Take a look at our April newsletter!
The
3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • EyePlasticMD.com
APRIL 2024
DON’T BE BLINDED Guard Your Gaze This April
From prescription sports glasses with UV protection to properly fitting eyewear, prioritizing eye safety can significantly reduce the likelihood of serious injuries that can impact one’s overall quality of life. April is designated as Sports Eye Safety Month, prompting us to assess our activities and ensure proper eye protection is utilized in sports and every day. It is important to keep in mind that eye injuries are not confined to athletic activities; they can occur anytime and anywhere. About 40% of eye injuries happen at home, with a third occurring indoors. A significant portion of all injuries are sports-related, often due to the absence of proper eye protection. Retinal tears, hemorrhages under the retina, hemorrhaging in the front portion of the eye (hyphema), traumatic lens dislocations, and even cataract implants can be dislodged, leading to vision loss. The most severe of these injuries includes the rupture of the eye itself. Bungee cords are particularly dangerous because we frequently align our upper face along the tension line of the bungee cord. If there is an unexpected recoiling from the clip coming loose it can cause severe eye trauma. The risk is real, even when playing pickleball. Protective measures are crucial across all sports to safeguard against various injuries. “April is designated as Sports Eye Safety Month, prompting us to assess our activities and ensure proper eye protection is utilized in sports and every day.”
for vigilance. Sunglasses are often overlooked as a protective measure, but they are particularly helpful while skiing, reducing the harmful effects of UV light on the cornea. Ensuring your eyewear shields your eyes and
fits you correctly is the best way to meet eye safety standards. Neglecting this precaution could derail your career; don’t become a statistic!
One day during my residency in ophthalmology school, I was playing racquetball with a colleague, and I urged him to wear protective goggles. Initially, he resisted my request, but I clarified that I would no longer play against him if he did not wear proper goggles. After a safety discussion, he finally agreed and we were able to enjoy many intense racquetball matches. Outside of organized sports, taking precautions is imperative during other outdoor activities like chopping wood, which I can speak of from personal experience. I will never forget when I chopped wood as a child and wood chips flew into my eye. It was a traumatic experience, and now I try to always have protective glasses on while chopping, or, at the very least if there are no protective glasses available, I close my eyes at the very last second. Since then, it has become a joke in my family that I chop wood with my eyes closed! I now use this as a silly joke, but it doubles as a reminder to protect your eyes no matter what.
By familiarizing yourself with potential risks and adhering to safety protocols, individuals can minimize the likelihood of eye injuries and ensure a future without vision impairment. Be safe and be happy!
Many are unaware that prescription sports glasses offering UV protection are readily available and affordable. Thousands of individuals suffer eye injuries annually, but 90% of sports-related incidents are preventable. Additionally, many eye injuries occur in familiar settings like homes, emphasizing the need
1
(703) 620-4300
EUROPE’S MOST EXCLUSIVE ESCAPES FROM SNOWY VILLAGES TO YEAR-ROUND HOLIDAY CHEER
3 Vacation Spots to Avoid Seasonal Gloom Escape April Showers This Spring April showers bring May flowers, but you don’t have to stick around to wait for them to bloom. Escape to these three destinations and enjoy the new life of spring without the rain.
you can immerse yourself in the parades that travel through the city during Holy Week. Brass bands build up to a beautiful celebration on Easter, and just two weeks later, the Feria de Abril begins. This fiesta is full of lively parties, even more music, and colorful costumes. Sevillanos on horseback and the clacking footwork of flamenco dancers are captivating to watch, so don’t miss out by getting rained in. MALTA Located to the south of mainland Europe in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is part of an archipelago consisting of several islands, including Gozo and Comino. Because of its diverse cultures, you’ll hear Arab accents in the language as you pass Baroque architecture. Nature lovers, hikers, and landscape photographers alike can explore the rocky coastlines, impressive rock formations, and dazzling sea caves, such as the Blue Grotto (Malta), plus beautiful beaches like Ramia Bay (Gozo) and Ghajn Tuffieha Bay (Malta). However, the biggest advantage of traveling in Malta is that everything is in full bloom: green fields, blooming citrus trees, and beautiful flowers. If you go in spring, you’ll beat the tourists, too, as summer is peak season.
AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND, NETHERLANDS Why wait for May to see spring flowers? All April long, Holland sports the most beautiful colors in the world, and people from all over the globe go enjoy the Keukenhof Garden Festival. This festival has occurred for 75 years, and as it’s only 30 minutes away from Amsterdam proper, you can experience the best of both worlds. Explore the thousands of tulips during the day and then spend time in the city, exploring the beautiful canals and shopping districts in the evening. Don’t worry if you miss the beautiful flowers; most of the city’s museums and hotels have tulips, too. SEVILLE, SPAIN Embark on an enchanting journey to Seville, where vibrant culture and passion
come alive. Picture yourself strolling through cobblestone streets where
OUR PATIENTS PROSPER UNDER OUR CARE In the Spotlight: Caren Robinson
As someone who loves traveling and has been to Aruba many times over the years, I recently encountered a health scare during one of my trips that left me deeply grateful for the expertise and compassion of Dr. Scott. It all started when I noticed an eye infection under my eyelid, which progressively worsened despite my attempts to treat it. As I started growing more concerned, I sought the opinion of my regular eye doctor, who promptly referred me to Dr. Scott for further evaluation. Dr. Scott’s quick response and thorough examination revealed the severity of my infection, prompting him to recommend a consultation at Johns Hopkins for specialized care. However, after my consultation at Johns
Hopkins, I returned to see Dr. Scott and his knowledge and dedication were the only things I needed during this trying time. Dr. Scott initiated a series of antibiotic treatments to pinpoint the most effective solution, sparing no effort in ensuring my recovery. The road to healing was rough, but Dr. Scott’s persistence and expertise ultimately led to a successful outcome. His comprehensive approach to supporting my overall health during antibiotic therapy demonstrated his commitment to my well-being beyond symptom relief. Throughout the process, Dr. Scott’s compassion and professionalism were never questioned. His attention to detail, from checking for clogged ducts to recommending
additional tests for potential tropical diseases, reassured me that I was in good hands. Despite my initial fears, the support and care I received from Dr. Scott and his team made all the difference in my journey to recovery. Reflecting on this experience, I am deeply grateful for Dr. Scott’s expertise and the seamless coordination of care provided by his staff. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, I remained comfortable and assured. Moving forward, I have complete and utter confidence in Dr. Scott and would not hesitate to seek his care again if needed. Thank you, Dr. Scott, for putting me on the road to recovery.
–Caren R.
2 EyePlasticMD.com
UNLOCKING A RADIANT GLOW How to Manage Styes and Recurring Chalazions ELEVATE YOUR SKIN CARE ROUTINE
SKIN CARE ROUTINES Prioritize daily skincare routines by cleansing your skin, including medical-grade products and moisturizer applications. You must keep these constant to maintain healthy skin and reduce the dry and droopy look from skin that is not nurtured.
In skin care, non-surgical treatments offer a compelling alternative to invasive procedures, providing numerous benefits for individuals seeking to rejuvenate their skin without the risks or downtime associated with surgery. These treatments utilize advanced technologies to target specific skin concerns, catering to individuals looking to enhance their appearance and boost their confidence. Here is a list of the best skin care techniques we recommend.
SUNSCREEN
One of the most critical and overlooked skin care techniques is applying sunscreen. It is crucial to use sunscreen daily, rain or shine. Sunscreen will protect your skin from all the harmful rays we encounter daily, including UVB, UVA, and blue light rays (computers and cell phones) that constantly damage our skin. At Eye Plastic Associates, we offer all of these treatments and more. Taking care of your skin is an investment in your appearance and overall well-being. Incorporating regular exfoliation and non-surgical treatments can further enhance skin texture, tone, and elasticity, helping to minimize the effects of aging and environmental damage. Remember, the key to radiant skin lies in consistency and diligence, so prioritize self-care. Start today and reap the rewards of a luminous and glowing complexion for a lifetime.
BOTOX AND FILLERS Consider the benefits of a liquid facelift, which utilizes Botox to reduce frown lines and forehead wrinkles and fillers to address issues such as cheek depressions, vertical upper and lower lip lines, and marionette lines. Additionally, fillers can improve the appearance of the chin and jawline, reducing sagging and creating a smoother jaw contour.
SKIN TREATMENTS Techniques like chemical peels and microdermabrasion offer quick recovery and effectively remove dead skin cells, while reducing fine lines, and wrinkles, and dramatically improving your complexion. When combined with Botox, skin resurfacing and tightening can further enhance your results.
Grilled Steak With Chimichurri Sauce
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat. 2. Rub the steak with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. 3. Grill the steak for 4–5 minutes per side or until it reaches desired doneness. 4. Meanwhile, make the chimichurri sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the parsley, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. 5. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing. 6. Serve the steak with the chimichurri sauce and enjoy!
• 2 lbs flank, sirloin, or skirt steak • 2 tbsp olive oil • Salt and pepper, to taste For the chimichurri sauce: • 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced
A referral is the highest compliment we can receive! Thank you for sending us four referrals this month!
• Juice of 1 lemon • 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes • Salt and pepper, to taste
3 (703) 620-4300
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • EyePlasticMD.com
Inside This Issue
1
Sports Eye Safety Month
2 2 3 3 4
April Escapes
Caren’s Road to Recovery
Combine Treatments for a Flawless Complexion
Grilled Steak With Chimichurri Sauce
A Deep Dive Into Medieval Slumber
The 2 Acts of Medieval Slumber
In the Middle Ages, most people didn’t sleep for eight uninterrupted hours like we do today. Instead, they had a “biphasic” sleep schedule, which means they had two sleep phases, with a brief period of activity in the middle. For first sleep, the household typically slept from 9–11 p.m. They slept on one single straw mattress. Everyone — including children, parents, and visitors — huddled on one bed. Despite the lack of space, they tried to make it as comfortable as possible with complex sleeping arrangements. Touching, kicking, or any other restless activity was considered rude. Meanwhile, girls slept closest to the wall, followed by boys, guests, and parents. While they didn’t have alarm clocks back then, they had an internal clock that woke them up around midnight. Once they woke, they had plenty to do. They refueled the fire, did farmwork, and prayed. Often, people socialized with each other, but the busy schedules of farming families cut down on
chatting time. After they went to bed for a second sleep, they’d wake up at dawn.
Not everyone kept to the schedule. Young children slept all night unless they woke up to the commotion. Benedictine monks dozed at 7 p.m. and woke at 2 a.m. for prayer, staying awake until an afternoon nap. Still, most people followed the two-part sleep schedule, and medieval medicine even discussed how to do it properly. For example, medical texts recommended that they lie on their right side during the first sleep and switch to the left on the second sleep. It’s really not that weird — research suggests that biphasic sleep is quite natural and influenced more by lifestyle compatibility, which means the eight-hour schedule likely evolved as cultures industrialized. Our emphasis on uninterrupted slumber also coalesces with our invention of modern mattresses, and this may not be a coincidence. Sleeping is much more enjoyable if you lie down on a soft mattress than a bed of prickly straw.
Unusual Sleep Practices in the Middle Ages
4
EyePlasticMD.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator