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.

Halloween Contact Lenses & Eye Health

“Without proper fitting and care, decorative Halloween contact lenses as part of your costume may not be the best choice for your eye health,” commented Massachusetts Ophthalmologist Francis D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D. of D’Ambrosio Eye Care with offices in Athol, Lancaster, Acton & Gardner. “It can be really fun to change your eye color from blue to some far out appearance or ghoulish look by using over-the-counter, decorative contact lenses that may enhance your costume, but be careful as this can lead to serious vision-threatening problems,” further explained Dr. D’Ambrosio, Jr.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, all contact lenses are regulated medical devices that require a prescription and proper fitting by an eye-care professional. Even someone with perfect vision would still require an eye exam and a prescription in order to wear any kind of contacts, including cosmetic lenses.

Some websites advertise decorative contacts as if they were fashion accessories or toys with fanciful, playful packaging in order to attract teens and young adults, especially girls. The problem is not that people use decorative, noncorrosive lenses-sometimes called Plano-or zero-powered lenses, but that they buy the devices without a prescription through unlicensed vendors on the Internet or at flea markets and specialty shops.

The buyer of these over-the-counter contact lenses faces a huge risk including scratched corneas, pink eye and more serious types of blinding infection as a result of a corneal ulcer

In 2005, a federal law was passed that classified all contact lenses as medical devices and restricted their distribution to licensed eye-care professionals. Illegal sale of contacts can result in civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation.
 

The safe and effective use of contact lenses-whether decorative or not-requires proper fitting and education about their care to prevent the potential for serious eye  problems from becoming a reality.

If you or a friend would like to learn more about contact lenses of any type, including decorative contacts, please 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 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.

Eyes & Ultraviolet Radiation: Part 2

As mentioned in an earlier blog post, the sun’s rays can be harmful stuff. To best protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV and HEV rays, always wear good quality sunglasses when you are outdoors.  Wearing polarized sunglasses that block 100% of UV and HEV rays is ideal. Most over the counter lenses are not polarized, merely a tinted lens. And they do not all even meet AOA (American Optometric Association) specifications for blocking UV. Also look for larger lenses or a close-fitting wraparound style to protect as much of the delicate skin around your eyes as possible.

When shopping just know the amount of UV protection is unrelated to the color or darkness of the lens but with HEV you are better protected with a bronze, copper or reddish-brown lens. In addition to sunglasses, wearing a wide-brimmed hat on sunny days can reduce your eye’s exposure to UV and HEV rays by up to 50%.

Polarized lenses block 100% of UV rays and Coppertone™ brand lenses offer more protection from HEV rays. Polarized lenses are also considered safety driving lenses. Ever feel bothered while driving East on Route 2 because the sun is in your eyes, hindering your vision and causing eye fatigue? Polarized lenses eliminate up to 97% of reflected glare off your hood, dashboard, street signs, etc. 

Besides safety, polarized lenses can enhance other activities and sports. Along with boaters, outdoor enthusiasts like skiers, bikers, golfers and joggers, benefit from polarized sunglasses. Who wouldn’t enjoy a clearer view along with the elimination of glare?

Sunglasses paired with premium non-glare such as Crizal Sunshield with Scotchgard™ Protector enhance vision even further. Sunwear lenses have a concave backside surface that acts like a mirror, magnifying the size of reflections. But this non-glare also has dual-sided, fully integrated super-hydrophobic properties that make it easier to clean and stay clean. Stop by the optical department at any D’Ambrosio Eye Care location anytime to learn more about which polarized lens best suites you! You may also request an appointment for 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 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:  Skin Cancer Foundation, Healthy Sight Counseling, Home Facts, Crizal, All About Vision

Massachusetts Glaucoma Specialist on Metabolic Syndrome

Massachusetts Glaucoma Specialist Bin Wu, M.D. reviewed current thoughts on glaucoma risk and metabolic syndrome. “What we know today is that patients with diabetes mellitus, systemic arterial hypertension or high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia or high cholesterol and triglycerides and obesity have elevated risks of developing open angle glaucoma,” said Dr. Wu of D’Ambrosio Eye Care with offices in Athol, Lancaster, Acton and Gardner, Massachusetts. “This is of some concern as approximately one-fifth of the U.S. population has metabolic syndrome and both metabolic syndrome and open angle glaucoma increase in prevalence with age. As the U.S. population ages, the disease burden of open angle may increase in the coming years," he stressed. Reviewing data presented in the journal Ophthalmology, researchers performed statistical analysis to determine patients' risk of developing open angle glaucoma OAG in conjunction with individual and combined types of metabolic syndrome. Data were adjusted for social and demographic factors, systemic medical conditions and other ocular diseases. The adjusted data showed that subjects with diabetes alone had a 35% increased risk of developing OAG, and those with hypertension alone had a 17% increased risk. Those with diabetes and hypertension combined had a 48% risk. Those with hyperlipidemia alone had a 5% decreased risk. Obese subjects had a 14% increased risk. Patients with diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hypertension combined had a 26% increased risk and the risk of developing OAG were higher in African Americans, Latinos and Asian Americans than in Caucasians, the authors reported.

For more information on open angle glaucoma or metabolic syndrome or to schedule an appointment for an eye examination 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, Shelburne Falls, Shirley, Sterling, Stow, Sudbury, Templeton, Westminster, Westborough, Winchendon and Worcester, Massachusetts.

Eye Safety at D’Ambrosio Eye Care

Eye safety is a major area of attention for us when you consider that trauma is 6^th on the list of leading cause of blindness. The next time you visit us for an eye exam be sure to mention how you spend your leisure hours because we may be able to uncover areas in your life where you need advice on the best way to protect your vision such as activities like sports or driving. Over 2.5 million Americans suffer from eye injuries each year, 50,000 experience significant vision loss from these injuries.  90% of all eye injuries can be prevented by wearing protective eyewear. As professionals, we promote ocular trauma prevention.  29% of patients have had an eye injury or know someone who has. Some patients perceive our recommendation as a “sales pitch” but please know we only have your safety at heart and are only looking after your well-being. A few examples of common eye injury locations and causes are below.

Injury Location	% of reported eye injuries
Home	44.1% (cooking, home repair, yard work, etc.)
Sports	14.7% (sporting or recreational activity)
Work	15.6% (industrial, factory or office)
Roads	11.4% (usually motor vehicle accidents, airbags)
Unspecified	14.2% (schools, farms, other)

Injury Cause	% of reported eye injuries
Projectile Objects	17.9% (flying debris, nails, etc.)
Blunt Objects	13.3% (hand tools, hardware, etc.)
Body Parts	10.6% (fingers, fists or other)
Sharp Objects	9.2% (wood splinters, fishhook, glass shards, etc.)
Fireworks	Less than 1% (most responders thought this was the 3rd leading cause of eye injury)

If you have any questions, or would like more information on eye protection, stop by the optical department in any D’Ambrosio Eye Care location or call 800-325-3937 for more information.  You may also request an appointment at facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

If you or someone you know suffers from eyestrain symptoms 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 so that we can help identify the possible causes and 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.

Reference sources: Healthy Sight Counseling, Healthy Sight Institute, Transitions, Eyecare Business, Eye Smart, The Vision Council, Optician’s Handbook, Ophthalmology Management, Management & Business Academy.

Massachusetts Eye Injury Prevention Month

Massachusetts Ophthalmologist Francis D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D. reminded patients that it is prudent to use caution in order to avoid eye injury while participating in seemingly routine household activities. “Most people don’t even begin to consider the potential for eye injury when they go out to mow the lawn, jump-start the car or get ready to do some spring cleaning,” said Dr. D’Ambrosio Jr. “The last thing we tend think about is protecting our eyes-but we should make it the first think we consider. Common, ordinary activities can cause extraordinary eye injury and damage and this is a good time to take precautions as October has been designated Eye Injury Prevention Month by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.”

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

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

If you or someone you know suffers from an eye injury 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 so that we can help identify the possible causes and 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.

Ophthalmology Grand Rounds George Washington University

George Washington University Department of Ophthalmology hosted Francis D’Ambrosio Jr., M.D. for a Grand Rounds presentation on “Advances in Cataract Surgery”.  “I was pleased to be invited to share my experiences and thoughts on cataract surgery and lens implants with this great group of eye surgery residents and attending ophthalmologists. Over the past 25 years I have really tried to adhere to a personal a three track career in ophthalmology-patient care, clinical research and teaching. This opportunity at GW was very stimulating and the questions and interactions were terrific,” said Dr. D’Ambrosio Jr.