Vision screening at the Shirley Senior Center 2/3/11

On Thursday, February 3, we'll be at the Shirley Senior Center from 10:00am - 11:00am for a free screening for vision, glaucoma and cataracts.  Khyla Lance, O.D. will be the Optometrist seeing members that day.

This is our way to give a little TLC to the communities we service.

Khyla Lance, O.D. joins D'Ambrosio Eye Care



Khyla Lance, O.D.

 A big welcome to our newest Optometrist, Khyla Lance, O.D.
 
Dr. Lance earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Claflin University in 2004.  Following her undergraduate education, she relocated to Ohio where she earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from The Ohio State University College of Optometry in 2008.  Following that, Dr. Lance completed a residency in Ocular Disease at Omni Eye Serviced of New Jersey / New York in 2009 where she provided a range of services including pre- and post-op refractive surgery co-management, glaucoma co-management, ocular health examinations for retinal conditions including diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration and emergency care.  Following her residency, Dr. Lance returned to Columbus, Ohio where she provided primary eye care examinations and contact lens fitting for patients of all ages at a local practice.

Dr. Lance is a member of the American Optometric Association.

Dr. Lance sees patients for general eye examinations, contact lens examinations and fittings, and eye health and vision examinations.

Dry Eye

When your eye doesn't produce enough tears or tears of the appropriate quality, it can cause dry eye which can be very uncomfortable.

What are some of the symptoms?
    * stinging or burning
    * scratchiness
    * stringy mucus around the eye
    * excessive eye irritation
    * excessive tearing

How is it treated?
     Typically with artifical tears - eye drops to lubricate the eye.

Are there ways to prevent or reduce dry eye?
     In winter, run a humidifier or place a pan of water on a radiator to increase moisture in your home.
     For some people, supplementing your diet with omega-3 fatty acids and flax seeds, are helpful.
    Protect yourself when out in the elements, particulary on windy days, with wrap-around glasses.

If these methods don't work, be certain to ask our eye doctors what else might be appropriate for you. 
   

Vision screening with Lancaster Council on Aging

On Tuesday, February 1, we'll be at Bigelow Gardens in Lancaster with Khyla Lance, O.D. from 10:00am - 12:00pm  for a free vision screening.

It's our way to demonstrate our TLC in the communities we serve! 

Eyeglass frames for Men

We're pleased to offer a great selection of frames for men in a variety of styles.  Several of these are also "uni-sex" and can be worn by women as well...

Adensco

Airlock

Calvin Klein

CK

Denim

Emporio Armani

Fossil

Giorgio Armani

Gucci

Hug Boss

Liz Claiborne

Marchon

Marchon Flexon

Milano

Nautica

Nike Flexon

Safilo Design

Safile Elasta

Safilo eam

Safilo Titanium

Sean John

Silhouette

Totally Rimless

February is ARMD Awareness Month



Sahana Vyas, M.D.



Prevent Blindness America has designated February 2011 as National Age Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month.  Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) is the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in Americans older than 50 and affects more than two million people. Although ARMD is incurable, there are new treatments than can, at a minimum, prevent further vision loss from the disease and in many cases actually help recover lost vision.



ARMD causes central vision to blur, but leaves peripheral vision intact.  It is progressive and painless.  There are two types of ARMD:  dry and wet.  Aoorixunatekt 90% of people with ARMD have the dry form which results in gradual vision loss.  Although only 10% 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 bluid, causing rapid and severe central vision loss.

Patients can help reduce the risk of developing ARMD by not smoking and working to eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fish, fruit and green leafy vegetables, avoiding food 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.

Patients older than 50 are encouraged to have a comprehensive, dilated eye examination every one to two years to ensure that ARMD is deceted and treated early.  The key to successful treatment is early detection and intervention.  We are fortunate to have Sahana Vyas, M.D. at D'Ambrosio Eye Care in Lancaster, Acton and Gardner, Massachusetts who is fellowship-trained in Diseases & Surgery of the Retina and a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of Macular Degeneration.

No Patriot's to watch this weekend...

What will you do be doing?  If you're outdoors, don't forget to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun!

January is HOT TEA MONTH

Did you know that?  I didn't, but I'm glad to hear it!  With that wintry wind blowing outside I'm glad to be indoors and just may treat myself to a little TLC and a cup of hot tea this afternoon.  Care to join me?

More snow...

As a New Englander, we may love it or hate it, but we certainly can't escape it! Whatever your feelings, just be safe!  Polarized sunglasses will help to alleviate the glare from the snow.  If you're a winter sports enthusiast, remember your safety eyewear, too!

Post Ops in Lancaster

Patients from yesterday's LASIK, PRK and PTK, performed by JoAnn C. Chang, M.D., were seen in our Lancaster office today. 

How is glaucoma detected?



The best way to detect glaucoma is to have regular eye examinations.  As part of a complete eye exam, you eye doctor will check the intraocular pressure of your eye.  It is important that you inform the technicians and doctor of any family history of glaucoma. 

Bin (Benjamin) Wu, M.D. is our glaucoma specialist and treats patients in all three of our offices.

LASIK, PRK, PTK in Lancaster this morning



JoAnn C. Chang, M.D. was busy in our Lancaster surgical suite with procedures this morning.  She performed LASIK, PRK and PTK. 

As usual, Andrea, our LASIK Coordinator, made wonderful treats for our patients and guests, today was peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies!

In addition to her cookies, Andrea treats every patient to a healthy dose of TLC! 

Eat your fruit for eye health!

Did you know that eating berries, plums, oranges and cherries can help maintain better eye health?  By eathing these fruits, the antioxidants combat environmental factors, such as pollution and sunlight, which can quicken the hardening of the natural lenses in the eye which contributes to cataracts and macular degeneration.

Eyewear frames for women

Your eyeglasses are like jewelry on your face!  They are one of the first things someone notices about you so the fit and look are important.  Stop by any of our three optical departments and discuss your specific needs with our highly-trained optical staff.

We carry the following brands of frames and are happy to order frames in different sizes and colors for you! Some of these are "uni-sex" and will appeal to both women and men.

Adensco

Airlock

Calvin Klein

Coach

CK

Dior

Emporio Armani

Giorgio Armani

Gucci

JLo

Juicy Couture

Kate Spade

Liz Claiborne

Marchon

Marchon Flexon

Milano

Nike Flexon

Nine West

Safilo Design

Safilo Elasta

Safilo Emozioni

Safilo Team

Saks Fifth Avenue

Sean John

Silhouette

Totally Rimless

Tes Jolie

Valentino

Vera Bradley

Go PATRIOTS!

Today in our offices you'll find many of us wearing New England Patriot's attire to support our local team in their quest to move forward toward the Super Bowl!

Go PATS!

Post Op Smiles

Today, we've seen some great smiles on Dr. Chang's LASIK and PRK patients from yesterday!  It's a great feeling for all involved!

Despite the blizzard Dr. Chang is busy doing LASIK!





JoAnn C. Chang, M.D.





We've finally had our first substantial snowstorm of the season - 12" and counting -  but that hasn't stopped our patients or staff.  Dr. Chang has a busy morning with LASIK and PRK patients.

Go Green!

Collard Greens

Green, leafy vegetables, that is! 

Eating two servings a day of dark, leafy green such as kale, collard greens and spinach has been shown to reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts.  See, your Mother was right about eating your vegetables!

Frames for sun, sporting and protection...

We carry the following frames for fun in the sun, sporting and for protection...

Maui Jim Sport

Nike Vision

Panoptx/7 EYE

Reptile

                                                      Swim and Sport Goggles

Opticial Department is Dior Certified!

Our Optical Department staff has been certified by Dior for fitting their eyewear.  We have a great selection in stock and are always willing to work with you on colors and styles to best fit your needs.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve - the part of the eye that is responsible for carrying the images we see to the brain.  It's made of nerve fibers and when damage occurs, blind spots develop.  Often these blind spots may go undetected until the damage is significant, so early detection and treatment is important.  We are fortunate to have Bin (Benjamin) Wu, M.D., a fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist working at D'Ambrosio Eye Care.


Benjamin Wu, M.D.



Dr. Wu specializes in diseases and surgery of the anterior segment of the eye, glaucoma, cataract and Intraocular Lens Implantation (IOL) in his patients. 

Appointments may be scheduled with Dr. Wu at all three of our offices in Lancaster, Gardner and Acton, Massachusetts.

Thinking about LASIK in 2011?

If you're thinking about LASIK, now's a great time to schedule that free evaluation with our Refractive Coordinator, Andrea.  She can be reached at 1.800.325.EYES ext. 315.

She, along with our staff, will discuss the medical options available to meet your individual vision needs.

The evaluation is FREE, so don't delay - call today!

Eyeglass repair clinic for seniors in Clinton

The Opticians from D'Ambrosio Eye Care will be at Prescott Mill Aprartments in Clinton on Thursday, February 10 for an eyeglass repair clinic.  Residents may bring their glasses for an adjustment or a minor repair to the clinic.

Frame for Children & 'Tweens

We carry a great selection of eyeglass frames for children and 'tweens.  Our selection includes:

Disney

Erin's World

Flexon Kids

Fossil

Juicy Couture

Nickelodeon

Nike

Nine West

Vera Bradley

How do I know what co-pay to pay?

We are a medical specialty office, so the co-pay you would pay would be the amount listed as SPECIALIST on your insurance card.

If you have any questions on this, you should contact your insurance company.

Value Line revamped!

Starting at $99.00, our Value Line of frames  has  been revamped. 

Come in and "see" the selection!

Offices closed today

All D'Ambrosio Eye Care offices are closed today.  However, our on-call medical staff is available should you need emergency treatment.  Please call 978-537-3900 and our service will assist you.

We wish you and yours a happy, safe and prosperous 2011!

Glaucoma Awareness Month



Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness.  Everyone, from infants to seniors is vulnerable.  Moreover, among African-American and Hispanic populations, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness.

 We are fortunate to have Bin (Benjamin) Wu, M.D. on staff at D'Ambrosio Eye Care.  Dr. Wu is a fellowship-trained glaucoma specialist.  Dr. Wu see patients in all three of our offices.