Set Yourself Up For Good Eye Health When Working From Home | Shinagawa Blog

Set Yourself Up For Good Eye Health When Working From Home

As working from home becomes a new reality for lots of people, we give some tips on how you can best set yourself up for success.

Since working from home becomes a new norm for lots of people around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenge of a change in setting can bring with it some unique problems, including ones directly related to your eyes.

Here are some solutions to better help you get accustomed to your new situation and ensure that you set yourself up for great eye health.

Your space, defined

Setting up your workspace properly is an integral part of ensuring proper eye safety. This is no different for a home office as it would be in a proper office setting.

Make sure that you place your monitor(s) at an appropriate distance from your eyes – too close or too far invites a certain amount of continual eye strain that could cause larger problems down the line, including eye irritation and muscular issues.

Ideally, your monitor should be between 40 and 70 cm from your eyes and angled 15 to 30 degrees in terms of line of sight.

The added benefit of optimal monitor placement is that the rest of your body can then also naturally relax as you put yourself into a proper position that invites less muscle strain too.

Similarly, make sure that your chair is appropriately placed – level it so that your feet are touching the ground flat without bending at the knee. This too can have great benefits for your legs and back as you continue to work.

You can also help your body by getting up and regularly stretching – staying in the same position for long periods of time can lower blood flow to your muscles and affect your posture.

It is important to be mindful of your lighting situation – improper lighting can produce more eye strain than you realize, especially if you are switching back and forth from a lit computer monitor to paper documents. Positioning your workspace with proper lighting can have numerous benefits – here are some tips about what to look out for when setting yourself up.

Don’t forget to stay hydrated

We also recommend you schedule water breaks. Dehydration can have a negative impact on your eyesight, including dry eyes and headaches. Luckily, working from home means that you likely have closer access to taps to better facilitate regular water intake during your day. Your body will thank you.

The power of the 20/20/20 rule

An important part of working from home is being able to take breaks from a screen that will allow your eyes time to rest.

That’s why the 20/20/20 rule is so important: every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds to look at an object that’s at least 20 feet away.

This way, you can break up the workday in a manner that benefits your eyes at regular intervals while ensuring that your eyes ease up on continually focusing while working.

If you are looking to make your life easier, our life-changing vision correction procedures can help by removing the added hassle of everyday eyewear.

Although items like contact lenses can help you get through your day, they can also dry out and cause irritated eyes and headaches when you spend your day looking at a computer screen, leading to becoming less productive overall. Book a consultation and LASIK screening today to find out how we can help you better work from home.

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 here on our website.

The Effects Of Blood Pressure On Eyes And Vision | Shinagawa Blog

The Effects Of Blood Pressure On Eyes And Vision

Can blood pressure affect the eyes? It actually can.

Blood pressure can affect the eyes, and sometimes in a pretty significant way. Although our blood pressure will fluctuate naturally throughout the day, sometimes it is sustained at too high or low a level and this is when problems can arise.

While most people with irregular blood pressure will be monitored by a doctor and sometimes take medication to control the issue, we delve into how exactly blood pressure affects our eyes, especially if problems are left untreated.

What exactly is blood pressure?

Blood pressure is how much force it takes for your heart to pump blood throughout your body. High blood pressure (hypertension) affects 26 percent of the world’s population and means it takes your heart significant effort to pump blood throughout your body. Low blood pressure (hypotension) affects 31 percent of the world’s population and means that blood may not be circulating efficiently enough; people with blood pressure on the low/normal end of the spectrum may be familiar with the all-too-common cold hands and feet problem.

Blood pressure is expressed by two numbers, a systolic pressure measurement (when the heart beats) and a diastolic pressure measurement (in between beats). You will see it written as either a fraction, like “120/60” or written as “120 over 60”. The systolic measurement always comes first – in this instance, it’s 120.

There are various causes of abnormal blood pressure.

CAUSES OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE INCLUDE:

  • Sleep apnea
  • Diet (too much salt)
  • Lack of exercise/obesity
  • Kidney disease
  • Abnormal thyroid function
  • Certain medications, like decongestants and some pain relievers
  • Tobacco smoking

CAUSES OF LOW BLOOD PRESSURE INCLUDE:

  • Certain prescription medications
  • Body position (called orthostatic hypotension – like bending down and getting up too fast)
  • Stress
  • Not breathing properly (your pressure can drop if you hold your breath a lot, like during a workout)
  • High blood pressure and the eyes
  • High blood pressure that is not properly treated and controlled can affect various parts of the body, including the eyes. The high pressure can damage the blood vessels connected to the eyes which can damage the retina, causing fluid buildup under the retina, and damage the optic nerve, causing hypertensive retinopathy or even an eye stroke. All of these are serious issues that can lead to vision loss.

Routine eye exams can sometimes detect blood pressure problems before you have any symptoms. Make sure to tell a doctor if you experience a sudden onset of floaters, pain, blurry vision or vision loss.

Low blood pressure and the eyes

Some people have what’s commonly referred to as low/normal blood pressure, meaning it’s slightly lower than the normal range, but most do not experience symptoms. However, when blood pressure is too low, it can be serious. Symptoms of low blood pressure can include light-headedness, weakness, nausea, and difficulty concentrating.

People with low blood pressure can also experience eye-related symptoms, such as blurry or fading vision. This is because certain parts of the body, in this case, the eyes, are not getting sufficient blood supply.

Blood pressure is routinely checked by general practitioners, but if you do not go for regular checkups, it could be missed.

This is why routine exams of your eyes are also important as they could signal other systemic issues, like high or low blood pressure. If you have questions about how your blood pressure could affect your ability to have a vision correction procedure, reach out to one of our experts for help.

Schedule an eye check-up with us and let our doctors see just how healthy you and your eyes are.

Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 for inquiries and appointments or talk to our consultants via LiveChat here on our website.

Love Swimming But Hate Contact Lenses? | Shinagawa Blog

Love Swimming But Hate Contact Lenses?

Have you ever tried swimming in a pool with your contact lenses on? Quite a mess, right?

If you’ve had a blurry vision for a long time now, you can surely relate. Whether you use eyeglasses or contact lenses, either way, swimming might not be as fun since you feel a lot of discomfort while soaking yourself in the water.

Still, you have no other recourse than to wear either since you won’t be able to navigate and see at all if you don’t.

If you love to swim, but hate dealing with this issue, we can help get you out of your glasses and contacts for a more enjoyable time swimming. The good thing is there’s a solution to that nagging problem when it comes to wearing glasses or contacts when swimming.

LASIK can solve your woes.

After LASIK gives you the bright vision you’ve been seeking, you can finally hit the beach with a lot of ease and comfort.

If you have any fun water adventures or beach vacations you have planned, don’t let your eyesight get in the way. Even if it’s just to swim in your pool or take a dip in your hot tub!

We do get the question quite a bit – so to answer it upfront, downtime after LASIK is very short, only around three to four hours. Feel free to ask us more about LASIK so we can fill you in.

If you are ready to swim glasses and contact-lens free, let’s schedule your LASIK screening!

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 here on our website.

What To Expect Before, During, & After LASIK | Shinagawa Blog

What To Expect Before, During, & After LASIK

Aside from instantly giving patients the gift of brighter vision, LASIK presents one of the quickest and easiest recovery periods in comparison to other types of operations – most people are back to their normal routines after only 24 hours.

Still, LASIK is a process.

To ensure the smoothest and best results possible, Shinagawa patients are to go through safe and precise steps and processes leading up to and after their surgery.

BEFORE THE PROCEDURE

All interested LASIK hopefuls will first undergo comprehensive screening to determine if they’re eligible for LASIK or another vision correction procedure. At Shinagawa, we have the most comprehensive and advanced LASIK screening to ensure the best and safety for our patients.

During the LASIK screening and then consultation, our eye doctors and professionals will review your vision and eye health. They will properly explain the procedures as well as answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

If you’re found to be a good candidate for LASIK following the LASIK screening, you’ll then be guided accordingly by our medical coordinators and your procedure will be scheduled according to your own convenience.

DURING THE PROCEDURE

On the day of the LASIK surgery, your eye prescription will once again be verified and your pupils measured to ensure the best results. Our medical coordinator, nurses, and doctors will meet with you to answer any final questions or concerns you may have. They will also explain what to expect during the procedure, review post-operative care instructions, and fill out the remaining paperwork.

Overall, you can expect to be in the clinic for approximately 2-4 hours on the day of the procedure. The LASIK eye surgery, however, only lasts for around 10 minutes, and the laser is used for less than 20 seconds on each eye. You will be seated and given numbing eye drops. The surgeon will use an instrument to keep your eyes open. A suction ring will be placed over your eye prior to the cutting of the corneal flap. Patients may experience a feeling of pressure or dimness in their vision.

Once the flap has been created, the surgeon is able to fold it back to access the area of the cornea that needs reshaping. Using an advanced laser, the surgeon will then begin the reshaping process. The patient will be instructed to focus on a point of light, which keeps their eye fixed as the laser reshapes the cornea. Each laser pulse removes a portion of the corneal tissue. The surgeon is then able to lay the flap back into place when the corneal shape is satisfactory; the flap will heal on its own with time.

AFTER THE PROCEDURE

It’s normal for patients to feel some irritation directly after the procedure. Your eyes may experience an itchy, burning, or watery sensation. However, it’s important to note that LASIK eye surgery is a relatively painless procedure.

At Shinagawa, we ask our patients to relax in our waiting room for a period of time to ensure the cornea and flap have started healing properly. You will be provided with a pair of sunglasses/protective eyewear to use to protect your eyes from light sensitivity. We recommend using the provided sunglasses as opposed to personal ones, which may not provide adequate protection. You will also be given a variety of post-operative care instructions that you are required to follow to ensure the smoothest recovery possible. Patients will not be able to drive immediately following the procedure, so please plan ahead in terms of transportation.

Patients must also attend a variety of post-operative appointments to monitor their recovery. Your first one is mandatory and will take place 24 hours (one day) after the surgery. Afterward, you will also need to have your post-op check-up one week, one month, one year, and annually after LASIK.

LASIK is widely seen as one of the safest and most convenient elective medical procedures available. It can provide a long-term solution to vision problems, thereby transforming the quality of life for its patients. If you’re interested in learning more about LASIK and other vision correction options, contact us so we can help and guide you.

Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 for inquiries and appointments or talk to our consultants via LiveChat here on our website.

Bright Vision Equates To Bright Future For Rusty Del Rey | Shinagawa Feature Story

How Z Prime LASIK Changed Vivien De Los Reyes’ Life

Vivien De Los Reyes is glad to be a Shinagawa girl.

She finally became one after having Z Prime LASIK at Shinagawa Ortigas, giving her the dream vision she always wanted.

“Excited to be able to see and enjoy the world with my new 20/10 vision (from 425 grade) after my Z Prime LASIK at Shinagawa Ortigas,” happily expressed Vivien.

“It is truly life-changing. My sister inspired me to have LASIK as she did and now, we’re both Shinagawa girls!”

If you’ve experienced the wonders of LASIK, let your loved ones know as well as it may change their lives for the better, too!

Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 l (+63) 917 862 7454 l (+63) 921 217 0517 for inquiries and appointments or talk to our consultants via LiveChat here on our website.