Help for Red Itchy Eye Allergies!

With the pollen count rising each day this time of year a great number of patients call our offices at D’Ambrosio Eye Care complaining about red, itchy and watery eyes. These are the typical symptoms of eye allergies. But even with a thorough and careful exam of the ocular surface it can be difficult to distinguish between ocular allergy and dry eye disease or other ocular surface problem. While we have made good progress in dry eye testing and diagnosis, up until now trying to find the cause of eye allergies and itchy eyes often required intradermal testing by an allergist. These intradermal tests use multiple injections to try and find the cause and it isn’t terribly comfortable or convenient for patients. Now, we are quite pleased to have access to a novel, FDA approved, pain-free way to test if a patient is allergic to up to 60 different ocular allergens with “no needle and no injections.”

About the New Liquid Antigen Eye Allergy Test

The new eye allergy test uses liquid antigens on a plastic applicator that is placed on the patient’s forearm with gentle pressure-and it provides results in less than 15 minutes. If the patient is allergic to a particular allergen there is a small hive that forms on their forearm. By more accurately determining if and to which antigens a patient is allergic to it gives the doctor the ability to identify where they might be present in the patient’s environment and deal with them accordingly, along with the eye symptoms and signs of the allergy. This in office testing is covered by almost all major health insurance companies.

Help for Red Itchy Eye Allergies

Knowing the cause of the allergies helps us to determine the best course of treatment. Sometimes oral antihistamines alone or with antihistamine or steroid eye drops are necessary whereas in other cases we simply need to counsel and advise the patient to remove and avoid the source of the allergen in their home or workplace. If you have allergies that cause you to experience symptoms such as itchy watery eyes you may be one of a great many allergy sufferers who could benefit from the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies.

If you or someone you know suffers from itchy, red, watery eyes or eye allergies 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 so that we can help recommend an appropriate evaluation and treatment plan.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care provides eye care for patients throughout greater Boston, central and western Massachusetts with office locations at 479 Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440.

About Pink Eye Conjunctivitis

Almost every day, patients call us at D’Ambrosio Eye Care to ask us whether we think they have conjunctivitis or “pink eye”. Without coming in for an actual external eye exam it is difficult if not impossible to tell. But when you do come in, we certainly know what to look for and will be able to tell you for sure-and if necessary, how to treat it.

Signs & Symptoms of Pink Eye Conjunctivitis

There are a number of signs and symptoms that help us determine if you have “pink eye” or conjunctivitis. If you have a bacterial infection causing pink eye conjunctivitis, you will usually have very red eyes. You may find crusting on your eyelids that can make them stick together as well as a heavy, pus-like discharge from your eyes that may be greenish at times. This infection may spread to both eyes. If you have a viral conjunctivitis we often will find a very red, swollen eye, crusty eyelids and a more watery discharge. This discharge can also have strands of mucus or white, ropy strands. While many cases of viral pink eye infect only one eye, this infection can also spread to the other eye. If you have an allergic conjunctivitis and your allergies are causing your conjunctivitis, it will often look similar to viral conjunctivitis. Your eyes will be red and tearing. However, they will also be itchy. It is likely you may have a stuffy, runny or itchy nose as well.

Treatment of Pink Eye Conjunctivitis

MOST of the time, the treatment is primarily supportive. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections but do work well in treating bacterial conjunctivitis. Regardless of the cause, it is important to minimize exposure of others by washing your hands frequently and throwing away used tissues. Do not share towels or pillow cases. Consider staying home from work or school until you are symptom-free for 24 hours. If you are a contact lens wearer, you should discontinue their use and stick with glasses until your infection clears. Then start with a fresh pair of lenses and a clean lens case.

If you or someone you know is concerned about having “pink eye” conjunctivitis please schedule a visit 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 recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care provides eye care for patients throughout greater Boston, central and western Massachusetts with office locations at 479 Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440.

Ocular or Ophthalmic Migraine: Eye Headaches?

Studies indicate that between 10-20% of the U.S. population above the age of 18 suffers from severe headaches and probable migraine headaches. When most of us think of the word “migraine” we think that it is really just about headaches. At D’Ambrosio Eye Care, we sometimes hear from otherwise healthy patients, that about once or twice a month they see these strange pulsing images in both eyes-both with their eyes open and closed! Sometimes they tell us that they start out small, may last 10-20 minutes and even cause their vision to become blurry. These episodes actually describe what we know to be an Ocular Migraine-a migraine without a headache! What patients are experiencing is the aura that many sufferers have before the onset of a classic migraine headache. An ocular or ophthalmic migraine often includes zigzag lines, colored lights or flashes of lights expanding to one side of your vision over perhaps 10 to 30 minutes.

If you experience these symptoms, in order to be sure that this is not a sign of a more serious problem, you should consider scheduling an evaluation and eye exam with us so that we can rule out any other problems and work in concert with your primary care physician or a neurologist to make sure that other testing is not needed.

If you or someone you know is concerned about symptoms of migraine or eye headaches 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 recommend an appropriate evaluation and treatment plan.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care provides eye care for patients throughout greater Boston, central and western Massachusetts with office locations at 479 Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440.

Cataract Night Vision Problem Story

We hear from patients all the time about night vision problems, and especially from seniors who are concerned about aging eye problems. Here is what a recent patient had to say:

“Driving after the onset of darkness was becoming troublesome. An eye examination revealed the reduced visibility was likely due to the clouded cataract in my left eye and surgery was indicated.

The pre-surgery staff was very professional and the procedures were performed in a careful and diligent manner.  I was monitored at all times by the staff and made very comfortable.  The surgical staff was very professional and kept me informed of the procedures.  The surgery was painless and took only several minutes to complete.

It took a few hours for the surgical related medication to dissipate and I was free of any surgery related symptoms later that day.  The post-surgery care was timely and all visits were completed in a professional manner.

My vision is improved and night driving is no longer a concern."

Richard B.

If you or someone you know is concerned about aging eye problems such as cataracts, especially if you are having night vision or driving problems, please have them 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 answer questions.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care provides eye care for patients throughout greater Boston, central and western Massachusetts with office locations at 479 Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440.

UV & HEV Eye Protection

The threat posed by exposure to UV rays is well known to eye care professionals. We want to make sure our patients are well informed too! Even the US Environmental Protection Agency recommends we all wear sunglasses even when the UV index indicates you are at a low risk of exposure. UV radiation from exposure to these rays is cumulative. With this in mind it is especially important to protect a child with sunglasses as well. Their daily exposure tends to be even higher than adults because they spend a lot more time outside. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation 20% of our lifetime exposure to UV radiation is sustained during childhood. As patients, we would like for you to think of protecting your eyes and the delicate skin around your eyes from these harmful rays, when you go to put sunscreen on always remember that includes your sunglasses!

At D’Ambrosio Eye Care we offer sunglass frames from various designers as well as frames for your sporting needs. Our #1 selling non-glare for your everyday clear lenses is Crizal Avance UV™ having an E-SPF of 25 and our #1 selling non-glare for your sunglasses is Crizal Sunshield UV™ having an E-SPF of 50. Both are available with EyeMed benefits!

If you or someone you know is concerned about UV & HECV and want to be sure they are getting the best type of protective eyewear, 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 recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

D'Ambrosio Eye Care provides eye care for patients throughout greater Boston, central and western Massachusetts with office locations at 479 Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440.