Boston LASIK Surgeon on Contact Lenses & Dry Eyes

Boston LASIK Surgeon Francis D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D. cited some important information about contact lenses and dry eyes for contact lens wearers considering LASIK. “Dry eyes can be a very real problem for both rigid and soft contact lens wearers. Researchers reporting in the Eye & Contact Lens: Science & Clinical Practice demonstrated that both rigid and soft contact lenses negatively impacted the tear film surface quality. This research is important to keep in mind when contact lens wearers present for LASIK consultations since the evaluation of the tear film quality and quantity is a critical consideration of determining the patient’s candidacy for any type of Laser Vision Correction-but especially for LASIK surgery,” commented Dr. D’Ambrosio of D’Ambrosio Eye Care with offices in Athol, Lancaster, Acton & Gardner. “Given that a significant number of our patients electing to have LASIK today are indeed contact lens wearers and that dry eye is probably the most common side effect of LASIK that we see with our patients, we need to be aware that some of the pre LASIK tear film abnormalities that we find are actually due to their contact lens wear and that with a sufficient amount of time without contact lens wear many contact lens wearers who want LASIK will recover a normal tear film surface quality and be able to proceed with Laser Vision Correction,” noted Dr. D’Ambrosio.

Contact lens patients considering LASIK or any type of Laser Eye Surgery for vision correction are encouraged to find the best LASIK Surgeons in their area and have a thorough evaluation, examination and consultation in order to find out if they are good candidates. 

If you or someone you know has a question about LASIK, contact lenses, dry eyes or would like to schedule a Free LASIK Consultation they are encouraged to schedule Free Consultation 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 determine whether you are a good candidate. 

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 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 that serve the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area.

LASIK, Motorcycle Riding & Dry Eye in Massachusetts

“What do LASIK, motorcycle riding and dry eyes have in common you wonder?” asked Massachusetts LASIK Surgeon Francis D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D. of D’Ambrosio Eye Care with offices in Athol, Lancaster, Acton & Gardner. “This is the time of year we start to see many motorcycle riders who are interested in LASIK,” commented Dr. D’Ambrosio, Jr. “Contact lenses and certainly eyeglasses can be a real challenge for motorcycle riders-so many consider LASIK about now. As motorcycle lovers start to think about the spring and summer motorcycle riding season, I try to remind them that eye safety and also dry eyes should top the list of things they think about as part of their readiness checklists along with the condition of their gear and bikes,” Dr. D’Ambrosio, Jr. further explained.

It is important to recognize the need for eye protection from the sun, bugs, small rocks and pebbles and especially the wind, which can really contribute to dry eye symptoms. LASIK patients as well as other recreational motorcycle riders sometimes overlook or are just not aware of the potential for eye irritation and motorcycle dry eye caused by the wind, exhaust fumes, pollen and pollution-as well as the summer sun and heat.

At your LASIK consultation the staff will be exploring your lifestyle needs and activities. As a potential LASIK patient we want to take the time necessary so that we can carefully counsel you in order to get the best results and help meet your expectations. Please take the time to tell us about your motorcycle riding interest as well as all of the ways in which you are hoping to benefit from LASIK.

If you or someone you know is interested in LASIK they are encouraged to schedule Free Consultation 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 determine whether you are a good candidate.

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.

Tired of Burning, Dry Eyes?

“We are happy to once again be participating in an FDA study to assess candidates for a future dry eye study”, said Francis A. D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D., Medical Director of D’Ambrosio Eye Care with offices in Lancaster, Gardner and Acton, MA.

Dry eye is the most prevalent form of ocular discomfort and irritation with millions of people affected with mild to moderate dry eye. It can be related to external factors, such as the low humidity of air-conditioned offices, dry heat in the winter, windy and dusty outdoor conditions, computer use for prolonged periods of time or the wearing of contact lenses. There are also internal factors; such as hormonal imbalance, autoimmune disease, use of prescribed systemic medication, anatomical changes or trauma and aging.

These symptoms result in, at a minimum, decreased quality of life, and in severe cases, pain, light sensitivity and impaired vision. Dr. D’Ambrosio, Jr. stated “as the population in the United States ages, accompanied by increased computer use, the evidence of dry eye will only increase”.

Assessment appointments will be held at D’Ambrosio Eye Care located at 479 Old Union Turnpike in Lancaster, MA, beginning in June, 2011.

We are looking to assess individuals based on the following criteria:

* Must be age 18 or older
* Have a history of dry eye in both eyes
* Willingness to go to D’Ambrosio Eye Care in Lancaster for appointments, if selected for the study

The initial assessment appointment will be between 1 – 2 hours in Lancaster, MA and individuals will be compensated for their time. If accepted into the study, it will begin in the Fall of 2011.

To see if you may qualify for the study, or have any questions regarding this study, please contact Jenny Easton at D’Ambrosio Eye Care toll free 1-800-325-3937 x314.

Winter and Dry Eyes

Dry Eye Syndrome is common in winter because of cold, dry outdoor air and dry indoor heat.  "Symptoms include pain, blurred vision, a scratchy or burning sensation or even watery eyes as the eyes try to compensate for the dryness, explains Francis A. D'Ambrosio, Jr., M.D., Medical Director of D'Ambrosio Eye Care.

JoAnn C. Chang, M.D.

Dry eye can occur at any age, but is more common among older adults, especially post-menopausal women.  In some people, dry eye syndrome may be related to systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and collagen vascular diseases such as lupus, certain medications such as diuretics for high blood pressure, antihistamines for allergies and beta blockers for hpertension or heart conditions.

"Simple dry eye may require only some artificial tears and a furnace humidifier or room humidifier.  Today we have treatments for dry eye at include oral doxycycline to improve tear quality, punctal plugs (stoppers inserted into the tear tuct), topical steroids or typical cyclosporine (Restasis)", said D'Ambrosio Eye Care corneal specialist JoAnn C. Chang, M.D.  For most people, dry eye is simply a nuisance, but for some, severe dry eye can make you vulnerable to corneal infections, which can permanently affect your vision.  If you are bothered by dry eyes, please let us know so we can schedule a dry eye examination and consultation.