Contact Lenses & Swimming in Boston

Wearing contact lenses while swimming may be a problem. Boston Cornea Specialist JoAnn Chang, M.D. of D’Ambrosio Eye Care commented on the need for patients to use caution when considering wearing contact lenses while participating in water related activities, such as swimming. “Some patients-and even some eye care professionals-tend to be a little lax when it comes to directing contact lens wearers to avoid wearing their contact while swimming-or even in the shower-and especially in hot tubs or spas,” said Dr. Chang. “Contact lenses really shouldn’t be worn for swimming, taking showers, in bath tubs or in hot tubs as there is plenty of research and clinical experience that tells us that poses unnecessary safety risks to patients.”

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that contact lenses not be exposed to any form of water. Although rare, a sight-threatening eye complication, Acanthamoeba Keratitis, is caused by an organism present in all forms of impure water (i.e., swimming pools, tap water, saunas, wells, and showers). Acanthamoeba, and certain forms of bacteria present in water, can become attached to the contact lenses, possibly resulting in an infection. It would be preferable to insert your contact lenses after showering. If lenses are being worn while showering, it is recommended to keep your eyes firmly closed. If you accidentally wear your contact lenses while in the bathtub or hot tub, care should be taken to avoid water being splashed into the eyes. If your eyes are exposed to water, instill a lubricating drop to help loosen the lens on the eye, remove the lens with clean, dry hands, then clean and disinfect it the lens, or discard it. Never sleep in a lens that has been exposed to water, without first cleaning and disinfecting it. If lenses were removed prior to getting in a hot tub, they must be properly cleaned and disinfected before being re-inserted.

“Contact Lenses are really quite safe to wear if your follow proper care guidelines and instructions. However, if water restrictions such as swimming, bath tubs and showering are part of your daily routine, you do need to keep your lenses out. Many more patients-even very successful contact lens wearers-finds this to be a hassle and are now interested in discussing LASIK as an option,” said Dr. Chang.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about LASIK or scheduling a free LASIK Consultation please call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Multifocal Contact Lenses in Boston

Boston contact lens wearers may want to know that Multifocal Contact Lenses are a good option for vision correction for patients with Presbyopia. Presbyopia is a condition of the eye which results in the loss of ability to focus on near objects. This happens to most people in their early to mid forties. In the past, reading glasses or bifocals were needed to allow people to read up close. Multifocal contact lenses are now available for people with presbyopia, and they can provide clear vision at all distance ranges.

There are many brands of soft multifocal contact lenses. These lenses achieve good vision at distance and near using different technologies. Some multifocal lenses have an aspheric surface which provides a range of clear vision from far to near but vision may be dependent on a person's pupil size. Other lenses have alternating rings which provide clear vision at distance or near but side effects can include halos or ghosting of images.

Multifocal designs are also available in gas permeable lenses. Gas permeable lenses can use an aspheric or translating design to provide a good range of clear vision. Translating contact lenses have a bifocal segment in the lower half of the lens like a pair of bifocal glasses. While vision is potentially very good with these lenses, stability of the lens and proper interaction with the lower eyelid is important.

Monovision is another way to treat presbyopia with contact lenses. With monovision, a distance contact lens is placed on one eye and near contact lens is placed in the other eye. With both eyes open, a greater range of clear vision is possible. However, depth perception may be affected some patients.

When fit properly, multifocal contact lenses can allow many people to meet their daily visual needs without reading glasses or bifocals. This can be determined at an eye examination with one of the eye doctors at D’Ambrosio Eye Care.

Call 800-325-3937 for more information or to schedule an appointment. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Help for Boston Corneal Infections

“For a lot of our Boston patients, spring is the time we like to get outdoors and participate in activities where corneal infections can become somewhat of a risk”, commented Boston Corneal Specialist JoAnn Chang, M.D. “I would like to remind patients that normally the cornea is very resistant to infection. However, if the outermost layer of the cornea-called the epithelium-is damaged from even mild accidents like getting a poke in the eye from a branch or a finger, a foreign body such as metal or even from a dirty or damaged contact lens, it is possible for bacteria, viruses or fungi to penetrate the cornea and cause an infection. Situations like these can cause painful inflammation and corneal infections called Keratitis,” remarked Dr. Chang.

Anyone concerned about a corneal infection should become familiar with the signs and symptoms of a Keratitis which may include redness, pain, light sensitivity, watering and even the formation of a white spot indicating the focus of the infection. In some instances this can cause a painful inflammation with a discharge, which if not treated quickly and appropriately, can lead to corneal erosion, corneal ulceration and corneal scarring which can impair vision and may require a corneal transplant. Quick diagnosis and treatment are the best way to avoid the potential for damage and vision loss from a corneal infection.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these signs or symptoms-especially if they have had any trauma to their eyes, please call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 and request an immediate appointment.

Boston Eye Care Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Boston eye care patients will have the benefits of electronic health records at D’Ambrosio Eye care. Francis A. D'Ambrosio, Jr., M.D., Medical Director, Eye Physician & Surgeon at D'Ambrosio Eye Care, explains “With our Electronic Health Records (EHR) system we are able to access patient records remotely and also can utilize mobile applications.” Dr. D’Ambrosio further explains, “This is a great advancement in technology from the days that would require us to physically go into one of our offices to review a patient chart, or transport them from office to office, for a patient visit. This is of particular advantage when one of our optometrists or specialists is on call. It provides a quicker response to the patient or the emergency room doctor, if that is where the call originated.”

D’Ambrosio Eye Care has four office locations within Central Massachusetts and by utilizing EHR, photos and examination results are available to other doctors within the practice immediately.

“It also has eliminated “missing” paper charts and significantly reduced the amount of paper generated at each location, adding to our desire to be more eco-friendly. EHR allows for a seamless transition for all departments whether it is medical eye care, eye surgery, optical and eyewear or billing,” continued Dr. D’Ambrosio, Jr.

Another benefit is the ability to send a “To Do” to another staff member regarding a patient immediately; this eliminates a time lag between taking a message and getting it to the individual who needs the information. With a team of fifteen doctors on staff, each doctor has certain preferences and requirements and this system allows that customization as well as mobile applications.

To schedule an appointment for an eye examination or have other eye care needs, please contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937. You may also visit facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare to request an appointment.

What Is Astigmatism?

"Astigmatism is a common condition which is present in many people. It is caused when there is an irregular shape to either the natural lens inside the eye or the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye,” explains Michael Fu, O.D., Massachusetts Optometrist at D’Ambrosio Eye Care.

Dr. Fu continues “the lens and cornea focus light on the Retina, the light-sensitive surface at the back of the eye. In astigmatism, the surface of the lens or cornea may have a different curvature in one direction compared to another. For example, someone with astigmatism usually has a cornea shaped more like a football than a basketball.” As a result, light is not focused to a single point on the back of the eye and this can lead to blurred vision.

Slight amounts of astigmatism usually do not affect vision, but larger amounts can lead to blurred vision, eyestrain, or even headaches. The most common ways of correcting astigmatism are with glasses or contact lenses. However, laser vision correction or lens replacement surgery can also reduce or eliminate astigmatism.

Some cases of astigmatism are caused by damage to the cornea from injury or from medical conditions such as keratoconus. Astigmatism from these causes can result in a type of astigmatism called irregular astigmatism. Eyeglasses usually cannot correct this type of astigmatism but technological advances now allow most types of astigmatism to be corrected with contact lenses or even refractive surgery. An eye exam by an eye care provider with experience in these technologies is needed to provide patients with all the available treatment options.

Should you have any questions or are interested in learning if you may be a candidate for laser vision correction or lens replacement surgery, please contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Eyes, Eyestrain & Boston Computer Use

"Boston computer users might wonder about why their eyes feel the way they do and why they suffer from eyestrain,"commented Francis D'Ambrosio Jr., M.D. There are some important things to know about computer and video display terminal use, your eyes and eyestrain. Staring at your computer screen, smart phone, video game or other digital devices for long periods won’t cause permanent eye damage, but your eyes may feel dry and tired. Although there are no long-term studies at this time, we do not believe there is any reason to be concerned that 3-D movies, TV or video games will damage the eyes or visual system.

Normally, you blink about 18 times a minute, but only blink half that often while using computers and other digital screen devices, whether for work or play. Reading, writing or other intensive “near work” can also cause eyestrain of a similar nature.

It is helpful in avoiding computer related eyestrain if you first position yourself about 24” from the screen you are viewing and with your eye gaze is slightly downward. It also helps to reduce glare from the screen by lighting the area properly and if possible use a screen filter if needed. It may seem silly but post a note that says “Blink!” on the computer as a reminder. Then, use the “20-20-20” rule. Every 20 minutes, shift your eyes to look at an object at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds. It is also helpful to use artificial tears to refresh your eyes when they feel dry. Make sure that you take regular breaks from computer work, and be sure to get enough sleep at night. Now, if you wear contact lenses for the computer screen it’s important that you use and care for them properly in order to avoid eye irritation, swelling, infection and vision problems. Also, give your eyes a break and wear your glasses instead of your contacts sometime. Consider a special eyeglass prescription and lens coating for computer use to help manage eyestrain and fatigue.

If you wish to learn more about computers, vision, eyestrain and your eyes please feel free to call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Boston Eye Exams with Indirect Ophthalmoscopy

When considering and eye exam in greater Boston it is helpful to learn about the types of instruments and techniques such as indirect ophthalmoscopy that might be used as part of your visit. During an eye exam, your eye doctor may instill eye drops to dilate your pupils. Dilation is often part of a comprehensive eye examination. It allows the doctor to see inside the back part of the eye. Some of the structures that become easier to see with dilation include the crystalline lens of the eye, the optic nerve and the retina.

The indirect ophthalmoscope is an instrument usually mounted on a headset. It projects a bright light and, when used in conjunction with a hand held lens, gives your eye doctor a stereoscopic view of the central and peripheral retina, as well as the optic nerve. This allows the doctor to look for pathology such as retinal hemorrhages, tumors and edema.

If you notice symptoms in your vision such as flashing lights or floating dots, your doctor will use the indirect ophthalmoscope to rule out peripheral retinal holes or tears. Your doctor may also use a technique called scleral depression which involves using mild pressure on the eyeball with an instrument such as a Q-Tip to better visualize the peripheral retina. This technique enhances the view of subtle pathology in the peripheral retina which could potentially lead to a retinal detachment.

For more information or to schedule an eye examination, contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Boston Eye Health Risk & Smoking

Boston eye care patients should be aware of the eye health risk smoking can have on your eyes-especially in terms of your risk of Cataracts and Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Avoiding smoking, or quitting, is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term eye health. Smoking-even in your teens or twenties when your senior years seem far away-increases your future risks for Cataracts and Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The more a person smokes, the greater the risks. In general, if you quit smoking the risks of these eye diseases decreases to approximately the same level as if you never smoked at all. Keep in mind that smoking also increases your risk of cardiovascular disease which also can affect your eyes. Besides the vascular problems mentioned smoking and even being around smokers and their second hand smoke increase the likelihood of dry eye. Learn more about eye health and smoking at D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937.

You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Boston Healthy Sight Choices

Making healthy sight choices in Boston is worth the effort. In a recent report by the American Foundation for The Blind, losing sight was tied with paralysis as the health condition that would have the most negative impact, considered worse than HIV/AIDS, cancer, stroke and several other serious medical conditions. Today’s eyewear can do more than just correct vision; it helps to optimize vision for everyday activities, and plays an important role in protecting and preserving vision for the future. Patients sometimes do not always know the full importance of eyewear. Eyewear can be viewed as a commodity rather than a health care product or medical device which leaves them as a consumer considering price as their ultimate concern when making eyewear selections. At D’Ambrosio Eye Care we educate patients to the importance of eyewear and that it can restore, maintain and enhance vision to enable the greater understanding of the value of vision care and eyewear. We want patients to take steps to protect vision.

Based on the legal principles of “informed choice” we feel, at D’Ambrosio Eye Care, that all patients should be informed so they can make knowledgeable eyewear purchases. Eyewear safety is an obligation that we take seriously as licensed providers. So if you ever have any questions or concerns regarding your vision or your eyewear choices stop by any of our locations anytime and we will be happy to help you choose your next pair of eyewear.

If you have any questions, or need an eye examination, please call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3927. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Eye Refractions Billing & Cost

One of the most basic parts of an eye exam is checking the refraction of your eyes or an eye refraction test. This allows us to determine what your best possible vision is at that point in time while wearing a prescription optical lens and gives us the basis for prescribing a prescription optical lens. The most common type of eye refraction is called a Manifest Refraction and is performed without the use of eye drops so that we can examine the eye in a natural state. If you have ever had an eye exam, you are probably familiar with the “which is better, one or two” test-this is a manifest refraction.

Another type of eye refraction is called a cycloplegic refraction which is performed after the instillation of eye drops to temporarily immobilize the ciliary muscle of the eye. This temporarily prevents you from accommodating or “focusing” up close and is used when there is a need for an even more precise measurement of refractive error. In addition, the eye drops will also dilate the pupil so the eye doctor can easily see the back of the eye to examine the retina, optic nerve and blood vessels in order to evaluate their health.

From an insurance standpoint, eye refractions are considered part of a routine eye exam. Because refractions are normally used to determine refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, and therefore prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses, many insurance companies, particularly Medicare and Medicaid, do not pay for them. It's important to understand that when patients are having their eye exam, refractions are a necessary part of a routine eye exam and must be paid for out of pocket.

If you have questions about the cost of your refraction, or billing questions about refraction, please call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 and we will be glad to assist.

Glaucoma Laser Treatment

“Glaucoma laser treatment has becoming one of the main modalities
for lowering eye pressure; it is safe, reliable and patient-friendly” states Bin (Benjamin) Wu, M.D., Glaucoma Specialist and Ophthalmologist at D’Ambrosio Eye Care.

“This procedure usually causes minimal discomfort, is painless and can be performed in our office. Contrary to what many people think, the “newer” version laser, Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), is becoming more popular compared to the “older” version Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty (ALT) of Trabeculoplasty”, continues Dr. Wu.

The SLT laser has the advantage of utilizing very low levels of energy. The laser does not burn a hole through the eye. Instead, the eye's drainage system is changed in very subtle ways so that aqueous fluid is able to pass more easily out of the drain. It is termed "selective" since it leaves portions of the Trabecular meshwork intact. For this reason, it is believed that SLT, unlike other types of laser surgery, may be safely repeated. Dr. Wu further states “I have been treating my patients with laser since 2002 and many patients have been able to reduce the need for glaucoma drops.” Should you have any questions, or have a need for glaucoma treatment, please call D’Ambrosio Eye Care for an appointment at 800-325-3937. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

LASIK is Affordable: Easy Payments, Flex Plans & Tax Refunds

Believe it or not, LASIK is affordable for just about anyone at D’Ambrosio Eye Care! That’s because we work to find ways to work with you to help you achieve your personal vision correction goals at D’Ambrosio Eye Care. Here are a few ways lots of our patients choose when they have LASIK at D’Ambrosio Eye Care.

Easy Payment Plans
Many of our patients use our easy payment monthly payment plans. We can arrange the amount you pay each month to fit your budget-AND you do not even have to put any money down! You can have your LASIK procedure today WITH NO MONEY DOWN-and with 0% interest if you would like!

Flex Plans-Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Many employers offer Flex Plans-Flexible Spending Accounts or FSA’s. These plans allow you to have money taken out of your paycheck over time to pay for LASIK. What is even more appealing about Flex Plans is that money is withheld in Pre-Tax dollars allowing you to get extra tax savings. It is best to come in for a free consultation to find out if you are a candidate for LASIK-and then we can tell you exactly how much to have taken out of your paycheck!

Health Spending Accounts (HSA)
Health Spending Accounts are another way our patients can use Pre-Tax dollars to pay for LASIK and elective Lens Implants. If you have an HSA, it is best to come in for a free consultation to find out if you are a candidate for LASIK so we can tell you how much to allocate.

Insurance & Discount Fee for Service Plans
More and more health insurance or vision insurance plans are offering partial coverage or a discount for LASIK to their participants. We will be happy to review your plan. Even if we are not a direct provider on your plan, if you have coverage, we will make every attempt to honor your benefit allowance when you come to D’Ambrosio Eye Care.

Tax Refunds
Tax refunds often provide a nice source of unexpected cash that you can invest in yourself! If you know that you are going to be getting a tax refund, come in for a free consultation and find out if you are a candidate for LASIK. We can even use a very short term payment plan to help you get treated today and pay with your tax refund tomorrow.

Call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 for more information. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Contact Lens Types

Contact lenses are available to correct almost any type of prescription. The most common type of prescription corrected by contact lenses is myopia, or nearsightedness. Astigmatism and hyperopia, or farsightedness, can also be corrected by contact lenses. “There are some medical conditions that affect the eye that cause distorted vision. Contact lenses may be the only way to provide clear vision to some of these patients”, stated Michael Fu, O.D., Optometrist at D’Ambrosio Eye Care.

Soft contact lenses make up the majority of contact lenses sold throughout the world. There are many varieties of soft contact lenses, including colored contacts, ultraviolet radiation blocking contacts, and aspheric contacts that potentially improve night vision. Rigid Gas Permeable contact lenses are useful in patients who demand crisp vision or who have large amounts of astigmatism. Hybrid contact lenses have a rigid center and a soft skirt surrounding it. These lenses try to combine the clarity of a rigid lens with the comfort of a soft lens.

Seeing an eye care provider familiar with all types of contact lenses will give patients the most options to correct their vision. For more information, or to schedule an eye examination to determine the appropriate lens for you, please contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Age Related Macular Degeneration Awareness in Massachusetts

“Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in Americans older than 50, affecting more than two million people. Although AMD is incurable, there are new treatments that can, at a minimum, prevent further vision loss from the disease and in many cases actually help recover lost vision,” commented Massachusetts Ophthalmologist Francis A. D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D., Medical Director of D’Ambrosio Eye Care.

AMD causes central vision to blur, but leaves peripheral vision intact. It is progressive and painless. There are two types of ARMD: Dry and Wet. Approximately 90 percent of people with AMD have the dry form which results in gradual vision loss. Although only 10 percent of people with ARMD have the wet form, it generally progresses much quicker than the dry form. Wet AMD is characterized by the growth of abnormal retinal blood vessels that leak blood or fluid, causing rapid and severe central vision loss.

Patients can often reduce the risk of developing ARMD by not smoking as well as working to eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fish, fruit and green leafy vegetables, avoiding foods with trans fats, exercising and controlling blood pressure and weight. “We are fortunate to be able to offer Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) drugs that inhibit the development of unwanted blood vessels that cause wet ARMD as these agents are effective in helping to prevent further visual loss and even improve vision,” said Dr. D’Ambrosio, Jr.

Patients older than 50 years of age are encouraged to have a comprehensive, dilated eye examination every one to two years to ensure that ARMD is detected and treated early. The key to successful treatment is early detection and intervention.

If you or someone you know is at risk for AMD please call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 to schedule and eye exam. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Aspirin & Macular Degeneration (AMD)

There may be a relationship between frequent aspirin use and Macular Degeneration (AMD) according to researchers from the European Eye Study who reported some interesting findings on the October 2011 publication Ophthalmology which is the official journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. They found that frequent aspirin use may be associated with an increased risk of early or late “wet age-related macular degeneration”, with an “odds ratio” that increases upon frequency of consumption. However the study is somewhat limited in that there was an unknown amount of aspirin taken, as well as the possibility that participants may have taken aspirin after experiencing visual problems. So, at this time the study is interesting but inconclusive and certainly patients taking aspirin to offset the coronary risk profile or other vascular problems should NOT discontinue taking aspirin unless they have been directed to do so by their personal physician.

Patients who have question or concerns about Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) should feel free to contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 for information or to schedule an appointment. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Why NOT to Buy Eyewear or Glasses Online

Did you know that in Massachusetts the state regulates that eyewear is a medical device and by law it is required to be fit and dispensed (provided) by a qualified licensed Optician or a registered apprentice? On-line businesses do not follow this regulation, however they are permitted to provide eyewear because they are based outside of state and/or country lines. Your Optometrist or Ophthalmologist is required to provide you the needed binocular pupillary measurement, know as your PD. However, this is a generic measurement that may not result in a pair of eyewear with optimal visual performance, especially if you wear progressive (no-line) lenses or have a difficult prescription.

At D’Ambrosio Eye Care there are several measurements and considerations when customizing a pair of eyewear that includes a monocular pupillary or visual center measurement (VCP), your visual needs, prescription, lens type, frame style, wrap angle, vertex distance, pantoscopic tilt, base curve, head and facial features, the intended use for your eyewear and previous eyewear worn. When fitting eyewear we also make precision adjustments so you are looking through the optical center of the lens. Our Opticians also want your frame to fit properly so they do not slip on your nose, pinch the sides of your head, leave red marks or cause discomfort behind your ears or on your nose. Any of these concerns may cause headaches and/or decreased vision. The human face is not symmetrical left to right so using only your binocular PD will not place the pupils in the visual center of the lens and possibly cause distortion, unwanted prism and headaches. Taking this measurement yourself- as some online stores request you do is tricky-somewhat akin to trying to cut your own hair.

We did our own research on an online competitor and found that once you purchase your eyewear – that you choose without a licensed professional - you have only 10 days to contact them if something isn’t right and, if you are provided a warranty within that timeframe, you have to pay a restocking fee. So when something does go wrong or you need an adjustment they are not going to help you. D’Ambrosio Eye Care offers a no-fee 1-year warranty and we adjust your eyewear at no cost for the life of your purchase, when you purchase with us. Because…to us you are our patient, to them only a customer.

Please stop by any of our optical departments or contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 for more information.

Finding the Best Cataract Surgeons in Massachusetts

To find the best cataract surgeons requires a little bit of work and investigation but is always worth it. Finding an eye surgeon who is a cataract specialist can help you to be confident that you are getting the most current information, thoughts and techniques to deal with your cataracts.

Ask People You Trust for a recommendation. Ask your friends, co-workers and family-but most importantly ask you primary care physician who they would go to or who they would send a parent to for cataract surgery.

Don’t Limit Yourself to Insurance Lists. Just because a cataract surgeon is “in network” isn’t a reason to use them if you are able to identify a top cataract surgeon you wish to go to who isn’t listed. Paying a slightly higher co-pay or deductible may be very worthwhile to get the cataract surgeon of your choice. If the best cataract surgeon in your area happens to be in the insurance list then you are all set.

Use the Power of the Internet. Take a minute to search “cataract surgeons in (insert your town/city/state)” or “best cataract surgeon in (insert your town/city/state)”. This will at least give you a starting place to begin creating a list of eye surgeons to investigate further.

Visit the Cataract Surgeon’s Web Site. Once you have compiled a list, visit their web sites and get a feel for their practice culture and philosophy. While a web site by itself can’t tell you much about surgical skills, it can tell you about how well he or she presents information and explains detail to patients. This is important in how comfortable you may feel in that practice.

Schedule a Consultation and Meet the Cataract Surgeon. The only sure fire way to find out if you are comfortable and get a sense of trust from a cataract surgeon is to schedule a consultation and meet the surgeon personally. They should be able to clearly explain your eye health and vision as well as the cataract procedure and answer any questions you have in understandable language and terms. Whether or not you find the right cataract surgeon right off the bat it is never inappropriate to………

Get a Second Opinion. Making a decision about eye surgery is a big deal. Getting to a place where you feel confident, relaxed and comfortable is important.

If you or someone you know has a cataract or wish to learn more about cataract surgery, please call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Toric Contact Lenses for Astigmatism

Toric Contact Lenses for Astigmatism can be very helpful for patients. Many people suffer from blurred vision caused by astigmatism. Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or the natural lens of the eye are unable to focus a clear image due to an irregular surface. Most people with astigmatism have an oval cornea, shaped like a football, instead of round like a basketball. In the past, patients may have been told that they could not wear contact lenses because they have astigmatism. This is no longer the case. Almost all cases of astigmatism can be treated with some type of contact lens.

Soft toric contact lenses are the most popular type of contact lens used to treat astigmatism. Good initial comfort is the main advantage of this type of lens, and the availability of trial contact lenses helps the initial fitting process. Soft Toric lenses are available in a disposable modality so long term convenience, health, and comfort are improved.

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses are also used to treat astigmatism. Patients will have more initial awareness when wearing rigid gas permeable lenses compared to soft lenses, but long term comfort is usually good after the patient becomes accustomed to them. RGP contact lenses are able to treat greater amounts of astigmatism than soft lenses.

Hybrid contact lenses have a rigid gas permeable center and a soft lens skirt surrounding it. This type of lens tries to combine the sharp vision potential of a rigid lens with the comfort of a soft lens. The correct type of toric lens depends on the patient's prescription, corneal shape and visual needs, and they are available at D’Ambrosio Eye Care.

For more information about contact lenses and what type may be best for you, or to schedule an appointment for an eye examination, contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

About Your Eyes & Being Pregnant

What does being pregnant have to with your eyes? Sometimes quite a bit. During pregnancy your body undergoes fluctuations in hormone levels, changes in fluid retention and even an increase in your overall blood volume. These types of changes can result in your eyes changing in various ways. Fortunately eye changes due to pregnancy are usually temporary and resolve after the baby is born or after the cessation of breast feeding. Typically, vision changes are minor and don’t require a change in eyeglasses, however there are some eye changes that do require care and attention.

If you were thinking about having LASIK you should delay your actual LASIK Surgery procedure until at least three months after your delivery or three months after you stop nursing. This is necessary because the thickness of your cornea may fluctuate during pregnancy and will reduce the accuracy of the LASIK correction. Also, hormonal fluctuations are often the cause of dry eye. This can make you uncomfortable by itself and can certainly make wearing your contact lenses more difficult. If you experience dry eyes during pregnancy be sure to consult your eye care provider so that “pregnancy-safe” lubricating eye drops or other alternative treatments for dry eye can be prescribed. Sometimes simply eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, flax seeds and walnuts may help resolve dry eye and also supports general good health.

On a more serious note, if your vision becomes noticeably blurry, it may signal high blood pressure or pregnancy-related diabetes.

If you experience dry eyes, changes in vision or especially very blurred vision during pregnancy, it is important to schedule an appointment to see us at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling 800-325-3937. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Eye Turns or Strabismus

Eye turns (strabismus) in children can have multiple repercussions. “There are a number of functional problems that kids can have with strabismus (eye turns). If one eye turns regularly, the vision may not develop properly in that eye; if a turn is always present, depth perception will not develop. Another important, but often overlooked, negative effect from strabismus has to do with the social impacts that an eye turn has on children” stated Oren L. Weisberg, M.D., Pediatric Ophthalmologist at D’Ambrosio Eye Care.

Dr. Weisberg continued, “A recent article reinforces our understanding of this. In the study, pictures of children were digitally altered to give them an exotropia (an eye turn outward). A group of children aged 8-12 years then looked at the pictures and were asked to rate their willingness to sit next to such kids compared to pictures of kids without eye turns. Kids of all age groups studied were less willing to sit next to a child with exotropia. Other studies have also shown that strabismus can negatively affect kids in social situations”.

There are treatments available for patients with strabismus. This can include eyeglasses, patching, eye drops and sometimes surgery. If any turns are noted a complete eye exam by a provider who has experience working with children is important. During that visit all options for treatment can be reviewed.

If you feel your child has an eye turn, please call 800-325-3937 to schedule an appointment. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

LASIK for Contact Lens Problems & Intolerance

“Contact lens problems and intolerance seem to be motivating more and more patients to schedule LASIK consultations these days”, said Massachusetts Corneal Specialist JoAnn C. Chang, M.D. of D’Ambrosio Eye Care.

In fact, contact lens problems and intolerance are the reasons a great many patients seek LASIK Surgery and Laser Vision Correction. “The most common reason for contact lens intolerance that we see is a condition called Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis or GPC”, commented Dr. Chang.

When we wear contact lenses, no matter how successful or diligent we are in their care and replacement, they become coated with mucous and protein from our tears. After a number of years of wearing contacts it is not uncommon to develop an allergy to the protein on the contact lens. Initially this may result in patients having some dry eye symptoms and prompt them to use lubricating eye drops. However, as the GPC contact lens problem continues to progress, patients begin to notice some itch and stringy mucous type discharge from their eyes. After a while the contacts just become too uncomfortable and gritty and patients become intolerant and just can’t wear their contacts.

During a severe episode of GPC, patients may be restricted from wearing their contacts in order to reduce the allergic inflammation of the lids. In some cases, patients are no longer able to wear contacts again at all. Patients with a chronic GPC may decide to have LASIK to correct their vision, so that they no longer need to depend on contacts on a daily basis.

LASIK can be a great option for you to rid yourself of the hassle of contacts and allow you to continue a “glasses free” lifestyle for seeing at distance.

If you or someone you know suffer from any type of contact lens problem and would like to learn more about LASIK, and whether you are a good candidate, please call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 for a Free LASIK Consultation. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Detached Retina-What Causes It?

You may have heard of someone having a detached Retina and wondered what that is and what might have caused it to occur.

First, let’s talk about the Retina. The Retina is located at the back of the eye and is made of many layers of cells and nerves that sense light and capture a picture. The picture then is sent to the brain. The eye is like a camera, with the light being focused by the front of the eye. Like a camera that uses film, the retina is like the film lining the back of the camera with the lens focusing light onto it.

When the Retina detaches, it loses its normal position and separates from the wall of the eye. When it is not in the proper position it cannot function properly and vision will be blurred. This is a serious problem, a blinding eye problem, and needs to be treated to try to prevent permanent blindness.

So, how does the Retina become detached? There are a few different causes.

The middle of your eye is filled with a clear gel called the vitreous and it sits close to the retina. Over the years, the vitreous liquefies, in both young people and old. It often changes position and separates away from the Retina. This generally doesn’t cause a problem. Sometimes it may pull away and cause a hole or a tear the Retina. This tear can occur in one or more places. This can allow fluid to pass through the hole or tear, causing the retina to lift away from the back of the eye, similar to wallpaper peeling from a wall.

Are there any warning signs? New flashing lights, new floaters, or a shadow in the side of your vision could be the first signs of a retinal tear or retinal detachment, but not always. If you see any of these, it is recommended you contact your ophthalmologist for further examination.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care, by phoning 800-325-3937.

Glaucoma Awareness Month in Massachusetts

D’Ambrosio Eye Care wants to focus patient’s attention on glaucoma this month as January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. “This is an important time to spread the word about this sight-threatening disease. Our understanding of this disease, along with the ways in which we can diagnose and treat it, has improved considerably,” commented Massachusetts Glaucoma Specialist Bin (Benjamin) Wu, M.D. of D’Ambrosio Eye Care.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness. Moreover, among African American and Latino populations, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness overall. Of particular note is that glaucoma is 6 to 8 times more common in African Americans than Caucasians.

Over 4 million Americans, and nearly 70 million people worldwide, have glaucoma. Experts estimate that half of them don’t know they have it. Combined with our aging population, we can see an epidemic of blindness looming if we don’t raise awareness about the importance of regular eye examinations to preserve vision.

The most common type of glaucoma—Primary Open Angle Glaucoma—is hereditary. The Nottingham Glaucoma Study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology evaluated the risk that siblings of glaucoma patients would themselves develop glaucoma within their lifetime. “While we already knew that there was a strong likelihood that family members of glaucoma patients were at greater risk, the Nottingham Study found that siblings were 5 times more likely to develop glaucoma by age 70. This is why we strongly recommend that siblings of glaucoma patients and glaucoma suspects be screened for glaucoma, each and every year,” said Dr. Wu.

If you, a relative or someone you know, is at risk for glaucoma based on age, heredity or health, please call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 to schedule an eye exam and glaucoma screening. Early diagnosis and treatment goes a long way to preserving eye health and vision. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Multifocal Lens Implants (IOL) at D’Ambrosio Eye Care

Intraocular lenses, or IOLs as they are more commonly known, are artificial lenses that are used to replace natural lenses that have become clouded with cataracts. They can also be used as a solution for people who suffer from presbyopia, a condition in which the lens becomes less flexible, thus losing its ability to focus on near objects. Before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of intraocular lenses in 1981, patients who had cataract surgery were forced to wear thick eyeglasses or contact lenses to improve their vision.

Monofocal Lens Implants vs. Multifocal Lens Implants
Traditional, or Monofocal IOLs, can only offer patients improvement at one set distance, usually for seeing far away. At D’Ambrosio Eye Care we offer our patients Multifocal Implants to help our presbyopic and Cataract Surgery patients see more clearly at a range of distances. This technology allows us to replace the eye’s natural lens with a new, artificial lens that can help restore visual clarity to near, intermediate and distance vision.

If you have any questions about Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants please feel free to phone D’Ambrosio Eye Care Toll Free at 800.325.3937 to schedule a consultation and examination.

Lucentis for Diabetic Eye Disease

Reports of a two-year clinical study of the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drug Lucentis when used to treat Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) showed that it helped eliminate the problem which is a cause of significant vision loss in patients with diabetes. Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy in the form of DME who received the drug experienced rapid and sustained improvement in vision compared to those who received a placebo injection.


Diabetic Macular Edema or DME is the swelling of retina in people with diabetic eye disease called diabetic retinopathy, which causes damage to the blood vessels of retina. The DME patients suffers fluid leak from the damaged blood vessel to the central portion of retina, causing it to swell leading to blurred vision, severe vision loss and blindness.

Of the 26 million U.S. people with diabetes, a portion of up to 10 percent tends to develop DME during their lifetime, and up to 75,000 new cases of DME are estimated to develop each year. Currently, DME patients are treated with laser surgery that helps seal the leaky blood vessels to slow the leakage of fluid and reduce the amount of fluid in the retina.

Lucentis is approved for use by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of “Wet” Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and for Macular Edema following Retinal Vein Occlusion. In 2011, Lucentis was approved for treatment of visual impairment due to DME in Europe.

If you have any questions about Diabetic eye problems or Diabetic Retinopathy please feel free to phone D’Ambrosio Eye Care Toll Free at 800-325-3937 to schedule a consultation and examination.

Recovery After Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery today is really very advanced and quite “patient friendly.” At D’Ambrosio Eye Care we perform our Cataract Surgery and Lens Implants at the Cataract and Laser center of Gardner. This eye surgery facility is very comfortable and efficient and your entire Cataract Surgery procedure should take only 2-3 hours from the time you check in until the time you check out.

Second, advanced cataract surgery is most often performed with local or topical anesthesia. Thus, there is really minimal if any “recovery” from the anesthesia used. You are usually feeling “back to normal” by the end of the day of your surgery or certainly by the next morning.

Third, with the advanced Cataract Surgery technique of “small incision phacoemulsification” there is only a need to create a tiny incision-often just a few millimeters-through which the Cataract is removed and the intraocular lens is implanted. Thus the wound healing is very quick.

Finally, depending on the type of lens implant that is used it is highly likely that your distance vision will be dramatically improved within 24 hours. In fact many patients actually are comfortable driving the next day after their cataract operation. If you have a multifocal or accommodating lens implant to correct both your distance and near vision, it might take a bit longer to appreciate the full clarity of the near vision correction. So, it is pretty likely that you will be back to work in a few days. Depending on your cataract surgeon’s instructions, you should be able to resume all of your normal activities with a couple of days.

If you have any questions about Cataracts, Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants please feel free to phone D’Ambrosio Eye Care Toll Free at 800.325.3937 to schedule a consultation and examination.

Diabetic Eye Disease Month at D’Ambrosio Eye Care

D’Ambrosio Eye Care wishes to announce that Prevent Blindness America has designated November as National Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. This is an important time to spread the word about this potentially blinding disease. We need to work to help patients avoid the complications of diabetic retinopathy, which blinds over 8,000 Americans each year. The vision loss from diabetic retinopathy can be prevented if it's caught and treated in time. A recent study found that more than one third of those diagnosed with diabetes do not adhere to vision care guidelines recommending a dilated eye exam every year.

As part of Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month we are urging people with diabetes to have a dilated eye exam every year. The longer a person has diabetes, the greater his or her risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. However, diabetic retinopathy does not only affect people who have had diabetes for many years, it can also appear within the first year or two after the onset of the disease.

Patients can help to reduce the risk of developing diabetic eye disease by not smoking, controlling their cholesterol and lipid profile and blood pressure, as well as working to eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fish, fruit and green leafy vegetables and exercising.

The key to successful treatment of diabetic retinopathy is early detection and intervention. If you or someone you know has diabetes or is even pre-diabetic, please feel free to schedule a diabetic eye examination at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us Toll Free at 800.325.3937.

Eye Safety for Halloween

Halloween has become a favorite time of year for folks young and old to ‘dress up’ and along with that comes the need to remind adults and parents of some eye safety tips.

1. DECORATIVE CONTACT LENSES – sometimes referred to as theatrical or costume lenses, it is important to remember these are medical devices and unless prescribed by an eye care professional, avoid them. They are regulated by the FDA, but many people buy them in salons or flea markets and they can do more harm than good to your eyes. Whether you need corrective lenses for vision or not, these must be prescribed by an eye care professional they can damage your eyes without a proper fitting.

2. MASKS – masks may be an important part of your costume, but use caution to ensure that your visibility is not impaired. Pirate costumes are popular for all age groups, but using only one eye to see can be dangerous.

If you or your child must wear a mask, make certain the eye holes are large enough to ensure good visibility. This may mean making the holes larger, but it will be worth the effort to help with safety.

Parents should think of an alternative using makeup to aid their children’s ability to see properly while still enjoying their outing.

3. WIGS & HATS – can impair your vision so use caution when using either of these. They can slip or turn and block your field of vision so make certain they are securely in place.

4. MAKEUP – while makeup is a good alternative to a mask, patients should check to ensure that it is hypoallergenic and FDA approved. Also be careful to avoid the eye area as it could cause an irritation to this sensitive area.

Use caution as well when applying false eyelashes as the glue can get into the eye area and cause damage and irritation.

5. PROPS – if part of your child’s costume is a sword, wand or anything stick-like, make sure it is made of a flexible material so they don’t injure themselves or others.

6. COSTUMES – while an all black (or dark) costume may be perfect for your children’s character, it makes them very hard to see at night or in a crowd. At a minimum, make certain to have reflective tape on their clothes.

7. TREATS – it’s important that children understand they should not eat anything on their route but should bring it home for an adult to inspect. Any items that are not age-appropriate (peanuts, small candies) for the child or if it appears tampered in any way, should be thrown away. Better to err on the side of caution than to have a problem.

The doctors and staff at D’Ambrosio Eye Care wish you a fun-filled and safe Halloween!

D'Ambrosio Eye Care Offers Lecture Series

Did you know that the medical doctors at D’Ambrosio Eye Care can provide lectures in their difference specialties for varied groups?

Sahana Vyas, M.D., retinal specialist at D’Ambrosio Eye Care, has provided talks followed by a question and answer session at several Assisted Living residences, senior centers and health

groups. Several of her topics include:

 “What’s New in Macular Degeneration”
 “How Diabetes Can Affect Your Vision”
 “Why Do I Need a Dilated Eye Exam?”

Benjamin (Bin) Wu, M.D. , glaucoma specialist at D’Ambrosio Eye Care, lectures to different organizations on:

 “The Importance of Screening for Glaucoma”

JoAnn C. Chang, M.D. is the LASIK and cornea specialist at D’Ambrosio Eye Care and provides information on LASIK and other vision correction procedures.

Should your organization be interested in discussing options for our doctors to speak, please contact Jude Seppa, Community Outreach, at 978.537-3900 x345 for more information.

Eye Injury Prevention Month at D’Ambrosio Eye Care

D’Ambrosio Eye Care wishes to announce that October has been designated Eye Injury Prevention Month by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. When most people go out to mow the lawn, jump-start the car or get ready to do some spring cleaning, the last thing they think about is protecting their eyes, but it should be first on their mind. It is a good idea to think about protecting your eyes from the extraordinary damage often caused by the most ordinary of activities.


Many household chemicals, such as cleaning fluids, detergents and ammonia, are extremely hazardous and can burn the eye's delicate tissues. When using chemicals, always read instructions and labels carefully, work in a well-ventilated area and make sure spray nozzles point away from you and others before spraying. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after use.


Before using a lawnmower, power trimmer or edger, check for debris. Stones, twigs and other items can become dangerous projectiles shooting from the blades of a lawnmower, potentially injuring your eyes or those of innocent bystanders. Prevention is the first and most important step in avoiding serious eye injuries, so be sure to protect your eyes with appropriate protective eyewear.


Please feel free to phone D’Ambrosio Eye Care Toll Free at 800.325.3937 to schedule a consultation and examination.

Continuing Nursing Education Offered Through D'Ambrosio Eye Care

Recently, D’Ambrosio Eye Care has provided contact hours for nursing credit for Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners in Massachusetts. Francis A. D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D. and JoAnn C. Chang, M.D. presented information to two large groups of nurses on “Common Eye Problems for the Primary Care Practitioner.” Dr. D’Ambrosio, Jr. recently stated “many nurses find they did not have much exposure to diagnosis and treatment of common eye problems and this course was developed to assist them in their day-to-day activities”.

Dr. D’Ambrosio, Jr. presented on triage of eye problems covering topics from eye injuries, inflammation and pain to floaters. Many of the attendees expressed their lack of specific knowledge in areas impacting the eye and were very happy to receive this information. The triage presentation afforded nurses the opportunity to learn whether a specific incident would require immediate treatment or urgent treatment and follow up by an ophthalmologist. Within a few days of the course one of the nurse practitioners was presented with a patient that had one of the less common problems and was accurately able to refer the patient for immediate treatment and follow up care. Without the course, she might not have recognized the urgency of the problem.

In addition to this course, Dr. D’Ambrosio Jr. has hosted several nurses in our clinic for additional continuing education hours. The programs are specifically tailored to each nurse and their area of interest. To date, we had had nurses instructed by several of our medical doctors in the areas of cataract diagnosis, minor treatments, laser procedures, LASIK, glaucoma, macular degeneration and pediatrics.

If an LPN, RN or NP wishes to participate in this program, please contact Jude Seppa at D’Ambrosio Eye Care, 978.537.3900 x345 for more information.

Eyewear Trunk Show Scheduled for Saturday, 9/24!

D'Ambrosio Eye Care Lancaster Optical Department

9:00am to 1:00pm

What is a trunk show? It is an event where several of the representatives from the frame manufacturers are invited to come in with an expanded line of frames to display for patients to look through. While our Optical Departments carry a very large selection of frames, the trunk show gives folks a chance to perhaps see frames in different colors and styles than we usually carry. In addition, during the trunk show, we offer an exceptional 35% discount on purchases (with some exceptions).

So, if you’re ready for a new pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses, stop by and take a look. In addition to great sale pricing, we will have refreshments, a gift with purchase and a free raffle drawing for a great prize.

Representatives currently scheduled for September 24 are: COACH, ADIDAS, SILHOUETTE, SEAN JOHN, to name a few. Selections will be great, so come on by and take a look.

Our most recent trunk show was a Hawaiian theme and here’s a picture of the staff sporting tropical attire!

Hope to see you September 24! Remember, our LANCASTER location at 479 Old Union Turnpike only for this sale!

Cataract Surgery at D’Ambrosio Eye Care

Most folks know that cataracts are a clouding of the natural lens of the eye. What many people don’t know is the surgery to replace that cloudy lens is a quick and relatively easy procedure to have done. D’Ambrosio Eye Care eye surgeons perform cataract surgery with Intraocular Lens Implants (IOL) at The Cataract & Laser Center in Gardner, MA. During the cataract evaluation appointment, your cataract surgeon will discuss the options in lens implants to you. Implant choices are available to help you become independent of your eyeglasses if that is your lifestyle goal.

In recent years, the availability of near vision, presbyopia-correcting lens implants has been a popular option. These implants may provide a full range of vision, from near to distance and in-between allowing the patient to be able to read a book and drive, free of eyeglasses. The decision for which option is best for you is made together with your cataract surgeon.

Cataract & Laser Center in Gardner MA

Did you know that when the doctors at D’Ambrosio Eye Care perform cataract surgery it is at a Cataract & Laser Center? The Cataract & Laser Center (CLC) is located in Gardner, MA at 95 Mechanic Street. This is a stand-alone building that provides the TLC needed for our patients. The staff is friendly and courteous and provides a positive experience for patients and their family members. The CLC is physician-owned and operated to ensure the best patient care possible. The emphasis of the CLC is on behavior and attitude to give each patient that special feeling of not being alone for any procedure. While having a surgical procedure may be troublesome for some patients, the CLC does everything within its power to make it the best experience available.

Safety Eyewear at D’Ambrosio Eye Care

D’Ambrosio Eye Care is pleased to offer an extensive selection of safety eyewear packages including the lenses and frames to specifically suite the safety needs of individuals. The lenses are available in both non-prescription and prescription to meet your needs. The frames are more durable than typical frames for everyday wear. Several styles offer side shields to prevent chemicals and small objects from entering the eye and causing discomfort and possible eye damage.

All the lenses used in our safety packages meet ANSI standards for safety eyewear and are made with a polycarbonate lens material, which is impact resistant. Should your safety glasses become damaged, it’s important to have them checked out by an optician to ensure continued protection. In the unfortunate event that an injury does occur, D’Ambrosio Eye Care is open seven (7) days a week and our doctors are on call 24-hours daily.

Safety eyewear is very important and should be a consideration whether you are on the job or working around your home. We are happy to provide safety eyewear to businesses. Please contact us at 800-325-3937 for more information.

Corneal Specialist JoAnn Chang, M.D. of D’Ambrosio Eye Care

D’Ambrosio Eye Care Ophthalmologist, LASIK & Cornea Specialist, JoAnn C. Chang, M.D., diagnoses and treats patients with cataracts and diseases of the cornea.

Dr. Chang graduated from The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (with Honors) in Ohio and continued with her residency at The University of Chicago Hospitals. She then completed a Fellowship in Cornea and Refractive Surgery at the University of Utah John Moran Eye Center. Dr. Chang sees patients who are interested in Laser Vision Correction, typically LASIK. She also provides medical and surgical eye care for corneal disease, including cornea transplantation. She also performs routine, as well as complex cataract evaluations and surgery, including Intraocular Lens Implantation (IOL).

Dr. Chang is also a dynamic speaker and has recently been featured as a lecturer in continuing education workshops for local Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners on “Common Eye Problems for the Primary Care Practitioner”.

Cataract & Prostate Cancer Treatment

Your risk of developing Cataracts may be higher if you are being treated for prostate cancer with Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT). The side effects of ADT such as weight gain, insulin resistance and blood lipid level problems have been linked to Cataract formation. Although further prospective study is necessary to truly understand the findings, researchers from Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit used the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Medicare database to analyze cataract formation in prostate cancer patients and found a strong correlation among those on ADT and the incidence of Cataract. If you would like to learn more about Cataracts, cataract surgery and Lens Implants please call D’Ambrosio Eye Care Toll Free at 800-325-3937.

Sunday Appointments at D’Ambrosio Eye Care

Recognizing that folks lead busy lives, with work and family commitments, D’Ambrosio Eye Care offers appointments for eye examinations on Sundays in our Lancaster, MA location and is open from 9:00am – 2:00pm.

In addition to these hours, our doctors are on call 24-hours daily, 365 days a year. If you have an after-hour emergency, call us at 1-800-325-3937 and your call will be directed to the “on call” doctor.

VIP Vision Plan at D’Ambrosio Eye Care

Did you know that D’Ambrosio Eye Care offers patients a VIP Vision Plan? The most important part of what we strive to do for our patients is provide them with superior vision care and vision solutions.

We understand eyewear can be a burden to some families and individuals, so we have designed a VIP Vision Plan to help. The cost to patients is their commitment to allow us to provide those visual solutions; because, after taking a closer look, not all eyewear provides optimal vision. Understandably, investing in optimal vision is a financial commitment, which is shy we offer above-average discounts and benefits, more than offered by most of the larger vision plans.

When you come in to any of our three locations in Lancaster, Gardner and Acton, MA you will be given a brochure detailing the discounts and benefits. Any of our Optical Departments staff can explain the details and how it may be of benefit to you.

DRIVEWEAR® Eyeglasses at D’Ambrosio Eye Care

With today’s busy lifestyles, we spend a significant amount of time both behind the wheel of a vehicle or as a passenger. Good vision has a significant impact on our driving and DriveWear® was designed to take this into consideration. DriveWear® reacts to varying light conditions both on the outside of the car and behind the windshield, it accommodates from bright sunlight causing blinding glare to overcast conditions.

DriveWear® Lenses provide glare protection through polarization and enhance and protect vision through photochromics, which respond to both visible and UV light. DriveWear® is available at any of the three locations of D’Ambrosio Eye Care in Lancaster, Gardner and Acton, MA. Stop by our Optical Departments and speak with an Optician about the best option for your lifestyle.

Children's Eye Health Month at D’Ambrosio Eye Care

D’Ambrosio Eye Care wishes to announce that August has been designated as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month by Prevent Blindness America. Eye and vision problems affect one in twenty preschoolers and one in four school aged children. Parents should be aware that it is possible for their children to have a serious vision problem without even being aware of it. Infants should be screened for common eye problems during their regular pediatric appointments and vision testing should be conducted for all children starting at around three years of age. If there is a family history of eye problems or if an eye problem is apparent, it is important to bring it to the attention of and eye doctor so that they can advise the parents about when and how often their child’s eyes should be examined.

Among the conditions an eye doctor will look for are amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), ptosis (drooping of the upper eyelid), color deficiency (color blindness) and refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism). We are fortunate to have Oren Weisberg, M.D. at D’Ambrosio Eye Care, who is a fellowship trained in Pediatric Ophthalmology and a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of children’s eye problems. Please feel free to phone D’Ambrosio Eye Care Toll Free at 800-325-3937 to schedule a consultation and examination.

Adidas and Silhouette Eyeglass Frames

D’Ambrosio Eye Care, with Optical Departments in Lancaster, Gardner and Acton, MA is happy to announce we have added two additional frame lines to the extensive selection we currently offer to our patients. These two lines are stylish and offer some great options to individuals looking for style and function in their eyeglass frames.

Our licensed Opticians, in all three Optical Departments, can assist with the proper frame selection to meet your individual needs and requirements. When discussing your needs with our Opticians, let them know about your lifestyle, work habits and activities and they can explain the different options that will best meet your needs.

Our Optical Departments are open six (6) days a week with extended evening hours on most days.

Contact Lens Wearers and Non Compliance

Recent results from two on-line surveys sponsored by VISTAKON®, Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. indicate contact lens wearers are significantly non-compliant in many areas of contact lens wear and care. One survey addressed the frequency of lens replacement and the other posed questions regarding disinfection of the lenses, hygiene and the storage case replacement.

JoAnn C. Chang, M.D., Corneal Specialist at D’Ambrosio Eye Care, Inc. was not surprised by the results of these surveys. Dr. Chang states “the cornea is the window of the eyes, it must remain clean and clear for optimal vision.” Recently, Dr. Chang saw a young woman in the Lancaster office of D’Ambrosio Eye Care from over-wearing contact lenses. While Dr. Chang was able to save her patient’s eye, unfortunately this young woman has lost a significant portion of her vision in one eye. The contact lens was left in place too long and managed to mask the abrasion on her cornea and became a bacterial breading ground. The infection spread into her eye. “It is critical for contact lens patients to remove their lenses as directed by their eye care professional and to maintain proper hygiene and replaces lenses when instructed to attain good eye health” according to Dr. Chang.

Glasses after Cataract Surgery

If you wore glasses because you were nearsighted, farsighted or had astigmatism before you developed a Cataract it is possible for D’Ambrosio Eye Care Cataract Surgeons Drs. D’Ambrosio Jr. and Chang to use a carefully calculated intraocular lens implant (IOL) that can correct or even both distance and near vision so that you can decrease or even eliminate your dependence on bifocals and reading glasses after Cataract Surgery.

If you think you have a Cataract or have been told you have a Cataract and would like to be less dependent on glasses it is worthwhile to call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 and schedule an examination so we can guide you as you learn about your possibilities and options for vision correction after Cataract Surgery.

Eye Imaging Technology at D’Ambrosio Eye Care

Recently, the Lancaster location of D’Ambrosio Eye Care acquired a new, high resolution imaging camera to help us record eye problems and conditions digitally. This camera is able to take photos of the optic nerve and optic disc through a non-dilated, 3mm pupil with great results. With the combination of optics, digital sensor and computer combined into one, it makes it easier for patient comfort and for staff. This will give D’Ambrosio Eye Care doctors greater ability to capture high resolution, non-mydriatic color images and perform fluorescein angiography with just one piece of equipment.

Meet Glaucoma Specialist Bin Wu, M.D.

D’Ambrosio Eye Care is pleased to have Dr. Bin Wu, a specialist in diseases and surgery pertaining to glaucoma. Dr. Wu attended Medical School in China at the En Shi Medical College and Tongji Medical University. Upon completion of his studies there, he performed his residence at the Interfaith Medical Center, followed by a Fellowship at the Indiana University Medical Center in glaucoma. Dr. Wu specializes in diseases and surgery of the anterior segment (inside) of the eye including the medical, laser and surgical treatment of glaucoma. Dr. Wu is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery and the Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

Near Vision & LASIK Monovision

LASIK-which is mainly a type of laser eye surgery for correcting distance vision, can be used for correcting near vision through a technique called monovision LASIK. Monovision corrects one eye for distance and one eye for near. Thus, the need for glasses with two different focal lengths is resolved by focusing each eye at a different focal length. Monovision LASIK can be effective for some patients with the need for mild near vision correction. Depending on the amount of close work you do at work and for how long each day, monovision LASIK may be a good alternative. One way to get a sense of how you will do with monovision LASIK is to mimic the effect with a temporary pair of contact lenses. If you would like to learn more about monovision LASIK and whether it might be right for you, JoAnn Chang, M.D., Corneal and LASIK Specialist at D’Ambrosio Eye Care would be happy to have you schedule a LASIK evaluation by calling Toll Free 800-325-3937.

Fireworks Eye Safety Awareness Month at D’Ambrosio Eye Care

D’Ambrosio Eye Care wishes to announce that Prevent Blindness America has designated July as National Fireworks Eye Safety Awareness Month. Contrary to what you might think, there is no safe way for nonprofessionals to use fireworks. It is only safe to enjoy the splendor and excitement of fireworks at a professional display. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks are involved in approximately 10,000 injuries per year that are treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms. Of those, 2/3 occurred during the one month period surrounding the July 4th holiday. It is important to note that

• Eyes were the Second Most Commonly Injured Part of the Body!
• Males Were Injured 3x More than Females.
• Approximately 25% of Injuries are to Children under 15.

Fireworks and celebrations go together, especially during the Fourth of July. But there are precautions parents can take to prevent these injuries. The best defense against kids suffering severe eye injuries and burns is to not let kids play with any fireworks. Do not purchase, use or store fireworks of any type. Protect yourself, your family and your friends by avoiding fireworks. Attend only authorized public fireworks displays conducted by licensed operators, but be aware that even professional displays can be dangerous. If an eye accident does occur, what should I know?
• Do not rub the eye.
• Do not attempt to rinse out the eye. This can be even more damaging than rubbing.
• Do not apply pressure to the eye itself- but protecting the eye from further contact with any item, including the child's hand.
• Do not stop for medicine! Over-the-counter pain relievers will not do much to relieve pain. Aspirin (should never be given to children) and ibuprofen can thin the blood, increasing bleeding. Take the child to the emergency room at once.
• Do not apply ointments or drops. They may not be sterile and may make the area around the eye slippery and harder for the doctor to examine.

Once you are seen in the emergency room please feel free to have them call D’Ambrosio Eye Care as we always have an eye doctor “on call” to provide consultation and continued care for you.

July 4th Eye Safety at D’Ambrosio Eye Care

Summer is now in full swing and it’s important to remember to protect your eyes. Whether we’re talking about a day at the beach or on the water to playing volleyball or catch, all of these activities require protective eyewear. Even if you’re just on the road driving, it’s important that you have the correct eyewear to reduce solar glare. Ask any of our Opticians about DriveWear polarized lenses and how it can increase your enjoyment and safety while on the road.

The Ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun can be linked to many eye problems and it’s important to control what you can with preventive measures including UV-blocking sunglasses and a cap or hat with a brim to protect your eyes and the delicate skin surrounding the eye area. In addition or protecting your eyes from harmful rays, wearing sporting protection is important, too.

D’Ambrosio Eye Care Optical Departments offer a full selection of eyewear for just the right activities to compliment your lifestyle. Stop in or call 800-325-3937 with any questions you may have.

Wishing you a happy and safe July 4th! And, don’t forget your sunscreen, too!