Back to School Eyeglasses Benefit Dogs for NEADS

At D’Ambrosio Eye Care, Back to School Eyewear for Children means more than just good vision for kids!

This year we have partnered with NEADS (National Education for Assistance Dog Services, also known as Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans) from Princeton Massachusetts. We are offering promotional single vision lens packages starting at $29 for children (and adults), including impact resistant polycarbonate lenses with non-glare, when purchased with a frame! When you purchase any of these promotional packages a portion of the proceeds goes directly to NEADS and your child gets to take home one of these adorable stuffed dog toys. What better way to start a new school year!

We are excited to be featuring an extremely flexible and durable new frame line from nano VISTA (www.nanovista.net/en), for ages 0 and up. nano frames are manufactured with the exclusive and patented SILIFLEX™ material, a unique thermo-adjustable material is 35% lighter than acetate frames and delivers a long lasting and durable finish. The frames from the nano collections stand out from the crowd due to maximum flexibility making them "Child-Proof". With their new patented exclusive hinge "S2"-FORGET ABOUT BREAKAGES!

Super cute and worth taking a look, they will be in our Lancaster location!

If you or someone you know has questions or needs help with Back to School eyeglasses, frames and lenses contact D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care, Google+ or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help.

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.

Stop Smoking & Decrease Cataract Risk

Smoking is well known to be a major risk factor for high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, stroke and eye diseases and problems including macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Smoking & Cataract Risk

 Researchers studying the risk of cataracts among smokers reported in JAMA Ophthalmology that stopping smoking decreases the risk of cataracts over time. The researchers followed a total of 44,371 men, 45 to 79 years old over a 10 year period and the participants filled out questionnaires on their smoking habits and lifestyles and were then matched with the Swedish National Day-Surgery Register and local records of cataract extraction.

The researchers found that smokers of more than 15 cigarettes a day had a 42% increased risk of cataract surgery compared with men who had never smoked. It also found that men who smoked an average of more than 15 cigarettes a day but had stopped smoking more than 20 years earlier had a 21% increased risk. Thus, they found a positive association between cigarette smoking and cataract surgery in men, with a significant increase of cataracts among smokers compared to those who never smoked. Also, stopping smoking was associated with a statistically significant decrease in risk with increasing time from stopping smoking. Even heavy smokers had some benefit from quitting smoking. Further, a previous study detailed the relationship between smoking cessation and cataract risk in women. In this study, they found that after cessation of smoking, cataract risk in women decreased with time. Women who smoked 6 to 10 cigarettes a day but had ceased smoking 10 years earlier, and women who smoked more than 10 cigarettes a day but had ceased smoking 20 years earlier were found to have a relative risk of cataracts not significantly different from women who had never smoked.

Smoking cessation seems to decrease the risk of cataract development and the need for cataract surgery with time, although the risk persists for decades. The higher the intensity of smoking, the longer it takes for the increased risk to decline. These findings emphasize the importance of early smoking cessation and, preferably, the avoidance of smoking altogether. The best way to avoid cataracts is not to smoke.

If you or someone you know is a smoker and is concerned about cataract risk, 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, Google+ or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help.

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.

Postmenopausal Hormone Rx Decreases Glaucoma Risk

Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) is the most common type of glaucoma we see at D’Ambrosio Eye Care. Recently an interesting relationship was noted between the risk of glaucoma and taking postmenopausal hormone (PMH) treatment. According to researchers publishing in JAMA Ophthalmology  taking “estrogen only” postmenopausal hormone (PMH) treatment may help reduce the risk for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy & Glaucoma

By reviewing data from 152,163 women 50 years or older the researchers found that 1.9 percent of enrollees developed POAG. Each additional month of use of PMH containing estrogen only was associated with a 0.4 percent reduced risk for POAG whereas each additional month of use of estrogen + progesterone or estrogen + androgen hormones did not affect risk for POAG. This is interesting information and will require further prospective clinical studies to understand fully but may offer some novel treatments for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), an insidious sight threatening eye diseases and the most common type of glaucoma.

If you or someone you know is concerned about their risk of glaucoma, especially if they are using postmenopausal hormone therapy (PMH), 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, Google+ or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help.

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.

Eye Surgery at Cataract & Laser Center

Frances C shared her experience after having cataract surgery:

“When I arrived at the Cataract and Laser Center my eye was marked and confirmed several times. I was very impressed with how thorough the staff was. I was brought into the laser room and noticed some mild pressure but it only lasted a very short time.  I was awake for the entire time but Dr. D’Ambrosio, Jr. talked to me and explained everything that was going on.  

Dr. D'Ambrosio, Jr
Laser Cataract Surgeon

After surgery was done I went home and slept for 3 hours.  Once I woke up I was watching TV and there was a woman wearing a blue dress.  I looked at the blue dress with the eye that had surgery and then the eye that hasn’t had surgery yet and the difference in the color blue was amazing. The eye that was just done earlier in the day was so vivid and bright.  The eye that still has the cataract was so dull and pale. I already noticed a big difference in driving as well. I keep telling my sister how wonderful it went and how great my vision is, I think she is getting tired of hearing about it.

I would recommend this procedure to anyone that is suffering from cataracts, even if you don’t think you are, you will be amazed. Thank you Dr. D’Ambrosio and all of your staff for helping me see so clearly again.”

If you or someone you know has cataracts and is considering cataract surgery, 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, Google+ or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help.

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.

Obesity Increases Risk of Cataracts

Obesity, as gauged by a high Body Mass Index (BMI), is known to increase your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and a number of other systemic illnesses. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a normal weight with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5-25 kg/m², being overweight with a BMI of 25-30 kg/m², and obesity as BMI of >30 kg/m^2.

Relationship of BMI & Cataracts

A number of studies have identified several factors associated with an increased risk of age related cataracts including age, smoking, alcohol consumption and ultraviolet radiation. but any relationship between BMI and cataracts has been considered somewhat controversial. Recently, researchers conducted an extensive Meta analysis and statistical review of BMI and cataracts and found that being overweight or obese were significantly associated with an increased risk of cataracts, especially those called “posterior subcapsular cataracts” which typically cause the greatest vision decline. This relationship was independent of sex, alcohol intake, diabetes and hypertension.

If you or someone you know is concerned about their risk of cataracts or has questions about obesity, BMI and cataracts, 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, Google+ or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help.

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.

Kodak Lens Discounts: Upgrade Your Vision!

Back to school sales don’t have to be all about the kids! 

We are offering a summer sale 

on our Kodak Unique Progressive (no-line) Lenses 

now through September 15, 2015!

Order Kodak Unique progressive lenses and upgrade your order to include 

premium non-glare and Transitions Signature™ or polarized sun lenses 

for no additional charge!

If you order 2 pairs of Kodak Unique on the same day,

 we will give you an additional 40% off one of the orders!

WOW! 

What a great chance to get your everyday pair and your outdoor polarized pair at a great price. See our licensed opticians for sale details. Offer excludes hi-index lens materials. Transitions and polarized available in grey or brown. Non-Glare included is Kodak Clean & Clear. Offer cannot be combined with any other discounts including insurance. Offer not valid on previous orders or other brands of lenses.

Cataracts Impact More than Just Senior Vision

The impact of cataracts on seniors’ quality of life goes far beyond just vision and eyesight. We routinely hear from seniors how their cataract associated vision loss impairs not only their eyesight, but their ability to maintain an independent lifestyle-reading their mail, tending to bills and financial matters, driving during the day and at night. Maintaining safe mobility and being able to move about and stay in touch with family and friends-unencumbered by vision loss and limitation from cataracts is something that is quite important. Equally as important, is that major studies demonstrated first that the risk of hip fractures was significantly reduced in patients who had had cataract surgery, compared to patients who did not undergo the procedure and second, that people with cataract related vision loss who have had cataract surgery to improve their sight are living longer than those with visual impairment who chose not to have the procedure.

 

Dr. Francis A. D'Ambrosio, Jr., M.D.
Laser Cataract Surgeon

Symptoms of Cataracts

Seniors in particular should have regular eye exams and be aware of the symptoms of cataracts which may include a clouding or blurring of vision, sensitivity to light and glare, double vision or shadowing in one eye, fading or yellowing of colors and poor night vision, sometimes with haloes around lights. We encourage anyone experiencing these symptoms not to ignore these symptoms of cataracts or vision loss as delaying diagnosis and treatment of age-related cataracts can increase seniors' risk of both physical and psychological problems.

If you or someone you know is concerned about cataracts, they are encouraged to schedule an eye exam at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937 visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care, Google+ or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help.

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 Surgery Lowers Eye Pressure

There is good news for the 20% of patients with cataracts who either have somewhat high eye pressure (IOP) or actually have glaucoma. Researchers reporting in Current Opinion in Ophthalmology reviewed the effect that cataract surgery had on eye pressure-or intraocular pressure (IOP) and from their review, the data suggests that cataract surgery provides a lowering effect on IOP in the long term and the amount of the lowering is proportional to the preoperative IOP. That is, eyes with higher preoperative IOP have the greatest average lowering, whereas eyes with IOP in the lower range of statistically normal tend to have an IOP that is unchanged from before cataract surgery, or even higher following cataract surgery.

If you or someone you know has cataracts and glaucoma, and are thinking about cataract surgery, please share this information and schedule an eye exam at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care, Google+ or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help.

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.

My Laser Cataract Surgery Experience

Curt S wrote to us about his Laser Cataract Surgery experience at the Cataract & Laser Center in Gardner with Dr. D’Ambrosio:

“At the Cataract and Laser Center my blood pressure was taken, an IV placed (I always have trouble getting an IV placed, and the nurse did a fantastic job), EKG pads were put on and my eye was numbed well.  I had no pain at all in the laser room or in surgery.  I had blurred vision after the laser was done, which I was told was normal to expect. The whole experience was better than I expected.  I would recommend this to all of my friends.  No patches or anything were needed once I was done and now my vision in great!"

If you or someone you know is concerned about aging eye problems such as cataracts and would like to learn more about laser cataract surgery & Lens implants, they are encouraged to schedule an eye exam and cataract evaluation at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care, Google+ or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help.

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.

Laser Cataract Surgery: Gentler Eye Surgery?

We have been performing cataract surgery at D’Ambrosio Eye Care for more than 30 years with excellent results. Today, when you visit D’Ambrosio Eye Care for your cataract evaluation we might suggest that we perform your cataract removal and lens implants using a laser cataract surgery procedure. Why the change, you ask?

According to researchers reporting in the Journal of Refractive Surgery, laser cataract surgery does indeed allow for a gentler cataract surgery procedure. While there is really no difference between manual cataract surgery and laser cataract surgery in uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, surgically induced astigmatism, and corneal aberrations, the laser cataract surgery is gentler on the cornea as it caused less loss of fragile endothelial cells and less corneal swelling from the cataract surgery. Also, the amount of time required for the more intense parts of the cataract surgery procedure-chopping, fragmenting and removing the cataract are significantly lower with the laser cataract surgery.

If you or someone you know has cataracts and is considering cataract surgery, 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, Google+ or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help.

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.

Osteoporosis May Increase Cataracts Risk

Most people are aware that calcium is an important factor in bone health and the occurrence of osteoporosis. But, it is also important to note that calcium is an important factor in cataract formation. Researchers reporting in the journal Clinical Ophthalmology shared some interesting information regarding an association between cataracts, cataractsurgery and osteoporosis.

First, they found that age, female sex, higher socioeconomic class, smoking, chronic renal failure, hyperthyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases are all associated with an increased prevalence of osteoporosis. Then through careful statistical modeling also found that these factors and osteoporosis are ALL associated with an increased prevalence of cataracts. Thus, they concluded that osteoporosis is associated with the presence of cataracts which may be related to calcium imbalance, hormonal abnormalities, and even a shared genetic predisposition. If you or someone you know is concerned about osteoporosis and their risk of cataracts, please schedule an eye examination at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care, Google+ or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help.

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.

Dry Eye: Eat a Mediterranean Diet?

Eating a Mediterranean diet has been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer as well as decreasing the incidence of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Recently, researchers tried to determine whether eating a Mediterranean diet could provide help for dry eyes.

Reporting in the journal Cornea, the researchers had patients fill out a Block Food Frequency Questionnaire and a Dry Eye Questionnaire, and then studied their tear film and measured its quality and quantity along with each patient’s blood level of Vitamin D.

As much as they would have liked to find that the Mediterranean diet helped dry eyes, this turned out NOT to be the case. But, they did find that higher vitamin D levels had a small but favorable effect on dry eye syndrome symptoms. So, while the Mediterranean diet itself doesn’t directly reduce dry eye symptoms, it does seem to be an eating plan that can help promote health and prevent disease for your whole family.

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 Index & Eye Protection

D’Ambrosio Eye Care asks patients to become familiar with the UV Index as a means of helping them avoid the risks of UV and sunlight exposure that might otherwise expose them to eye injury and damage. The UV Index actually varies day to day and depends on weather and location. By taking a minute each day to look at the UV Index, it can remind patients to use properly selected and fit sunglasses and UV protecting eyewear in order to prevent eye injury. A convenient place to find the UV Index is the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SunWise web site information page as well as downloading the UV Index free mobile app.

If you or someone you know wishes to learn more about UV protecting eyewear or sunglasses please visit or call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937, visit D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help.

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.

LASIK Patient Comments.....

“My contacts were expensive. I would forget to take them out at night, and I would wake up with dry, itchy eyes. Glasses were always in the way…I didn’t like the way they looked or felt.  I play volleyball and participate in CrossFit workouts and found glasses were inconvenient for these sports.

 
Before the surgery, I was a bit nervous, but I felt like the procedure would be safe and effective.  My questions were answered in appropriate detail, from the procedure itself to the financing options.  I was very excited.  I had heard nothing but positive comments from friends who had had the procedure themselves, so my nervousness was assuaged by the time we were ready to begin.

I was a little anxious during the surgery, but the doctor was quite helpful in explaining each step and what I may expect.  The worst part, strangely enough, was a slight odor that I could smell after the laser-work had begun.  I was pleasantly surprised at the quick pace of the surgery. I felt no pain and was able to get right up and walk to the waiting room when we'd finished.

After the surgery, I felt a little sleepy, but I was very excited as I could actually see better than I had without my glasses previously.  In the days after, I was very excited my continuously improving vision. The staff went over all of the follow-up information that was necessary for me, and I felt confident in going home and taking care of my eyes post-op.  Now, months after the surgery, my vision is better than ever, and I continue to revel in my 20/20 vision.

After LASIK, I save time in the morning getting ready.  It’s a small thing, but to be able to just get up and go is wonderful.  I absolutely LOVE being able to see my clock without putting my glasses on in the morning. Also, not needing to switch out of my glasses or wear contacts when I am tired is great, especially in early morning CrossFit sessions or late-night volleyball matches. J”

Stacy Y.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about LASIK or schedule a Free LASIK Consultation, schedule an appointment 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.

Sun & UV Eye Protection for LASIK & Cataract Surgery Patients

Many of our patients at D’Ambrosio Eye Care have had LASIK or cataract surgery, and because they no longer wear glasses, often forget to wear proper UV protecting eyewear or sunglasses. For patients who have had eye surgery such as LASIK or cataract surgery, it is important to remember to wear UV protecting eyewear and sunglasses as you enjoy more outdoor time in the nicer spring and summer weather. This is the time of year many patients make the transition to outdoor activities and are going to be exposed to a good amount of UV from the sun. This is especially true for patients near the seacoast or water, as they tend to underestimate their risk of sun and UV damage to their eyes. For anyone, but certainly patients who have had any type of eye surgery we want avoid the risk of “sun burnt eyes” or photokeratitis, which is also called ultraviolet keratitis. This is not only uncomfortable-it can be threatening to vision.

Sunglasses for UV eye protection should be considered more than simply a fashion accessory. 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.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about UV eye protection, sunglasses and eye surgery please 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.

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.

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.