Tear Film Evaluation

During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor will evaluate your tear film.  A proper tear film is very important for vision, comfort, and ocular health.  Evaluating the tear film is usually done by instilling an orange fluorescein dye in the tear film.  When visualized with a blue light, the tear film lights up. 

As we age, we may produce less tears and this can result in a thin tear film.  Eyelid inflammation, or blepharitis, can affect the tear composition and lead to an unstable tear film.  Quick tear film evaporation can lead to desiccation of the cornea and conjunctiva which can lead to symptoms of burning, grittiness and blur. Proper eyelid position is also important to ensure proper tear flow.  The tear ducts, or puncta, are located at the inner corners of the upper and lower eyelid margins.  Proper alignment of the tear ducts is important for proper tear flow away from the eye. Environmental factors such as air conditioning and heating vents, or windy conditions can increase dryness symptoms.  Increased computer and cell phone use also can make dry eye symptoms worse.  Luckily, many effective treatments are now available to treat dry eye syndrome. 

If your eyes feel dry, ask your eye doctor what treatments are best for you. You can contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 for more information or to schedule an eye examination or you may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear  and optical services.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice in Athol, Lancaster, Gardner and Acton that serves the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Caring for Eyewear & Eyeglasses

Massachusetts Optician Jocelyn Mylott of D’Ambrosio Eye Care shared information about caring for eyewear and eyeglasses. “Caring for your eyewear is something that most people need to know about. Whenever you have purchased eyewear you need to be sure to properly care for them and this is our “how-to,” said Ms. Mylott.

Cleaning Eyewear

$ Never wipe eyewear dry to prevent scratching

$ Spray lenses using lens cleaner or run them under warm soapy water

$ Wipe dry with provided (washable) micro fiber cleaning cloth or a non-oily/lotion tissue, not paper towel

$ You should try adding cleaning your eyewear to your morning routine

$ Avoid exposure to products such as hairspray

Caring for Eyewear

$ Never expose to extreme heat such as dashboards, showers and saunas

$ Never place eyewear lenses down to prevent scratching

$ When not in use store in provided eyewear case to prevent scratching, crushing from sitting or pet damage, causing your eyewear to need an adjustment

$ Remove and put on eyewear using 2 hands to prevent damage to hinges and lens, especially for rimless frames which could develop stress cracking around the hinge, if not handled appropriately

$ Never leave eyewear on top of your head to prevent damage to the hinges and lenses. This may also require the frame to need an adjustment.

Repair of Eyewear

$ Always bring eyewear to an eyewear professional for repair and nose pad replacement. Home repair could cause loss of warranty and further damage.

$ If eyewear needs adjustment you should never attempt this yourself. This may cause damage to the frame and lens and it will not be properly adjusted, this is especially important for progressive lens wearers’.

We suggest quarterly “tune-ups”.  For eyewear purchased at D’Ambrosio Eye Care feel free to stop by any of our locations for a complimentary adjustment and repair, if needed.  See you then!

Please call 800-325-3937, D’Ambrosio Eye Care, if you have any questions. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Progressive Lenses: Wish You Could See Your Feet?

Ever wish you could see your feet when stepping off the curb when you wear progressive lenses? Without having to bend your head down to see them. You can. D’Ambrosio Eye Care offers a lens design that offers all the ranges of vision that an ordinary progressive lens offers but then also adds a 4th zone of intermediate vision on the bottom portion of the lens called, “ground view advantage”. This lens is called the Essilor Definity lens.

The ability to see clearly when looking down has been linked to an increased risk of slips and falls. This ground view improves the way patients see when they are going up and down stairs, walking on uneven surfaces, or stepping off a curb. In a double-blind golf clinical study golfers preferred this lenses 7:1, why wouldn’t you want better vision to improve your game?
For questions on these, or any other optical product, please stop by one of our locations and speak with our licensed opticians or call us at 800-325-3937. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Reference sources: Eyecare Business, Essilor, Signet Armorlite, Optician’s Handbook, Varilux USA, All About Vision, and Wikipedia.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice in Athol, Lancaster, Gardner and Acton that serves the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

MA Eye Doctors for Longer Fuller Eyelashes & LATISSE™

The eye doctors and staff at D’Ambrosio Eye Care in Athol, Lancaster, Gardner & Acton, MA are here to help you look your best with LATISSE™ for longer fuller eyelashes. LATISSE™ is an FDA approved treatment that can help you grow fuller, longer lashes. Most people who are interested in their appearance know the value of having big, bright, beautiful eyes. While eye makeup alone may be able to help you achieve a fuller and longer look for your eyelashes, LATISSE™ can actually help you grow fuller, longer eyelashes on your own! Your lashes are a big part of making your eyes more visible and adding that bright beautiful look to your appearance.

Lash enhancers have been used since ancient times to brighten the look of eyes. Today there are numerous eyelash cosmetics and treatments available to help you look your best. An option for those who want to fully benefit from these treatments is to make the most of their own natural lashes by enhancing their growth so that they are actually longer, fuller and darker.

LATISSE™ is a solution intended for use on the upper eyelid margins or the base of the eyelashes. It is a solution we can prescribe after an initial examination and consultation so that it can be determined if LATISSE™ is a good choice for you. It is important to follow your physician's instructions for LATISSE™ use. You should make your physician aware of any side effects that may occur in a small number of patients so that they can be addressed. These can include itching and redness of the eye itself, eye irritation, darkening of the skin around the eye, dryness or redness of the skin around the eye. Make sure that you keep the appointments for follow-up visits with your physician so that they can be sure you are getting the results you desire and not experiencing any of the side effects mentioned.

LATISSE™ is available from many physicians. As Ophthalmologists we are eye physicians and surgeons who are specialists in understanding your eyes and the delicate tissue around your eyes including your lashes, eyelid margins, and eyelids. We are specifically trained and experienced in the examination and treatment of these areas for your eye health and cosmetic appearance, and we are here to help you look your best!

Please call 800-325-3937, D’Ambrosio Eye Care, if you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation for LATISSE™, visit D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear  and optical services.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice in Athol, Lancaster, Gardner and Acton that serves the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Diabetic Retinopathy Exams

Diabetic Retinopathy exams are extremely important as patients with diabetes develop changes in the blood vessels throughout the body, causing poor circulation. This is reflected in the eyes, specifically in the retina and in the retinal blood vessels. It is important that diabetics have a dilated eye exam at least once a year to look for abnormalities of the retina.

This is called diabetic retinopathy. Patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes will need to be seen more often if they are starting to show diabetic changes in the retina. There are varying degrees of diabetic retinopathy. We use a combination of the dilated eye exam, OCT testing and dye tests to determine if a patient needs treatment. Modern treatments are aimed at trying to preserve good vision. Treatment methods that your Ophthalmologist may use include laser, injections and surgery. Preserving good vision and a healthy lifestyle requires early detection and early treatment.

If you or someone you know have been diagnosed with diabetes and need an eye examination, contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 to schedule an appointment. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare or visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear  and optical services.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice in Athol, Lancaster, Gardner and Acton that serves the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

AMD Macular Degeneration & Diet Factors

“Dietary factors are known risk factors for Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) which is the leading cause of vision loss among persons aged 65 and above,” commented Massachusetts Ophthalmologist Francis A. D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D. of D’Ambrosio Eye Care.  “In particular high glycemic index diets have been thought to be a contributing risk factor for AMD.”  Glycemic index is a measure of the effect of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. Most fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts and fructose products low in carbohydrates and have a low glycemic index. Most foods like baked potatoes, extruded breakfast cereals, white bread, white rice and corn flakes are high glycemic index foods.

Researchers reporting in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition studied the association between dietary glycemic index and the 10 year incidence of AMD in the Blue Mountain Eye Study population. Over 10 years, 208 of 1810 persons developed early AMD. After age, smoking, other risk factors, and dietary constituents were adjusted for, a higher mean dietary glycemic index was associated with an increased 10 year risk of early AMD.  Conversely, a greater consumption of cereal fiber and breads and cereals (predominantly lower glycemic index foods such as oatmeal was associated with a reduced risk of incident early AMD. No relation was observed with late AMD. The researchers concluded that a high glycemic index diet is a risk factor for early AMD—the recognized precursor of sight threatening late AMD. Low-glycemic-index foods such as oatmeal may protect against early AMD.

If you or someone you know is concerned about age related macular degeneration or AMD,  they are encouraged to schedule an eye examination at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear  and optical services.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice in Athol, Lancaster, Gardner and Acton that serves the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Visual Eye Fatigue Problems

Visual eye fatigue can be a real problem for people. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 100 million people in the U.S. spend over 50% of their workday at the computer. 60% of people experience symptoms of visual fatigue but only less than 5% of Americans today wear eyewear to relieve visual problems at the computer. When you spend more than 2 hours on a computer each day you experience symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS). The most common symptoms include headaches, focusing difficulties, burning eyes, tired eyes, general eyestrain, aching eyes, dry eyes, double vision, blurred vision, light sensitivity and neck and shoulder pain. Even people who do not have an Rx suffer from symptoms. Many people try to compensate for their blurred vision by leaning forward or by tipping their head to look through the bottom portion of their glasses.

Computer lenses are a modified type of progressive lens that works best for presbyopic computer users. They have three zones of vision. The center is the largest and focuses the computer distance. If the chin is raised slightly and reading material is pulled closer, there is a comfortable power at the bottom for smaller print. If the head is dropped and the patient looks out through the top, the lens focuses out to about 10 feet, for instances like someone standing in your office doorway. They are not intended for an everyday use or driving because they do not have a true distance focus in the lens. Even office lighting accounts for up to 30% of CVS symptoms. Your workstation should be set up so the monitor is directly in front of you to relive body strain and about 20-26 inches away. Your arms should be parallel to the floor when you type so you may need to raise or lower your chair. Simple steps and the right lens will help.

Should you have any questions or wonder if computer lenses may be the right solution for you, please stop by any of the optical departments at D’Ambrosio Eye Care and speak with one of our licensed opticians. Feel free to schedule an eye examination at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help identify the possible causes and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Reference sources:  All About Vision, MD Support, Essilor, Shamir, 20/20 Magazine

If you or someone you know suffers from eyestrain symptoms, they are encouraged to contact D'Ambrosio Eye Care. D'Ambrosio Eye Care is staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice in Athol, Lancaster, Gardner and Acton that serves the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Colored Contact Lenses for Massachusetts Wearers

Contact lenses are available in many colors to change the appearance of your eyes.  Some contact lenses have enhancer tints that can make blue eyes a brighter shade of blue, or brown eyes a deeper brown.  Some opaque colored lenses can completely change the color of your eyes.  The availability of colored lenses has increased over the years and disposable colored lenses are available in a weekly, monthly, or yearly replacement schedule.  Colored lenses are even available for people with astigmatism. 

If you wear clear contact lenses and are interested in colored contacts, ask your eye doctor if your brand of contact lenses come in different colors.  If they do not, a separate fitting process may be necessary to find the right colored contact lens for you.  For more information on colored or clear contact lenses, call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937.  If you need an eye examination, we would be happy to schedule one for you.  You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear  and optical services.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice serving the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Dilated Eye Exams at D’Ambrosio Eye Care

During an eye exam, your eye doctor can view the structures on the front of the eye with a microscope called a slit lamp.  The structures in the back part of the eye are more challenging to view.  In order to view the structures further back in the eye your doctor needs to look through the pupil.  The pupil is the hole in the middle of the colored part of the eye called the iris.  When the pupil constricts in response to the bright light of the slit lamp, the structures behind the iris become more difficult to see. 

Your doctor can use dilating eye drops to dilate the pupil and keep it dilated during the eye exam.  With dilation, your doctor gets a better view of the crystalline lens inside the eye as well as the retina and the optic nerve.  Glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration can be more easily detected when the eye is dilated.  The peripheral retina can then be visualized to look for retinal tears or detachments. 

In addition to dilating the pupil, the dilating drops your eye doctor uses will likely have the additional effect of relaxing your accommodation, which is your ability to focus.  Relaxing accommodation can aid in the measurement of the refractive error, or prescription, of a patient.  Near objects, and possibly distant objects, will most likely become blurry.  This effect can last for several hours or more depending on the type of drops used.  Sunglasses are recommended following a dilated eye exam due to temporary light sensitivity.

For more information or to schedule an eye examination at D’Ambrosio Eye Care call us at 800-325-3937, visit D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear  and optical services.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice serving the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Veterans’ Eye Health & Vision Problems

D’Ambrosio Eye Care wishes to thank our Veterans for their efforts and actions in protecting America’s safety and our freedom. With Veteran’s Day approaching we want to consider some things regarding eye health and vision for our military veterans. Veterans of the Iraq or Afghanistan wars are more likely than those who served in earlier wars to have vision loss as a result of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Higher rates of TBI in these recent wars can be attributed to two factors: explosive devices have been a major cause of injury, and improved body armor has enabled soldiers to survive more serious injuries.

Veterans of the Vietnam, Korean, or early wars are in or entering life stages when eye disorders like cataracts, glaucoma, age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy are more likely to occur. Also, like everyone in mid-life and beyond, Veterans may find their near vision decreasing due to presbyopia or “aging eyes”.

Thus we are hopeful and wish to assist our nation’s guardians and protectors in making sure to preserve and maintain their eye health and vision in order to take the fullest advantage of the freedom they have provided for all of us. Learn more about eye health and vision at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling 800-325-3937, or requesting an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice serving the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Can I Afford the Cost of LASIK?

A lot of people really want to have LASIK but get stuck when they ask themselves, “Can I afford the cost of LASIK?”  With the economy being tough it can be unnerving to think about spending money on anything-no less something that seems a bit frivolous.  For folks who consider their eyes and vision correction frivolous-LASIK is not for them. For people who can imagine doing the kinds of things they do each day, or would like to do each day, without the hassle of having to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses; LASIK can be something to be had at any cost.

Many people who decide to have LASIK think they should shop for the best price. We’re not sure what would possess folks to think about price shopping for surgery. Oh, maybe because they forgot that LASIK is surgery? Maybe it’s because they see a bunch of deceptive advertisements and hype. It’s tough to believe that folks would shop around for LASIK like they shop for a brake job for their car, but it happens every single day. It’s also tough to believe that folks would shop price for LASIK RATHER than shop for the best LASIK surgeons to whom they are entrusting their eye health and vision.

LASIK is about three things…..first, LASIK is about safety and results. Second, LASIK is about safety and results, and third, LASIK is about safety and results. Safety and results depend on the skill, experience and judgment of the surgeon and the staff.

Almost ALL practices today have ways of making LASIK affordable. This can be through the use of monthly payment plans, the use of employer Flex Plans and special offers that can help you use your tax refund or bonus. Shop surgeon quality-NOT price……find the best LASIK surgeon with whom you can develop TRUST. One who gets to know you.  One who you can get to know. You may already know them based on their reputation in the community or by the fact that they have taken care of a family member, co-worker or friend. There is no way of setting a best price on empathy, trust, comfort, safety and results.

If you or someone you know is thinking about LASIK please call D’Ambrosio Eye Care for a Free LASIK Evaluation at 800-325-3937. Let us tell you if you are even a good candidate for Laser Eye Surgery for Laser Vision Correction. Then let us help make LASIK affordable.

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

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear  and optical services.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice serving the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Eyeglass Frame & Eyewear Materials

Eyeglass frames come in several colors, styles and materials. Here is a general introduction to the materials available for eyeglasses and eyewear at D’Ambrosio Eye Care: 

• Plastic Frames: They are lightweight and can come in an array of color options. Zyl is the most common plastic frame material that is nylon based and is hypoallergenic. Nylon is easily molded for the more popular wrap sun styles. A drawback to plastic frames is they need to be properly cared for. They are more easily broken compared to metal frames and exposure to sunlight decreases their strength slightly and can fade color over time. Not as much with the premium manufacturers.
• General Metals: Represents the majority of frames in the US. Some metals can react with skin chemistry but this is preventable by choosing the correct metal for you. 
• Titanium: Extremely lightweight and will not rust, because of its strength it can be made thin. It has been used from everything from the Gemini and Apollo space capsules to medical implants, such as heart valves. It can be produced in a variety of colors and is hypoallergenic.
• Flexon: Flexon is a titanium-based alloy. This unique and popular material, originated by the frame manufacturer, Marchon, is called “memory metal”. Frames come back into shape even after twisting, bending and crushing. They are 25% lighter than standard metals, hypoallergenic and corrosion-resistant.

Along with various materials frames can come with wood, bone, horn, leather or rhinestones as accents. So there are a lot of options when choosing your next frame. It is a way to show off your personal style!

The licensed opticians at D’Ambrosio Eye Care can help you make the correct selection of frame for your face shape, skin tone and lifestyle needs. Stop in at any location or call 800-325-3937 if you need an eye examination or for more information. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice serving the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Reference sources: All About Vision, Optician’s Handbook, Ophthalmology Times, Vision Rx.

Eye Exams in Athol for Eyeglasses

“Eye exams in Athol for eyeglasses are now available for adults as well as children at our new office location right at 413 Main Street in Athol,” beamed Francis D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D., Medical Director of D’Ambrosio Eye Care, a leading eye care practice serving central Massachusetts. “Making it convenient for Athol area folks to get the best eye exams for all types of quality eyewear and eyeglasses-and at affordable prices-is something we wanted to bring to the Athol community. Further, for those in need of more specialized eye exams for eye diseases and problems such as eye exams for glaucoma, eye exams for cataracts or eye exams for diabetic eye problems or macular degeneration, our eye specialists in Athol include a team of fellowship trained eye doctors offering eye exams for even the most difficult and complex eye problems,” continued Dr. D’Ambrosio, Jr.

D’Ambrosio Eye Care in Athol welcomes new patients and invites them to schedule eye exam appointments by calling us directly in Athol, Massachusetts at 978-249-4209, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading Athol eye and LASIK care practice serving central Massachusetts area including Acton, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Athol Eye Doctors Offer Free Diabetic Eye Problem Screening

D’Ambrosio Eye Care in Athol is offering free diabetic eye problem screenings to promote awareness of National Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month. “It is both surprising and disturbing that so many patients with diabetes still do not adhere to vision care guidelines for eye exams every year in order to prevent vision loss from diabetic eye disease”, stated Francis A. D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D., Medical Director of D’Ambrosio Eye Care. “To that end our D’Ambrosio Eye Care Athol office will offer free diabetic eye problem screenings from 9 AM-Noon on Tuesday November 27, 2012, Tuesday December 4, 2012, December 11, 2012 and again from 9 AM-Noon on Tuesday, January 15, 2013."

Patients just need to contact the D’Ambrosio Eye Care office at

413 Main Street in Athol, Massachusetts

978-249-4209

and requesting a free diabetic eye screening appointment.

"We are hopeful all patients with diabetes will consider taking the best possible care of their eyes in order to preserve their eye health and vision.”

As November has been designated as National Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month this is an important time to spread the word about this potentially blinding disease. “As part of Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month we want to urge all patients with diabetes or who are even pre-diabetic to have a dilated eye exam every year. The longer a person has diabetes, the greater his or her risk for developing diabetic retinopathy”, said Dr. D’Ambrosio Jr.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear  and optical services.

To learn more about D’Ambrosio Eye Care you may visit www.dambrosioeyecare.com or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye care practice serving the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Orange, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.



Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month in Massachusetts

D’Ambrosio Eye Care wishes to announce that November is 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 suffer from diabetes please make sure that they are getting regular eye exams to help preserve their eye health and vision.  Feel free to call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 to schedule an appointment. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear  and optical services.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice serving the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Eye Doctors on Diabetes Problems

Massachusetts eye doctors from D’Ambrosio Eye Care in Athol, Lancaster, Acton & Gardner, MA commented on diabetes and eye problems. Athol eye doctor Rachael Robbins, M.D. reminded diabetic patients, “Diabetes can have a significant effect on your eyes, eye health and vision. Diabetes is a systemic disease that affects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin effectively to control blood sugar levels. Although glucose is an important source of energy for the body’s cells, too much glucose in the blood for a long time can cause damage in many parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys, blood vessels and the small blood vessels in the eyes.”

When the blood vessels in the retina swell, leak or close off completely or if abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina, it results in diabetic retinopathy. Those people who are at greater risk of developing diabetic retinopathy are those who have poor blood sugar control, women who are pregnant, and people with high blood pressure, high blood lipids or both. Also, people who are from certain ethnic groups, such as African-Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans, are more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetes can cause vision in your eyes to change even if you do not have retinopathy. If your blood sugar levels change quickly, it can affect the shape of your eye’s crystalline lens, causing blurry vision, which goes back to normal after your blood sugar stabilizes. Maintaining good control of your blood sugar helps reduce episodes of blurry vision.

If you or someone you know has diabetes or even high blood sugar, especially if there is a family history of diabetes, you should have regular eye exams to help protect your eye health and vision. Please feel free to phone D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 to schedule an appointment.  You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear  and optical services.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice serving the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Diabetes and Your Eyes

Diabetes can have a significant effect on your eyes and vision. Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to produce or use insulin effectively to control blood sugar levels. Although glucose is an important source of energy for the body’s cells, too much glucose in the blood for a long time can cause damage in many parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys, blood vessels and the small blood vessels in the eyes. When the blood vessels in the retina swell, leak or close off completely, or if abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina, it results in diabetic retinopathy. Those people who are at greater risk of developing diabetic retinopathy are those who have diabetes or poor blood sugar control, women who are pregnant, and people with high blood pressure, high blood lipids or both. Also, people who are from certain ethnic groups, such as African-Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans, are more likely to develop diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetes can cause vision in your eyes to change even if you do not have retinopathy. If your blood sugar levels change quickly, it can affect the shape of your eye’s crystalline lens, causing blurry vision, which goes back to normal after your blood sugar stabilizes. Maintaining good control of your blood sugar helps reduce episodes of blurry vision.

If you or someone you know has diabetes or even high blood sugar, especially if there is a family history of diabetes, you should have regular eye exams to help protect your eye health and vision. Please feel free to phone D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 to schedule an appointment, visit D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice serving the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Surgeon on Cataract & Macular Degeneration Risk

Massachusetts Cataract Surgeon Francis D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D. explained that cataracts and age related macular degeneration (AMD) share at least one common risk factor-AGE. Cataract formation and macular degeneration both increase in frequency and incidence with age and thus it is pretty common to have one, the other or both as we head through our 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. The question that many patients get confronted with is whether to have cataract surgery if they have macular degeneration. And, if they do, will it make the AMD get worse and faster.

The general consensus among cataract surgeons is that with proper preoperative diagnostic testing, examination and consultation patients who have age related macular degeneration (ARMD) and who develop a cataract are able to have cataract surgery after being counseled on what to expect with regard to overall vision improvements and lifestyle benefits. While ARMD is not a reason to avoid cataract surgery, realistic expectations must be established by and between you and your cataract surgeon. Further, the most current and widely accepted studies on AMD progression after cataract surgery found that there was no difference in the frequency of the disease among patients who had cataract surgery as compared to those who did not.

If you or someone you know has cataracts and age related macular degeneration and have questions about cataract surgery and lens implants, contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear  and optical services.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice serving the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Orange, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

New Athol Eye Doctors, Specialists & Surgeons



New Athol Office



D’Ambrosio Eye Care is pleased to announce that there will be new eye doctors, eye specialists and eye surgeons in Athol as they announce the opening of their new Athol eye care office located at 413 Main Street in Athol, Massachusetts. “We are thrilled to be able to bring the full scope of general, medical, surgical and laser eye care to Athol patients. Whether patients need routine eye exams for glasses and contact lenses, evaluation for LASIK, exams for cataracts, cataract surgery & lens implants, exams and treatment of glaucoma or diagnosis and treatment of retina problems such as diabetic eye disease or age related macular degeneration-we can provide it for them,” stated Francis A. D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D., Medical Director of D’Ambrosio Eye Care. “Our team of Athol eye doctors includes Ophthalmologists and Optometrists who are eye specialists. Many of our fellowship trained eye surgeons will be readily available to take care of patients in the Athol community. Our registered Opticians offer fitting and selection of eyeglasses, eyewear and complete optical services,” Dr. D’Ambrosio emphasized.

D’Ambrosio Eye Care in Athol is available for patent appointments Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, and Tuesday and Thursday from 8:00 AM-7:30 PM at 413 Main Street in Athol, Massachusetts by calling 978-249-4209.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye care practice serving central Massachusetts with offices in Athol, Lancaster, Gardner and Acton. We are conveniently located for patients from Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Orange, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Monovision Contact Lenses for Massachusetts Wearers

Massachusetts Contact Lens Specialist Dr. Michael Fu remarked, “Monovision contact lenses may be an interesting option for patients with near vision problems.” As we age, our ability to focus on close objects decreases.  This condition, called presbyopia, usually occurs some time in our forties.  People may need to start using reading glasses or bifocals when trying to read fine print or when using the computer.  People who wear contact lenses may start to need reading glasses over their contacts to read fine print and see detail up close.

 

One way to avoid reading glasses in contact lens wearers is called monovision.  With monovision, one eye is used for distance vision and the other eye is used for near vision.  Using both eyes simultaneously gives an increased range of clear vision from near to far.  Advantages of monovision include freedom from needing reading glasses, crisp vision at all ranges.  Disadvantages include decreased depth perception and eye fatigue from using only one at any given distance.  Ask your eye doctor if monovision is a good option for you.  

To schedule an appointment to discuss if monovision may be a good option for you, call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937, visit D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Staffed by a team of Ophthalmologists, Optometrists, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, care for diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear  and optical services.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice serving the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area including Acton, Athol, Berlin, Bolton, Boylston, Boxborough, Chelmsford, Clinton, Concord, Fitchburg, Gardner, Greenfield, Groton, Harvard, Hudson, Lancaster, Leominster, Lexington, Littleton, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Milford, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.