Our skin naturally starts to show signs of aging around our late twenties to early thirties, which is when our body’s collagen production starts slowing down at a rate of about 1% per year. Crow’s feet around the eyes, fine lines on the skin, and bodily aches and pains are all signs that the years are taking their toll on our bodies. 

But other signs of aging often go unnoticed by us – and we’ll be going over some of them.

Chest

The skin on our chest tends to be equally exposed to sun, wind and other environmental factors as our face, and it doesn’t help that at the same time the skin on our chests is thinner than the skin on our necks. This is one area that will be among some of the first places on your body to show signs of aging. So it’s a good idea to show the skin on your neck some love, too! Make sure you bring all your skincare down to your neck and chest, including your retinol, vitamin C serum and moisturizer. And make sure you always apply a generous serving of sunscreen to your neck and chest before heading outdoors.

Lips

As we age, our skin’s collagen production slows down, leading to depleted levels of hyaluronic acid, ceramides and elastin in our skin. Our lips become drier and more deflated with age as a result. Nobody wants to be seen with lips that look shriveled and wrinkled like a prune. Wearing a hydrating lip mask to bed is a good idea as it will help moisturize your lips while you sleep, and you can also exfoliate your lips with a lip scrub every once a week or so. And above all else – invest in a lip balm that contains SPF to protect your skin against the sun’s UV rays which are the leading cause of skin aging.

Under Eyes

The thinnest skin on our face is the skin on our under-eyes. This is why our under-eyes are the first to give us away if we’ve pulled an all-nighter or had lots of salty food to eat; they’re extremely susceptible to puffiness, dryness, and swelling as a result of water retention in the body. Our under-eyes are also the place where our first wrinkles appear in the form of crow’s feet. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to keep the skin on your under-eyes firm and supple. Vitamin C and retinol serums help the body’s collagen production, so applying them on your under-eyes can help thicken the skin there, making dark circles less visible and delaying the onset of fine lines around the eyes. A rich eye cream will also help replenish moisture in the under-eye area, preventing fine lines that form as a result of dehydration.

While it’s commendable to look after your skin, the idea is to embrace your skin as it ages with you, not to hate it for changing with the years! Aging is part of a normal, healthy life: it tells the world that we have lived, laughed and loved, and acquired a great deal of wisdom through the years too. Just remember that products like retinol and vitamin C serums and eye creams, and procedures like Botox and fillers are to help you look like the best version of yourself. But none of these things can stop the natural aging process. If you didn’t age, something would have to be seriously wrong with you!

Still, you can still look and be youthful despite getting up there in age. Our dermatologists can help!

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.