Author: Howard Stark

Protecting Your Eyes In The Digital Age

For many of us, some amount of screen time is an inescapable part of our daily lives. However, excessive screen time can lead to eye strain and other vision problems.

To help reduce eye strain, it’s important to break up screen time by looking at distant objects, blinking frequently, and having regular eyesight exams. It’s also a good idea to consider glasses that filter out harmful blue light. Talk to My Eye Doctor Towson today.

eye care

Blue Light

The world has become increasingly reliant on electronic devices with digital screens. But many of these screens emit a type of light called blue light, and there is growing concern that too much exposure may cause permanent eye damage. Blue light is a specific wavelength of electromagnetic radiation that is the brightest in the visible spectrum. It is the same type of light that makes the sky look blue during the day and sunsets appear pink, orange, or red at night. It is also emitted by LED lights used in modern digital devices, such as computers and smartphones.

Studies have shown that the short-wavelength blue and violet light emitted by these digital devices can damage delicate retinal cells in the back of the eye. This is referred to as phototoxicity. These retinal cells convert light into information that the brain can interpret, and their damage can lead to vision problems such as macular degeneration. In addition, blue light can increase the sensitivity of the ocular surface and exacerbate dry eyes.

Blue light is especially problematic for people who spend long periods in front of a screen. It can interfere with the body’s production of melatonin, a sleep-inducing hormone, which can delay or interrupt the sleep cycle. It can also contribute to glare and blurred vision, as well as headaches and migraines.

Computer glasses with blue-light filters can help reduce the negative effects of this type of light. These lenses filter out the specific wavelengths that are most harmful to the eyes, without affecting the brightness of the screen or its ability to be seen. Some studies have found that generic lenses that filter out blue light improve visual comfort, as they increase contrast and reduce eye strain.

However, AAO doesn’t recommend the use of blue-light filters because there isn’t enough evidence that they reduce digital eye strain or prevent vision loss. The AAO does recommend that people who use these devices take breaks frequently to view objects at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds and use artificial tears or eye drops to keep the eyes hydrated.

Glare

Many factors contribute to eye discomfort and vision problems, including glare. The problem can arise from direct light sources like sunlight or headlights as well as from light reflecting off a flat surface, such as water or snow, or a screen on a computer or phone. Some people are particularly sensitive to light and may experience glare even when the source of the glare is not directly in their line of sight. This condition is called photophobia or abnormal light intolerance.

The impact of glare can be serious, especially when it comes to driving at night and working in an office. Studies have found that glare can decrease productivity and lead to a variety of health problems, from backache and neck pain to fatigue, sleep issues, and headaches.3

In the case of driving, glare can reduce visibility, leading to decreased safety and potentially dangerous situations. In addition, glare on screens can cause headaches, eye strain, and decreased concentration. These symptoms can lead to decreased productivity at work and can even increase absenteeism.

When we spend large amounts of time staring at digital screens, glare can also affect our eyes in other ways, which is why wearing sunglasses that block UV rays is important. This will prevent the harmful UV rays from reaching your eyes, which can contribute to macular degeneration and cataracts.

When choosing a pair of sunglasses, it’s essential to make sure they are polarised, as this will help to prevent UV rays from entering your eyes. It’s also important to choose sunglasses that are rated as UV400, which ensures they offer adequate protection against damaging UV rays. At Banton Frameworks, all our frames are rated as UV40 or UV400, so you can rest assured your eyes will be protected. You don’t have to sacrifice style to keep your eyes safe – our frames are both stylish and comfortable.

UV Rays

We’re all aware that prolonged exposure to UV rays increases the risk of sunburn and skin cancer, but did you know that UV rays can also negatively affect your eyes? Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion accessory, they’re an essential tool for protecting your eyes. UV rays are present year-round and can cause damage to your eyes and vision in the same way that they can harm your skin.

According to AAO, UV radiation can penetrate the clear cornea of your eye, which allows it to absorb rays. This can lead to a condition known as photokeratitis, which feels like a bad sunburn on your eyes. Symptoms include red, gritty-feeling eyes, extreme light sensitivity, and tears. This is usually a temporary problem, but over time, it can lead to cataracts and macular degeneration.

UV rays can be directly emitted from the sun or bounced off of water, snow, sand, and other bright surfaces. They can also be emitted from artificial sources such as welding equipment and photographic flood lamps. Fortunately, the ozone layer blocks UV-C rays from reaching the Earth’s surface.

In addition to causing photokeratitis, UV rays can also lead to ocular surface growths known as pinguecula and pterygium, which can be annoying and reduce the quality of your vision. They may also accelerate the progression of cataracts.

The AAO recommends that you look for sunglasses that provide a minimum of 100% UV protection. You should also be sure to wear a hat and cover as much of your body as possible with clothing whenever you spend time outside. When choosing sunglasses, larger frames with wraparound styles offer more coverage, limiting the amount of indirect UV radiation that enters your eyes. In addition, polarized lenses can help filter out reflected UV rays that would otherwise reach your eyes. These types of lenses can be particularly helpful for those who work outdoors, such as welders or medical technologists, or play sports that take place on the beach or in the water. Polarized lenses are also recommended for driving, as they can improve depth perception and reduce glare that can make it difficult to see.

Comfort

While many individuals have expressed concern over the amount of time they are spending in front of screens, it’s not as clear-cut as you may think. Instead of simply reducing screen time, it is important to monitor patterns of use and make adjustments to reduce discomfort or damage.

One common problem associated with long periods of screen time is eyestrain. This is often caused by brightness and glare, so it’s important to consider using a screen cover or matte filter. It’s also a good idea to take regular breaks by following the 20-20-20 rule, which recommends that every 20 minutes you look away from your screen and focus on something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a chance to refresh and prevents fatigue.

In addition to eyestrain, long periods of staring at a screen can lead to dry eye syndrome, which is characterized by itchy, watery eyes. This can be caused by environmental factors, such as a dry climate, or it may be due to an improperly fitted eyeglass prescription. Regardless of the cause, it’s important to keep a bottle of artificial tears on hand to help combat dryness and irritation.

Another issue resulting from excessive screen time is myopia, which is characterized by blurred vision at distances and sharp focus up close. Myopia can also be exacerbated by the increased use of digital devices, making it important to limit screen time and encourage outdoor activities.

Sunglasses can be a great way to protect your eyes from UV rays, and they come in a variety of styles to suit any lifestyle. However, it’s important to make sure that your sunglasses are rated 100 percent UVA and UVB to provide the best protection possible. Additionally, it’s a good idea to choose a darker tint, such as brown or amber, because this helps to cut through glare and enhances colors.

While it’s unrealistic to completely cut out screen time, limiting it and encouraging family members to spend more time outdoors can help to prevent short-term damage to the eyes. Individuals should also follow the 20-20-20 rule, take regular breaks, and use blue-light-filtering glasses or screen covers to minimize the harmful effects of too much screen time.

Post-Surgical Physical Therapy

Post-Surgical Physical Therapy addresses pain, stiffness, balance, and mobility issues caused by surgery. While prescription pain medications merely mask the symptoms, PT tackles the problem directly with massage, heat, and electrical stimulation. Whether you’re recovering from knee replacement surgery or a broken arm, a physical therapist from https://saunders-therapy.com/ can help you regain strength and mobility. Here are some of the many benefits you can expect:

Increased Flexibility and Mobility

PostSurgical Physical Therapy

Anyone who has ever had surgery, or even been diagnosed with a medical condition that will require surgery, knows how difficult it can be to move around without pain and limitations. Often the first thing you’ll be instructed to do after your surgical procedure is to go through physical therapy. It’s the best way to regain your strength, mobility, and flexibility after your surgery or injury.

In fact, your physical therapist may start working with you before surgery, known as pre-hab, to prepare your body for the surgery and speed up your recovery. They’ll design a program of exercises that are safe and appropriate for your specific needs. They might even instruct you to do them at home on your own before the operation.

The main goal of PT is to get you moving again in the most effective and safe manner possible. A lack of movement can lead to stiffness and a higher chance of developing complications at the site of the surgery. It can also increase your risk of blood clots from extended bed rest.

Movement also improves circulation and aides healing. This is because the movements promote healthy blood flow, which carries oxygen and nutrients to the surgical area and removes fluid buildup that can compress nerves. The increased blood flow also reduces inflammation.

A physical therapist can also teach you how to use heat and ice treatments on your surgical area, which can further help with pain management. This helps soften the scar tissue that forms after any type of surgery, improving flexibility and lowering the pain levels.

Another way physical therapy improves flexibility is by strengthening and stretching the muscles in your body. They can do this through massages, hands-on therapy, and by doing certain exercises that strengthen muscle function, enhance balance and stability, and lower the risk of falling (which is a common problem following surgeries like joint replacements).

It’s important to remember that although it may feel painful at times during your rehabilitation process, the pain you experience is normal. You should always take your prescription medications as prescribed, and let your physical therapist know if you are experiencing excessive pain or discomfort so they can adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Strengthened Muscles

Most surgical procedures result in some level of pain, stiffness and swelling. Physical therapy can help patients manage these symptoms and regain their strength to return to their daily activities sooner.

In addition to helping to ease discomfort, physical therapy can strengthen the muscles around the surgical site. Physical therapists are trained to understand the type of exercise each muscle, tendon or ligament needs to heal properly. Their strategic exercises can also improve balance and stability, which reduces the risk of further injury to surgical patients, particularly in joints such as knees or hips.

The therapists may use electrical stimulation, which sends mild electric impulses to the affected area of the body to stimulate blood flow and make your muscles contract more efficiently. This helps with pain, reduces the inflammation caused by excess fluid and allows the afflicted tissues to stretch and move more easily. In fact, some orthopedic surgeons are beginning to refer their patients to a physical therapist for a short course of rehabilitation before surgery. The therapists can help decrease the swelling, increase the range of movement of the knee and even strengthen the thigh muscles (quadriceps). Research has shown that this presurgical rehab leads to better results post-surgery.

Inactivity after surgery can lead to secondary issues including infections, contractures and blood clots. Physical therapy can help to keep muscles limber and reduce the risk of complications by using techniques like stretching, myofascial release and manual manipulation.

Many people are hesitant to start moving and exercising after surgery. However, it is important to follow your physical therapist’s instructions and to stick with your treatment plan so that you can recover more quickly.

In addition, physical therapy can help to decrease the need for prescription pain killers by teaching patients safe and effective self-care methods that are natural and non-invasive. The therapists can teach you how to use heat and ice packs to reduce pain and swelling, as well as show you how to perform specific mobility and stability exercises at home. With proper care, you can recover from your surgery and get back to living your life in no time!

Reduced Need for Prescription Pain Medicines

Pain is a normal part of recovery from surgery, and physical therapy helps manage it so patients can heal faster. This reduces the chances of post-surgical complications, like infections, blood clots, muscle weakness, decreased function, and excessive scar tissue. It also reduces the need for prescription pain medicines, including opioids. With the opioid epidemic sweeping the country, avoiding opioids as much as possible is critical to staying healthy and lowering your risk of addiction.

Physical therapists are movement experts who can identify and treat the underlying musculoskeletal problems that cause pain. Using techniques, treatment modalities and exercises that are designed to reduce pain, they can eliminate the need for opioid painkillers. These medications mask the symptoms rather than treating the underlying issue, and they can cause serious health risks, such as respiratory depression, heart attacks and even death.

Post-surgery, your physical therapist will teach you how to move and perform daily activities while protecting the surgical site from overuse. They will also help you to learn adaptive tools, such as walkers or canes, if necessary. This can greatly reduce the amount of time you spend in a wheelchair, walker or bed, which lowers the risk of further damage to the surgical site and increases your range of motion and strength.

The benefits of post-surgical physical therapy are widely recognized, and they have been shown to improve a patient’s quality of life and speed up the rate at which they recover from surgery. It is a great option for managing pain levels and helps many patients avoid opioid medication, especially in the short term after surgery.

Some patients are able to return home after surgery without needing any further hospitalization or nursing care. This is because a physical therapy program, initiated shortly after the initial hospital stay, has been shown to significantly reduce the length of hospital stays and 30-day readmission rates compared to patients who received only in-patient nursing care.

Pre-surgical physical therapy is also an important component of postoperative rehabilitation because it reduces the need for pain medication and improves a patient’s ability to function independently following surgery. It has been reported that physical therapy can significantly decrease a patient’s level of pain, reduce inflammation and edema, improve range of motion, strength and flexibility, and increase functional independence.

Restored Function

Patients are often concerned about a lack of physical function after surgery. The good news is that post-surgical physical therapy can help regain that function. After a thorough evaluation by the therapist, short and long-term goals will be established. These can include anything from returning to normal daily activities to preventing a future injury or surgery.

In addition to strengthening and improving the way you move the surgical site, physical therapy includes other techniques designed to promote healing, reduce pain, and improve flexibility. For example, using heat or cold to reduce swelling and improve blood flow can minimize discomfort and promote faster recovery. In addition, physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals that can provide pain relief without the side effects of opioids.

Physical therapists also teach you how to perform basic daily tasks, like bathing, dressing, and taking care of yourself. They can also show you how to safely use assistive devices such as crutches or a walker. They may also advise you on how to manage your health through diet and lifestyle changes.

Another important benefit of post-surgical physical therapy is to decrease the risk of respiratory and vascular problems. When you stay in bed after surgery, you lose muscle strength and your blood circulation can decrease, increasing the likelihood of developing a dangerous blood clot. A supervised physical therapy program can keep you active, prevent complications, and increase your overall quality of life.

It can take weeks, months, or even up to a year for the surgery recovery process to be complete. However, if you are committed to your rehabilitation and follow the advice given by your doctor and physical therapist, you can speed up your recovery and return to a normal life with minimal to no disability.

Anyone who has had surgery to correct a chronic problem can benefit from post-surgical physical therapy. If you are unsure of whether this therapy is right for you, ask your doctor or contact us here at SoCal Elite Physical Therapy. Our team of experienced physical therapists can assess your needs, recommend the best course of treatment, and create an individualized treatment plan.

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