Happy New Year!

Remember, if you're celebrating with a bottle of champagne, use caution with that cork!  Handled incorrectly, it's like a small missile and can cause a severe eye injury.
Proper method is to twist the cork out, holding the bottle at a 45-degree angle away from yourself and others.  As an added benefit, it helps preserve the sparkle!

We wish you and your family a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Optical coloring contest winner!

Congratulations to Gina N. of Fitchburg, age 11.  She is the winner of the Optical Department holiday coloring contest!

2011: Two Thousand Eleven or Twenty Eleven - which will you say?

I'm leaning toward  20-11 - how about you?

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month

Prevent Blindness America has designated January 2011 as National Glaucoma Awareness Month.  This is an important time to spread the word about this sight-stealing disease.  Our understanding of this disease, along with the ways in which we can diagnose and treat it, have improved considerably.

The key to successful treatment of glaucoma is early detection and intervention.  Please share this information with friends, and especially with relative, if you have glaucoma as the family predisposition toward getting glaucoma has been demonstrated to be pretty strong.

At our three offices in Lancaster, Acton, and Gardner, Massachusetts we are pleased to be able to offer the full scope of glaucoma diagnosis and treatment through our eye doctors.  Patients at D'Ambrosio Eye Care should feel particularly confident as Bin (Benjamin) Wu, M.D. is a fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist who can attend to even the most complex glaucoma problems and needs.

Types of contact lenses we offer...

There are two major categories of contact lenses we offer:  soft contact lenses and gas permeable (GP) lenses.

Within these two categories are several types we use to solve different vision problems.  They are:
~ soft daily wear
~ gas permeable (GP)
~ astigmatism
~ extended wear
~ disposable or planned replacement
~ multifocal (presbyopic)
~ specialty
~ orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
~ colored lenses

No matter which lens you need, we're pleased to offer a thorough examination, expert consultation and fitting to provide you with the most appropriate lenses to help you see and look your best!

Did Santa deliver?

Hope you had a wonderful holiday and Santa filled your Wish List!  If not, stop by any of our Optical Departments and treat yourself to a new look for the new year!

Merry Christmas!

All offices will be closed today, Saturday, December 25, to observe the Christmas holiday.

From all of us to all of you, Merry Christmas!

Should you have an eye emergency, please call
978-537-3900 to reach our on-call doctors.

Offices closed for Christmas Holiday

All offices will be closed Saturday, December 25, to observe the Christmas holiday.

We wish you a wonderful holiday!

Should you have an eye emergency, please call 978-537-3900 to reach our on-call doctors.

What is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration or macular disease is an eye disease of the retina where the central portion of the retina becomes damaged.  Central vision is the sharpest or clearest area of your vision and is required for activities such as reading, driving and anything that is visually demanding, whether far or near.
Macular disease is quite common and affects more people in the United States than either cataracts or glaucoma. In fact, macular disease is the most frequent cause of blindness for patients aged 55 and above in the United States and is estimated to affect over 10 million Americans in some fashion.
For more information, the American Macular Degeneration Foundation web site is a good resource. 
Sahana Vyas, M.D. is our retina and macula specialist. 

#1 Optical Department

Thank you all the readers of the Leominster Champion that voted our Lancaster Optical Department #1!  We're excited and honored that you chose us!

Be a fan of ORANGE!

Foods such as carrots, butternut squash and pumpkin all contain betacarotene that has been shown to keep eyes healthy.  Good news for this time of year! 

Eyewear packages start at $99.00

Did you know our eyewear packages start at just $99.00?  Stop by any of our three optical departments for more information.

TRUNK SHOW TODAY - Lancaster only!

Today's a great day to stop in our Lancaster optical department - 35%* off complete eyewear!  See the latest frames from our top vendors and be ready to ring in the new year with a new look and a "sweet" deal!

*Excludes prior order, Value Line, Maui Jim, Nike Max and may not be combined with any other discount, including insurance.

POLARIZED SUNWEAR

Boy, the sun was SO bright earlier this week and I was thankful to have my polarized sunglasses with me!  We have a great selection of frames from which to choose - stop by our sale on Saturday, 12/18, from 9:00am - 1:00pm - you'll be glad you did!  It will make your winter driving much more pleasurable and you'll be ready for summer!

Lens Implants

If you are having cataract surgery, you will be discussing the replacement lens options with our eye surgeons.  In the past, a monofocal lens was primarily chosen by the ophthalmologist, but now lens options have progressed to allow you a choice to best fit your lifestyle.

The monofocal lens provides excellent vision after cataract surgery, but is only for one set distance, generally for seeing at a distance.  Eyeglasses would be needed for up close and intermediate vision.  Today, we are able to offer a multi-focal lens option to our patients.  This choice of lens corrects vision up close, at intermediate and distance, and for most patients, potentially eliminates the need for eyeglasses. 

These options will be discussed in detail with you at your evaluation.  Please don't hesitate to ask us any questions you have, we'll take whatever time is necessary for you to make the best decision for your individual needs.

LASIK post ops

JoAnn C. Chang, M.D.

Busy day in the LASIK area with post-op appointments for Dr. Chang's LASIK patients

from yesterday!





"Sweet Sale" on Saturday, 12/18, 9:00am - 1:00pm

Don't miss out on our last trunk show of the year - great time to use your flex plan account - or purchase gifts for those folks on your holiday list!  

Come see what the D'Ambrosio Eye Care staff has planned and meet the reps with the latest styles and receive 35%* off your complete eyewear.  Lancaster location only. 

* Refreshments * Gift with Purchase * Raffle Drawing * Bring a Friend *

Hope to see you there!

*Excludes prior order, Value Line, Maui Jim, Nike Max and cannot be combined with any other offer, including insurance.

Computer Eyewear

Do you spend a lot of time at your computer?  Did you know that your prescription can take this into account for your eyeglasses or contact lenses.      

Personally, as a progressive lens wearer, I found I was looking out the bottom area of my glasses to see my monitor and getting neck strain.  After a complete eye examination and discussion with my Optometrist, my new prescription takes into consideration the amount of time I'm seated at my computer screen.

Voila!  No more stiff neck!

At your appointment, tell our Optometrist about your lifestyle and work habits, we're here to help!  You'll be glad you did!

Pet safety for the holidays

Other tips to keep your pets safe and happy throughout the holidays:

Make time for them!  Don't forget to keep their schedules consistant with walks and exercise. 

Don't let your guests feed them table food as they could become ill.  Make certain to have plenty of fresh water; pets get stressed, too, and pant more, increasing their need for water.  Watch out for candy wrappers and aluminum foil pieces which can cause choking.

Watch for 'adult beverages' - they can cause nausea, vomiting and even coma when over-indulged!

For more tips, check out the ASPCA hoilday pet safety list.

Wishing you and your four-legged or tailed friends a happy and safe holiday season.

You've been told you have a cataract, now what?

There is no need to be overly concerned if you, or someone you know, has a cataract.  It is a natural part of the aging process and nearly everyone develops one (or two). 

It is the clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye, making it difficult to see.  You may find that things don't seem as bright or are having difficulty doing tasks you previously found easy. 

Today, cataract surgery is performed by our surgeons on an out-patient basis in the comfortable and close-to-home Cataract & Laser Center in Gardner.  The procedure is accomplished by our surgeon making a small incision in your eye to remove the cloudy lens (cataract) and replacing with a permanent, artificial lens.   The entire procedure takes minutes and afterward you'll rest for a bit and then return home.  Generally, we will see you the following day for a post-operative visit and most folks return to the routine activities within a few days after the procedure.

Next week we'll cover some of the lens options available to you.

Solar glare?

Solar glare can make your commute difficult at best and dangerous for those not wearing proper sunwear.

Polarized lenses will significantly reduce the amount of glare you experience.  Sunwear isn't just for summer - it should be worn year 'round to  reduce glare reflecting from the snow or water. 

In addition to the danger aspect, over time the sun's rays can cause serious damage to the eyes and surrounding skin, leading to vision loss and conditions from cataracts and macular degeneration to eye and eyelid cancers.

The best defense is lenses that absorb and block the harmful rays.

Our Optical staff will recommend the appropriate sunwear for your lifestyle and needs.  Polarized lenses come in prescription and non-prescription options.

Holidays and pet safety

Whether you share your home with a large and furry or small and scaley friend, it's important to take special care of their health and safety during the holidays.

PLANTS: Be careful what you place within their reach:  pointsettias, mistletoe, holly and lilies can cause injury to them if ingested.

TREE:  Don't let your pet drink the water from the tree!  Sometimes trees contain fertilizer or preservatives and may harbor bacteria.  Also, don't put aspirin in the water - it could be fatal to your pet.  Pine needles can puncture holes in your pet's intestines, so be faithful in keeping the area free of needles. Be watchful of cords - animals love to chew and could be electrocuted.  Tinsel, when ingested, can cause a block in the intestines, particularly with cats.
It's a good idea to anchor the tree to avoid it getting knocked over, too.

  

If you suspect your pet has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian and/or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control's 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP.

Wishing you and your beloved pets and happy and safe holiday!

Ringing the bell for Salvation Army

For several years, D'Ambrosio Eye Care has contributed to the Salvation Army kettle campaign for the holidays with a donation and 'ringing the bell'.

Here is photo of some of the folks at the Leominster WalMart last year.  What a cold night it was!  We 'treated' their customers to some holiday carols while ringing the bell.

 We'll be there again this year, on Wednesday, December 8, from 6:00pm-9:00pm.  Stop by and see us!

"My Arms Are Too Short"! Or...what is presbyopia?

Presbyopia means "old eyes" and is a normal part of the aging process. When you notice your "arms are too short" to read and do close work, you may be experiencing presbyopia.

The crystalline lens of the eye is flexible when you are younger and as you age, it becomes harder and less flexible. As you approach your 40's and through your mid-50's you may notice your close vision becoming gradually worse and, for those who wear eyeglasses, it may necessitate bifocals or progressive lenses. For those who haven't worn eyeglasses previously, it may be time for reading glasses.


If you find doing daily activities is becoming difficult, it may be time to schedule and eye examination. Our doctors will check your vision and discuss the options available to you.

Happy Hanukkah!

Today begins the eight day Festival of Lights.  Wishing a Happy Hanukkah to all!

December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month

We all get excited about selecting just the right gift for those special folks on our list.  However, it's important to think about safety and, in particular, eye safety when making the selection!

Sharp objects can injure children, as well as adults and small parts can be a choking hazard to children and pets.  Better to err on the side of caution and make it a safe holiday season for everyone on your list.

Happy Holidays to All!