Glaucoma Specialist on Tonometry Eye Pressure Test

“The tonometry eye pressure test is one of the tests performed during a comprehensive eye exam,”commented Glaucoma Specialist Bin Wu, M.D. of D’Ambrosio Eye Care with offices in Athol, Acton, Gardner and Lancaster. Tonometry measures the intraocular pressure, or pressure inside the eye.  There are several different ways to perform this test.

Goldman applanation tonometry is the "gold standard."  Your eye doctor will instill a numbing drop in the eye, along with fluorescein, an orange dye.  A blue light is used to enhance visibility of the front surface of the eye.  A sensor is then used to take a pressure reading off the cornea.

Air puff noncontact tonometry is another way to measure the intraocular pressure without the need for numbing drops or dyes.  A puff of air is blown onto the cornea and the internal pressure of the eye is calculated based on the reaction of the cornea to the puff of air.  This method is not as consistent as Goldman applanation tonometry, but it is quick and easy to do.

Intraocular pressure that is too high or too low can cause problems in the eye.  High intraocular pressure is a risk factor for glaucoma.  The optic nerve is sensitive to elevated pressure in the eye and glaucoma can result in optic nerve damage and vision loss. Pressure that is too low can cause also cause optic nerve problems as well as retinal problems.

Regular eye exams are important to make monitor your intraocular pressure.  Intraocular pressure that is elevated usually cannot be felt, and vision loss from glaucoma is permanent.

For information or to schedule an eye exam, contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937. You may also request an appointment at www.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 eye surgery such as LASIK for vision correction, 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.

Boston Cataract Surgery Complications

Boston Cataract Surgeon and Corneal Specialist JoAnn C. Chang, M.D. commented on cataract surgery complication. “Although cataract surgery complications are really pretty rare everyone with a cataract who is thinking about having eye surgery always has a concern about what could go wrong,” commented Dr. Chang.  Certainly there are things that could go wrong. “Basically in the hands of an experienced cataract surgeon using modern cataract surgery techniques we do everything possible to reduce the risk of complications, said Boston Cataract Surgeon JoAnn C. Chang, M.D. at D’Ambrosio Eye Care. “When you consider the huge benefit that patients receive in not only in terms of vision but also lifestyle, comfort, convenience and safety the risk of complications is really quite low”, said Dr. Chang. For routine cataract surgery in healthy patients the complication rate is well under 5%. This might increase somewhat if you have diabetic eye disease, glaucoma or other types of health or eye problems.

So what kinds of things can go wrong? First there are a handful of things that can happen during or within the first 24-48 hours after a cataract operation. These include the very unusual things like bleeding inside the eye which is really rare, a little bleeding on the surface of the eye or an inner eye infection which is quite rare. Sometimes, if we need to anesthetize the eye using an injection you may have a little “black and blue” eye or an eyelid bruise. This usually clears up pretty quickly. Sometimes the “capsule” around the crystalline lens that is removed as part of the operation might be broken during the surgery and we might need to do a “vitrectomy” as part of the surgery to get a good result. This too is pretty unusual. More common in very nearsighted patients, some patients who have cataract surgery can have a retinal detachment. Occasionally in patients who have had “no stitch” cataract surgery the actual incision may leak. If this happens it is sometimes necessary for us to put a stitch in place to tightly close the incision. Then there are a few types of complications that can occur over a longer period of time. Very rarely the intraocular lens implant can move off center or the center of the retina can swell. By far the most common complication is a clouding of the lens capsule that has been left in place to support the lens implant. Fortunately, this complication is pretty easily managed with a quick, painless procedure called a YAG Laser Capsulotomy that restores the vision almost immediately after the procedure.

Although it might sound like there are lots of possible complications of cataract surgery, rest assured they are quite unusual. This most common one of capsule opacity is easily treated.  If you need cataract surgery it is important to have a little knowledge so you appreciate the degree of skill and experience required of your cataract surgeon to help you get the best result.

If you or someone you know has cataracts and has questions about cataract surgery and lens implant complications please feel free to call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937. You may also request an appointment at www.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 lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery 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.

Glare & Night Driving Problems in Boston

“Eyeglass wearers often complain that glare can be a real source of night driving problems, “commented Boston Ophthalmologist Francis D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D. It is generally accepted that 8-14% of light is lost due to reflection off eyeglasses that creates glare, leading to loss of visual acuity and clarity. A result of decreased light is lower contrast sensitivity which affects the patient’s ability to discriminate different shades of gray or objects against a low contrasting background. Eyeglass wearers driving at night are exposed to distracting glare from oncoming traffic and street lights that cause a reduction in visibility. Patients who are not wearing non-glare lenses and driving at night in the presence of extreme glare can see 2 lines less on the Snellen chart (the chart with the big “E”). This glare decreases reaction time to unexpected situations and the ability to identify people or objects. In a study of the visual reaction time while driving at night, the following findings were observed.


Patient                                         No Non-Glare Lenses     With Non-Glare Lenses
Patient with Myopia (-) Rx             10 seconds                             5 seconds
Patient with Hyperopia (+) Rx          8 seconds                             6 seconds


Because the glare from light is eliminated, the wearer has an improved field of vision by 30% and better contrast to see people or objects better. Because non-glare improves reaction time during unforeseen situations, it makes you a safer driver. 70% of drivers prefer non-glare lenses, 89% of highway patrol officers chose non-glare lenses. Will you choose non-glare lenses with your next purchase?

For more information on non-glare or other types of lenses, please stop by the optical departments at each location of D’Ambrosio Eye Care or call 800-325-3937. 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, Health Sight Counseling, The Vision Council, Jobson Research and Essilor

Boston Corneal Specialist on Herpes Eye Infections

Boston Corneal Specialist JoAnn C. Chang, M.D. commented on Herpes Simplex eye infections. “I like to educate patients with cornea infections about the seriousness of Herpes Simplex eye infections as this type of eye infection actually affects many more people each year than one might think,” stated Dr. Chang of D’Ambrosio Eye Care which serves greater Boston and central Massachusetts. “Ocular herpes or herpes of the eye is caused by the herpes simplex virus and is the most common causes of corneal blindness in the United States today. Up to 50% of people who have a single herpes simplex viral infection of the eye will experience a flare up or recurrence. The virus often leads to irreversible scarring of the cornea and possible the need for a corneal transplant.”

Ocular herpes may start as a painful sore on the eyelid or surface of the eye. If left untreated, it may multiply and begin to destroy epithelial cells and progress deeper into the cornea. If the ocular herpes penetrates the deeper layers of the cornea and causes a stromal keratitis it may cause corneal scarring-so prompt diagnosis and treatment of ocular herpes is important.

It is estimated that 400,000 people in the United States have had some type of ocular herpes, with more than 50,000 initial and recurring cases being diagnosed each year. Of these, it is believed that 25% are the more severe form of herpes stromal keratitis. The recurrence of herpes simplex eye infections is significant in that it appears to recur in about 10% of patients with one year, 23% of patients within two years and 63% of patients within 20 years of their initial infection. Sometimes a recurrence can be prompted by sunlight, stress, fevers or an unrelated eye injury. Quick diagnosis and treatment is the key to avoiding corneal scarring, vision loss and the possible need for a corneal transplant.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any signs or symptoms of corneal infection-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 with Massachusetts Corneal Specialist JoAnn C. Chang, M.D.

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), refractive laser surgery such as LASIK for vision correction, 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.

How to Use An Amsler Grid

Perhaps your Optometrist or Ophthalmologist has recommended you perform a daily check of your vision with an Amsler grid.  If so, the following are general instructions for how to use the grid:

If you wear reading glasses, they should be worn during the testing with the Amsler grid.  Hold the grid about the same distance as you would any other reading materials.

Covering one of your eyes; direct your focus to the dot in the center.  When viewing the grid, all of the squares should be the same size and the lines straight, forming right angles.
Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do any of the lines look wavy, blurred or distorted?
• Are there any missing areas or dark areas in the grid?
• Can you see all corners and sides of the grid?
• Now, switch eyes and repeat.
• Mark areas of the chart that you're not seeing properly and bring it with you to your eye exam.

If you notice ANY irregularities or differences from a previous test, contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care IMMEDIATELY at 800-325-3937 and explain the changes in your vision.

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.

Boston Eye Doctor on Makeup & Health

Boston Eye Doctor Joann Chang, M.D. commented on eye makeup and eye health. “The proper use and care of eye makeup is important for helping to keep your eyes both healthy and beautiful. There are a number of steps and precautions to think about,” said Dr. Chang a Boston Ophthalmologist and Corneal Specialist.

1. First, throw away eye makeup after three months. Infection-causing bacteria grow easily in creamy or liquid eye makeup. If you develop an eye infection, immediately toss all of your eye makeup. 
2. Second, never share eye makeup, and when sampling makeup in stores use only fresh applicators and samples that have not been contaminated by multiple users. In fact the safest choice is to avoid using store samples at all. 
3. Third, if you tend to be allergic, introduce only one new eye makeup or care product at a time. If there is no reaction, add another new product, and so on. If you notice an allergic reaction, find out what the ingredients are and let your eye doctor know. Avoid products that contain untested or harmful chemicals. 
4. In general, before applying makeup, be sure your face and eyelids are very clean. Always apply makeup outside the lash line, away from the eye, to avoid blocking the oil glands of the upper or lower eyelid. These glands secrete oil that protects the eye’s surface. If you tend to have dry eyes, avoid metallic/glitter, powder or other makeup that flakes. Flakes can get into the tear film and increase your eyes’ irritation. Glitter eye makeup is a common cause of corneal irritation or infection, especially in contact lens users. 
5. Always remove all eye makeup at night before sleeping, especially mascara that can stick to the lashes. Brush a clean cotton swab along the base of the eyelashes to remove all makeup remnants. If you use eye makeup remover, avoid getting it in your eyes and thoroughly rinse remover off your eyelids.

If at any time you have eye surgery, do not wear makeup around the eye until your eye surgeon tells you it is safe to do so, and then use only fresh, new makeup.

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.

If you have any questions on this, or any other eye-related problem, please contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Boston Eye Doctor on Amsler Grid

“An Amsler Grid is a tool that eye doctors use to detect vision problems resulting from damage to the macula (the central part of the retina) or the optic nerve,” commented Boston Ophthalmologist Francis D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D. “The damage may be caused by macular degeneration, glaucoma or other eye diseases, so an Amsler grid is useful in monitoring and detecting problems between appointments,” stated Dr. D’Ambrosio Jr.

If you are at risk for macular degeneration or other eye diseases, you can use this chart at home to monitor your vision. But using the chart doesn't mean you can skip regular visits to the eye doctor, because there may be other signs that only an eye doctor will find.

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.

If you have any questions or problems with your vision, please contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care. Please 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.

Boston Ultraviolet (UV) Eye Protection

D’Ambrosio Eye Care wishes to announce that Prevent Blindness America has designated May as National Ultraviolet Eye Awareness Month. “Most people know the harmful effects that ultraviolet (UV) rays can have on the skin. But many are not aware of the damage that they can cause to the eyes,” said Massachusetts Corneal Specialist JoAnn C. Chang, M.D. of D’Ambrosio Eye Care. “Possibly the most frightening aspect of UV damage is that it is cumulative, meaning the negative effects may not present themselves until years later.”

Today almost everyone is aware of the potential damage that sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause to their skin, most do not know or appreciate that ultraviolet light (UV) can also cause significant damage to eye health and vision.

“Most of us wouldn't dream of staying outside in the sun without putting on sunscreen lotion,” said Dr. Chang. “But we also need to remember to wear both UV-blocking lenses and a brimmed hat to protect our eyes as well.”

Patients are fortunate to have wide range of UV protecting eyeglass lenses available to choose from. Eye protection from UV needs to be complete but doesn't have to be overly expensive. High quality sunglasses should block out 99-100 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation. It is also important to have UV protection in everyday eyewear, which is readily available with a number of UV blocking eyeglass lens materials, specialized coatings and photochromic lenses.

“We know that extended exposure to UV has been linked to many eye problems, conditions and in some cases thought to quicken the onset of eye diseases such as cataract, Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), certain cancers on the delicate skin around the eye, Pterygia-a growth of white tissue on the surface of the eye-and even photokeratitis, a type of sunburn of the cornea,” said Dr. Chang.

When you visit D'Ambrosio Eye Care please ask us any questions you might have about UV protection, eye disease and the best way to protect your eyes with the proper eyewear and lens choices.

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 lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery for 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 also 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.

Please feel free to call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937 to help answer questions or schedule an appointment. You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.