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.