LASIK Boston Laser Cataract Surgery D’Ambrosio Eye Care Blog

Sunday, July 31, 2016

NEADs Eyeglass Promotion

NEADs Eyeglass Promotion
We are proud to have continued our NEADs (National Educator for Assistance Dog Services) promotions for another year. 


We are offering special eyeglass lens packages that help sponsor NEADS! 


They are a local non-profit organization in Princeton, MA that provides assistant dog support and training. Along with each eligible purchase you will receive a stuffed toy dog to take home and a portion of the sales proceeds goes directly to NEADS. These lens packages include impact resistant polycarbonate lenses with non-glare. Stop in any of our locations for more information, even if all you want to do is purchase a stuffed toy pup to help support NEADs.

D'Ambrosio Optical Center provides personalized service fitting and selection of eyewear 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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Baystate Parent Magazine Votes Us 2016 Best Eye Care Practice

D'Ambrosio Eye Care is pleased to announce that we have been voted by Baystate Parent Magazine as the Best Ophthalmology & Optometry practice. Baystate Parent Magazine asked Massachusetts parents to vote to select the “Best” in over 80 categories of services and facilities throughout Massachusetts. This is very meaningful to us because we know that parents tend to be a key source of information and referral for many types of healthcare services. They are often the most important source of “word of mouth” referral in their communities. We are really thrilled that they have selected us “best” for eyecare and are thankful to be recognized by our patients. “Our eye doctors and staff really work to provide eyecare in a caring, compassionate and competent manner for each and every patient,” shared Francis D’Ambrosio Jr., M.D.


D’Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading central and western Massachusetts practice providing eye exams for adults and children, laser cataract surgery and intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses and optical services. D'Ambrosio Eye Care provides complete eye health and vision care services at office locations including 479 Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440. For those patients in need of eye surgery, as a founding member of the Gardner Cataract & Laser Center, D’Ambrosio Eye Care eye surgeons are able to provide eye surgery in a convenient, close to home and cost effective ambulatory surgery center.

To learn more about D’Ambrosio Eye Care you may visit D’Ambrosio Eye Care, Google+ or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Prevent Nearsighted Progression?

Anyone who has a child or teenager who is becoming more and more nearsighted each year wants to know if there are ways we can prevent the progression of myopia. Over the years there has been discussion of trying to under correct the nearsightedness, rather than prescribing the full correction, in order to slow down nearsighted prescription changes. Researchers reporting in Grafe’s Archives for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology studied the effects of under correction of myopia on myopia progression and eye length elongation in a population of 12-year-olds. They followed more than 2,000 children for 1 year and used careful analysis to consider the effects of how much near work, how much outdoor activity and the amount of time glasses were actually used as well as the degree of nearsightedness. They tested them by measuring their cycloplegic auto refraction, axial length of the eye, visual acuity and near vision focusing lag. The results demonstrated that over a period of 1 year, prescribing an under correction or full correction of myopia by wearing spectacles did not show any differences in myopia progression. Whether this would be the same result for younger children, or if the correction was prescribed in contact lenses or over a longer period of time is not certain but initially suggests that it is not helpful to under correct nearsighted children with glasses to slow myopic progression.

If you or someone you know have questions about nearsightedness, types of correction for nearsightedness including glasses, contact lenses of even LASIK, please call us at 800-325-3937, visit 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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440.

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Eye Injuries in Children from Dogs

Eye Injury in Children
Eye injury remains the leading cause of monocular blindness in children, despite the fact that 90% of injuries are potentially preventable. Children playing with pets require supervision and education on how to treat pets. Children interact with animals in a variety of situations, and the associated dangers may be underestimated by parents and those supervising children. Eye injuries in children from pets can often be serious and cause severe eye problems-but they too are preventable. It is not uncommon for children’s dog bite injuries to include corneal abrasions, corneal and sclera lacerations or punctures of the eye itself, all of which at a minimum require aggressive treatment and in many instances repeated surgery. Further, animals are capable of causing damage to the delicate tissue of the eyelids and surrounding tissue that can be cosmetically and visually devastating-also requiring multiple surgeries.

Typically, when very small children-age 4 and younger-are bitten by dogs, eye injuries occur about 15% of the time. The dog is usually one the child is familiar with, and second attacks by the same dog are likely to cause more serious injury. It is recommended that any dog that bites a child be removed from the household. With caution, education and supervision pets and children can be quite compatible but does require some care.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about children’s eye injuries, especially from pets such as dogs, please call us at 800-325-3937, visit 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 locations at 479 Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440.

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Back to School is a Month Away

Back to School is One Month Away
Summer may have just started but next month is already BTS time. If you haven’t already it is time to book your child’s next eye exam as those schedules fill up fast. Getting new glasses is a very important experience for any child. They want to feel good wearing glasses but they also need to be durable, comfortable and of quality. Both parent and child need to feel they are making the right choice. We have a number of different vendors so that we may find something that fits the need of each child and family individually and we are always offering children’s promotions, normally year round. We continue to offer our Parents Painless Growth (PPG) program. A program to address the financial concerns a parent may face if they have a child that’s vision changes in-between annual exams, if their vision changes and one of our doctors updates their rx we will update their lenses at no charge. Kids are important to us here and so is their vision. Stop in any of our locations and have one of our licensed Opticians discuss your child’s needs and visual solutions.

Visit D’Ambrosio Optical Center to learn more or visit, Google+ or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help select fashionable, comfortable and durable eyeglasses and eyewear for your entire family.

D'Ambrosio Optical Center provides personalized service fitting and selection of eyewear 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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440.

Monday, June 27, 2016

Recovery after Eyelid Surgery

How Much Time Will I Need Off After Eyelid Surgery?
For patients considering eyelid surgery, knowing how long to be off work and what to expect in general, helps them plan. The recovery time following surgery varies from patient to patient depending on the type of surgery, their age and general health. Even when undergoing the same procedure, patients may take different amount of time to heal.

In general, for patients having upper eyelid blepharoplasty, 5 to 7 days off work is typical while for those having both and upper and lower eyelid blepharoplasty, up to 10 to 14 days may be necessary. Patients with occupations requiring minimal physical activity may be able to get back to work sooner.

All patients having eyelid surgery will experience some swelling and bruising that will gradually improve over the first 1 to 3 weeks. Ice packs, head elevation, and rest may help minimize swelling. The amount of swelling and bruising varies from patient to patient and even from the left and right sides in the same patient. Mild bruising may resolve in 2-4 days, whereas more significant bruising may last 10-14 days. Makeup can be applied to help hide residual bruising, usually starting two weeks after surgery.

If you or someone you know would like to know more about eyelid surgery, what to expect before, during and after eyelid surgery or schedule a consultation to find out if eyelid surgery might be helpful in looking their best, please call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937, visit 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.

Monday, June 13, 2016

Dry Eye Disease and Hair Loss

About Dry Eye and Hair Loss
What do dry eye and hair loss have to do with each other? As it turns out, recent research suggests there may very well be a link through your immune system. Alopecia means hair loss. When a person has a condition called Alopecia Areata the hair falls out in round patches on the scalp or elsewhere on the body. Alopecia is not contagious and it is not due to anxiety as some people think. Alopecia is actually due to your immune system attacking the hair follicles and resulting in hair loss. This disease is most occurs in otherwise healthy people. We now know that people with alopecia often suffer from dry eye disease. Researchers examined a series of patients who were previously diagnosed with Alopecia Areata and compared them to a control group who did not have the hair loss problem. They had each patient complete an Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and evaluated their tear film using a Schirmer Test for tear quantity, a tear break-up time test and corneal staining stage tests. Dry eye disease (DED) was diagnosed in 84% of Alopecia Areata patients and in 15% of the controls, and there was a significant difference between the groups. They believe that a certain type of cell mediated autoimmunity has a key role in BOTH Alopecia Areata and dry eye disease and that the inflammatory mechanisms causing Alopecia Areata may trigger dry eye disease or vice versa. Based on this research it is recommended that all patients with Alopecia Areata be examined and evaluated for dry eye disease.

If you or someone you know suffers from Alopecia Areata hair loss and wish to be evaluated for dry eye disease and problems, please call us at 800-325-3937, visit 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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453

Monday, June 6, 2016

Polaroid is not just camera film!

Polaroid is a brand with long standing heritage. It makes sense since quality optics lie in both the camera and eyeglass industries. Our Polaroid sunglass line comes with polarized lenses which is a great value since the price point compares to sunglass frames that come with only tinted lenses. If you are in need of prescription sunglasses these frames are prescription ready as well. This line it worth checking out as it houses the top shapes and styles on the market. They are Italian designed with bold, colorful, unique yet very wearable fashion. It is time for a new pair of sunglasses for the summer so come in and check out Polaroid. We also have many other product choices like Maui Jim, Gucci, Carrera and many of our other designer brands come with a section of sunglass frames. Stop in any of our locations and have one of our licensed Opticians help you pick out your next pair of polarized sunglasses. 


Mention this blog and get 20% off 
your next Polaroid purchase!

Visit D’Ambrosio Optical Center to learn more about Polaroid eyeglasses and sunglasses, or visit us at Visit D’Ambrosio Optical Center to learn more about Polaroid, or visit us at D’Ambrosio Optical Center, Google+ or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help select fashionable, comfortable and durable eyeglasses and eyewear for your entire family.

D'Ambrosio Optical Center provides personalized service fitting and selection of eyewear 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.

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Eyelid Surgery: What to Expect?

How Will You Look after Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery?

Cosmetic eyelid surgery-whether and upper eyelid blepharoplasty or lower eyelid blepharoplasty may be important elements of your facial rejuvenation plan. Generally after upper eyelid blepharoplasty more of the upper eyelid area becomes visible and patients tell me that they look “refreshed” and “more awake” and for patients who could not wear eye makeup because the eyelid was covered by the excess skin, they are now able to wear it once again. This provides a restoration of the once youthful eyelid contour. Typically after lower eyelid blepharoplasty, patient remark that the puffiness of the lower eyelid is reduced or eliminated and the skin appears smoother and tighter. I like to know what you looked like in your 20’s or early 30’s, so I will often ask you to bring some pictures of yourself to your consultation. By using this for guidance I can discuss your blepharoplasty eyelid surgery and review your individual expectations. This helps me get the best possible results for you. Patients who have cosmetic eyelid surgery can expect that their facial features look more youthful and rejuvenated and tell me that they now look as young as they feel!

If you or someone you know would like to learn more or schedule a consultation for cosmetic eyelid or blepharoplasty, please call D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937, visit 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.

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Rachael’s LASIK Story

Before I had my LASIK Surgery at D’Ambrosio Eye Care, I wore contact lenses about 16 hours a day, 7 days a week. My biggest complaint was how dry my eyes would get. I work late nights in a hospital and I’d constantly be rubbing my eyes all night. I also like to be physically active with running, biking, and swimming so glasses were not an option either.

I had enough and decided to schedule a consultation at another facility. The doctors and staff there pressured me into scheduling the surgery and wanted money immediately. I left feeling scared and resigned myself to simply wearing my contacts again. A few months later, a friend posted on Facebook that she had LASIK at D'Ambrosio Eye Care and how happy she was with her outcome. I messaged her immediately and, after asking a few questions about her experience, I scheduled a consultation.

Every single person I came into contact with at D'Ambrosio was friendly and put me right at ease. They walked me through the entire procedure and assured me it would be quick and painless. The day of the surgery I was extremely nervous but the team walked me through every step beforehand. All of the prep and eye drops beforehand lasted longer than the surgery itself. A nurse in the surgery held my hand the entire time and, as silly as it sounds, it made me feel so much better. Upon sitting up after the LASIK, I definitely noticed an improvement in my vision. I went home, slept for 4 hours, and when I woke up, I could see. There are no words to describe those first few days of shock of waking up in the middle of the night and being able to see my alarm clock or not having to worry about dry, blurry vision driving home late at night or not needing to find my glasses anymore first thing in the morning.

I don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on contact lenses anymore. I don't need to bring extra solution and lenses with me everywhere I go just in case of dry eyes. I don't need to worry about whether I should wear contacts or glasses today because it's supposed to rain. Before, I was the last person my family asked to read that sign far away. Now I have the best vision in my family.

Having elective surgery on my eyes sounded terrifying. But I am 100% happy I had LASIK. And so glad I chose D'Ambrosio Eye Care as the place to do it. Olivia was a big factor in my overall fantastic experience with D'Ambrosio. Her patience with me and her explanations made me feel 10x better. She did a terrific job and I just wanted to acknowledge that. From the bottom of my heart comes a sincere thank you!
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about LASIK or Schedule a Free LASIK Consultation please call us at 800-325-3937, visit 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.

Monday, May 16, 2016

Spring & Pollen Means Itchy, Watery Eye Allergies


Spring is beautiful, except for pollen and itchy eyes! While many people enjoy the spring, millions of others live with hatred of those times when the trees, grass and weeds begin to pollinate. People who are sensitive to these allergens experience seasonal allergic conjunctivitis, the most common type of eye allergy. Allergic conjunctivitis-which causes red, itchy, watery eyes-results in the conjunctiva, the clear membrane like skin that covers the eye, becoming inflamed when triggered by an allergen. It is estimated that in the United States, some 20 percent of the population suffers from eye allergies making them anything but unusual. Further, the incidence appears to be on the rise. Some researchers believe that our increasingly clean, modern society which no longer requires our bodies to fight off multiple childhood infections has caused our immune systems to shift from an infection-fighting stance to more of an allergic stance. When the body's immune system becomes sensitized and overreacts to substances such as seasonal pollens and pet allergens, an allergic reaction can occur whenever they come in contact with your eyes.

If you or someone you know suffers when pollen season and spring arrives, resulting in red, itchy, watery eyes, please call us at 800-325-3937, visit 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.

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Rheumatoid Arthritis & Your Eyes

What does arthritis have to do with your eyes? Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease characterized by swelling and irritation. The inflammation of RA occurs when your body's defense system (immune system) attacks your own body tissues instead of foreign invaders like viruses or bacteria. Most of these attacks occur in your joints, but RA inflammation can also affect other parts of your body, including your eyes. In fact, your eyes are especially vulnerable. Some of the more common eye complications of rheumatoid arthritis include dry eyes, scleritis-an inflammation of the “white” of your eye-which is uncomfortable and even painful, iritis-an inflammation of the colored part of the eye or the iris, or uveitis, an inflammation of the middle lining inside the eye that supplies blood to other internal structures.


Any of these rheumatoid arthritis complications can requirement treatment to avoid at a minimum discomfort and more seriously vision loss. So, if you have been told you have rheumatoid arthritis and experience dry eyes, redness, pain, or changes in your vision, you should make sure to see us for a diagnosis and treatment if needed.

If you or someone you know wishes to learn more about how rheumatoid arthritis can cause eye problems, please call us at 800-325-3937, visit 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.

Monday, May 2, 2016

It’s motorcycle season!

Is your bike all shined and tuned ready to ride with a new inspection sticker yet? Are you ready to ride? We offer a collection of motorcycle eyeglasses for men and women from 7 Eye that offer wind resistance, polarized lenses and even day to night color changing lenses. If you want to be able to remove your wind resistant insert once you are off your bike we have those too. If you need prescription motorcycle eyeglasses, you bet, we have those too. Stop in and check them out anytime and ask our licensed Opticians about what options are available to you, and if you ride two up, maybe she would like a pair too. 

Mention this blog and get 20% off your next 7 Eye purchase!

Visit D’Ambrosio Optical Center, or visit us at D’Ambrosio Optical Center, Google+ or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help select fashionable, comfortable and durable eyeglasses and eyewear for your entire family.

D'Ambrosio Optical Center provides personalized service fitting and selection of eyewear 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.

Monday, April 25, 2016

Kids’ Eye Exams: When to Have Them

At D’Ambrosio Eye Care we are often asked about the best time to have kids’ eyes screened, examined and evaluated for eye health and vision problems. As both a Pediatric Ophthalmologist and a parent of young children I am especially sensitive to doing the right things at the right times for kids. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommend that your child's eyes be screened for problems at birth, by 6 months of age, at 3 to 4 years of age, at 5 years of age, and every following year. Getting your kids eyes checked and screened regularly is critical for finding any issues that should be caught treated early. In most instances it may not actually be necessary for your child to have an exam with an eye doctor as your pediatrician can do the initial screenings at the routine well child visits. However, for preemies or if there is any family history of childhood eye problems it’s probably a good idea to bring them in to see us and we might recommend more frequent or more detailed exams

If you or someone you know would like to learn more or schedule a kids eye exam, please call us at 800-325-3937, visit 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.

Sunday, April 24, 2016

BOTOX®, Xeomin® & Dysport® for Wrinkles

BOTOX®, Xeomin® & Dysport® Injections: What’s the Difference?
BOTOX®, Xeomin® & Dysport®, are each slightly different preparations of Botulinum Toxin A, which is a class of medication called a “neurotoxin” and is derived from a protein that works to relax targeted muscles. Each preparation is slightly different in that they may differ in the protein structure or size of the molecules in the medication. BOTOX® was the first and is the oldest neurotoxin on the market having been approved by the FDA in 1989. Dysport® was approved in 2009 and Xeomin® in 2010, however both have been around in Europe for a long time. The dosage varies between the drugs. All three have very similar safety profiles and effectiveness. My experience is that each works very effectively when used to reduce wrinkles and shape your brow position.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more or schedule a consultation for help with facial wrinkles of fine lines using nonsurgical treatments such as BOTOX®, Xeomin® & Dysport® injections, please call us at 800-325-3937, visit 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.

Saturday, April 9, 2016

Blueberries Help Night Vision?

Everyone has heard that carrots are good for your eyes. Many folks are probably even aware that eating green leafy vegetables is helpful for those at risk for age related macular degeneration (AMD). But, have you ever heard that blueberries are good for your night vision? Blueberries are considered “super stars” among health food advocates, who tout the fruit for not only promoting heart health, better memory and digestion, but also for improving night vision. Now, scientists have taken a closer look at this and have found reason to doubt that the popular berry helps most healthy people see better in the dark. Their report appears in ACS’ Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry. Blueberries were thought to be possibly be helpful for your night vision because they contain anthocyanins, which are pigment molecules in blueberries and other plants, that promote the regeneration of key molecules in the eye involved in perceiving light. But reviews of the earlier clinical research that tested the effect of blueberries on night vision in human subjects revealed that the studies were poorly controlled. The researchers found that a blueberry-supplemented diet did not improve sight in the dark, but they did help subjects recover normal vision after exposure to a bright light. The enhancement, however, was small and not likely noticeable to most healthy people, the researchers concluded. So, if you like blueberries feel free to eat and enjoy them, but don’t wait for your night vision to improve.

If you or someone you know has problems with night vision, it is important to have a thorough eye exam to rule out the possibility of cataracts or other eye problem, condition or disease that may affect the retina or optic nerve. Please call us at 800-325-3937, visit 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.

Sunday, April 3, 2016

20% off Kate Spade Eyewear


Kate Spade NEW YORK continues to be one of our top selling frame lines and this line is well deserving of that title. Our Kate Spade frames have wit and a playful sophistication which are hallmarks of the Kate Spade brand. They are frames you can wear everyday that have a feminine and chic style to them so you will not look like everyone else. 


Mention this blog and get 20% off your next Kate Spade purchase! 


Stop in anytime and ask our licensed Opticians to help you pick out that perfect frame.


Visit D’Ambrosio Optical Center to learn more about Kate Spade NEW YORK, or visit us at Visit D’Ambrosio Optical Center to learn more about Kate Spade NEW YORK, or visit us at D’Ambrosio Optical Center, Google+ or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help select fashionable, comfortable and durable eyeglasses and eyewear for your entire family.

D'Ambrosio Optical Center provides personalized service fitting and selection of eyewear 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.


Sunday, March 27, 2016

Who Can Perform Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery?

Dr. Balaji Perumal, M.D.

Choosing a Cosmetic Eyelid Surgeon
Patients will sometimes ask me about the different types of surgeons who can perform cosmetic eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty. There are a number of different specialties which perform these procedures, although oculoplastic surgeons are specifically trained and experienced in surgery for both the eye itself and the surrounding delicate eyelid tissues. They are knowledgeable about the aesthetics of how to help patients look their best, and are generally a sound choice for cosmetic eyelid surgery for puffy, droopy, saggy tired looking eyes.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about blepharoplasty eyelid surgery to help you look your best please schedule a consultation with Balaji Perumal, M.D. Please call us at 800-325-3937, visit 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.

Monday, March 21, 2016

My Cataract Story

By: Frances C.

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. 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 experiences cloudy, blurry vision and difficulty with night driving and faded colors you might wish to learn more about cataracts, laser cataract surgery and lens implants by scheduling a cataract eye exam 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.

Monday, March 14, 2016

Dry Eye Discomfort Slows Reading

Dry Eye Slows Reading Speed
Anyone who experiences the symptoms of dry eye is familiar with dryness, discomfort, burning, light sensitivity and even watering that can mark the presence of dry eye disease. But, did you know that dry eye problems and disease can impact visual function? Researchers reporting in Cornea compared visual function using reading tests including the Radner Reading Test, the International Reading Speed Texts [IReST], and the Wilkins Reading Test and studied cognitive function, fatigue, dry eye symptoms, reading acuity, reading rate and blink rate. The results showed significantly lower reading rates in all reading tests in patients with dry eye and a significantly increased fatigue level when reading in dry eye patients.

If you suffer from symptoms of dry eye such as dryness, burning, light sensitivity or watering and have noticed an uncomfortable slowing of your reading ability and even greater eye fatigue or tired eyes when reading, please call us at 800-325-3937, visit 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.