Megan & LASIK

“I booked my consultation and surgery on back-to-back days and I could not have been happier with my choice.  EVERYONE at D’Ambrosio Eye Care was amazing, thorough and made me feel important.  I had been to another office for my consultation before and I’m SO happy I went with D’Ambrosio Eye Care!  Katie (LASIK Coordinator/Surgical Scheduling) especially was so helpful and everyone I came in contact with made this process so much better. Thank you for all you do!”

-Megan D

If you or some you know is tired of the hassle of glasses or contact lenses for seeing at distance and would like to find out if LASIK might be a good vision correction option, 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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331, 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 and 255 Park Avenue, Suite 606, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609.

Dry Eye after Cataract Surgery

We perform cataract surgery and lens implantation for more and more patients each year as cataracts continue to be a leading cause of decreased vision, especially in seniors. Also very common in the same age group of patients is dry eye which can be caused by ocular surface disease, eyelid problems such as meibomian gland disease and blepharitis, taking certain medications and many other systemic problems. When cataracts interfere with convenience and safety of your daily activities, cataract surgery can significantly improve your vision and comfort. We expect, and it is normal, for cataract surgery patients to sometimes complain of postoperative dry eye symptoms such as dry, foreign body sensation and short term blurriness if their tears are inadequate. From our experience, often patients may blame the surgery  for the apparently “new” development of dry eye symptoms and generally do not realize that their problem stems from ocular surface disease or other causes rather than the surgical procedure. Patients who actually do experience dry eye symptoms after cataract surgery should be reassured that it diminishes over time and we will help you be comfortable with both prescription and nonprescription eye drops as well as other treatment options if they are necessary.

If you or someone you know is experiencing cataract symptoms such as cloudy foggy vision, glare or difficult night driving and would like to learn more about cataract surgery & lens implants schedule an appointment at 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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331, 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 and 255 Park Avenue, Suite 606, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609.

Risky Contact Lens Behaviors

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) there are more than 41 million contact lens wearers above 18 years of age and the majority engage in behaviors that put them at risk for serious eye infections. Further, there are more than 3.5 million adolescents 12-17 of age of which 85% admit to at least one behavior that exposes them to increased risk of a contact lens related eye infection. The clearly risky behaviors include sleeping in lenses, exposing lenses to water, not adhering to replacement schedules, and reusing disinfecting solution. Contact lens related eye infections, which can lead to serious outcomes, including blindness, are preventable with good hygiene and wearing habits such as replacing the storage case regularly, not sleeping or even napping in lenses, not swimming in lenses and especially not exposing them to lake or pond water and preferably not even tap water.

If you or someone you know is a contact lens wearer please make sure they use the necessary behaviors and care of their lenses to prevent risking an eye infection. To learn more call us at 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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331, 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 and 255 Park Avenue, Suite 606, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Sometimes it is just bright enough to squint but not bright enough for sunglasses, especially during the day when it is raining. Transitions® brand lenses come in all styles; from a hint of tint to help with bright indoor light to even lenses that will darken while driving. Transitions® Drivewear® lenses help during those moments where sunglasses are too dark like a rainy day. Next time you are in to purchase a new pair of clear lenses, ask our Opticians about Transitions® Drivewear®.

Visit D’Ambrosio Optical Center to learn more, 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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440.

Sleep Apnea, Eye Diseases & Problems

What does sleep apnea have to do with eye problems and diseases? Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common condition that affects some 3-7% of the overall population in the U.S.. You are even at greater risk for OSA if you are middle aged or older, male, overweight or obese, have a family history of OSA,  are menopausal,  have any nasal or sinus irregularities or are a smoker or consume alcohol. If you know anyone with OSA you know they have poor nighttime sleep and are very tired, sleepy and fatigued during the day. Did you know that OSA also increases your risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke and even diabetes? Results of the SLE.E.P.Y. Study show OSA either increases your risk for several eye disorders and problems including glaucoma, eyelid, corneal and retinal problems such as macular disease or seems to be associated with them at a much higher rate than the normal population.

If you or someone you know suffers from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) they should be sure to have regular eye exams. Please schedule an eye exam at 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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331, 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 and 255 Park Avenue, Suite 606, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609

Jessica’s LASIK Experience

Best decision I ever made!  Honestly, not sure why it took me so long to get LASIK, but I’m happy with the outcome.  From the consultation, to the follow up appointments, the staff have been amazing with answering questions and making your you’re following the after care (instructions). I would highly recommend D’Ambrosio Eye Care for anyone considering LASIK or just an overall eye care doctor.  Thank you!”-Jessica A.

If you or some you know is tired of the hassle of glasses or contact lenses for seeing at distance and would like to find out if LASIK might be a good vision correction option, 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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331, 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 and 255 Park Street, Suite 606, Worcester, MA 01609.

Eat Chocolate for Good Vision!

Did you know that eating chocolate is good for your vision? Not just any chocolate but dark chocolate! According to a study in JAMA Ophthalmology, eating dark chocolate resulted in small improvements in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity for at least 2 hours. While this might seem kind of silly there is a reason to believe the result is due to the presence of substances called flavanols which may enhance blood flow to the central and peripheral nervous systems, and actually improve cardiovascular function. Since your eyes and in particular the retina is a highly vascular structure it is no real surprise that the flavanols could have an impact. Certainly more research needs to be done-but in the meantime keep eating that dark chocolate!

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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331, 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 and 255 Park Avenue, Suite 606, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609.

Taking Aspirin Makes AMD Worse?

Most seniors and other people who suffer from vascular, heart, blood clotting problems or even arthritis are well aware of the benefits of taking a daily aspirin. In fact many people have been prescribed aspirin as part of their overall care by their primary care or other specialty physicians. Seniors are also well aware that age related macular degeneration (AMD) continues to be a leading cause of vision loss. Until recently there was some confusion and disagreement regarding whether it was safe or even risky for those who have AMD to take aspirin as it could increase bleeding risk in the retina and worsen AMD. A very careful review of information was reported in the journal Retina and gave us good insight into the conclusions that overall, the types and size of studies showing the positive benefits of aspirin use for cardiovascular health were quite a bit better that the smaller limited studies showing a possible adverse effect of aspirin use in relation to AMD. The benefits of aspirin usage include preserving the duration and quality of life by decreasing stroke and heart attack risk. These benefits seem to far outweigh the theoretical risks of possibly exacerbating wet AMD, which we can now control reasonably well with anti-VEGF injection therapy with Eylea®, Lucentis® and other available medications.

If you or someone you know takes aspirin and has or has been recently diagnosed with age related macular degeneration (AMD) it appears safe and beneficial to follow your physicians prescribing instructions and not worry about any increased risk of worsening AMD. If you have questions or need to schedule an eye exam 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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331, 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 and 255 Park Avenue, Suite 606, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609

Sunglasses for Snow Glare

Have you ever heard of snow glare? Snow acts like a reflector of the suns blinding solar glare; similar to being on the ocean or by a pool.  If you plan to be out on the slopes, sledding or even cleaning off the driveway you will be better protected and less squinty with some quality sunglasses. Come check out our Oakley and Maui Jim collections. They have lens solutions for several sporting situations or just those situations where you need to see better in bright light. Ever wonder why it is so hard to drive Route 2 East without a few traffic jams?? It is not all the fault of cell phones users, people driving East experience blinding glare that prevents them from seeing properly.

Visit D’Ambrosio Optical Center to learn more about sunglasses for snow glare, 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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440.

Cataract Patient Story from SJ

“The entire staff was professional and caring.  Katie (in Surgical Scheduling) took care of me, explaining the process, surgery (laser cataract surgery with multi-focal lens implants) and appointments.  She was thorough and knowledgeable in answering all my questions; patient and cheerful, always.  Katie followed up with my phone call, promptly, with answers to more questions.  I felt completely supported and cared for.  On my follow-up appointments, she and the staff always greet me with smiles, making me feel welcome and among “friends”.  This entire surgical process, “soup-to-nuts”, was a very positive and pleasant experience.”-SJ

If you or some you know is experiencing cataract symptoms such as cloudy foggy vision, glare or difficult night driving and would like to learn more about cataract surgery & lens implants 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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 and 255 Park Street, Suite 606, Worcester, MA.

Closed Angle Glaucoma Diagnosis Improvements

Dr. D'Ambrosio, Jr.

Closed Angle Glaucoma Diagnosis with Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence

Closed Angle Glaucoma is a sight threatening medical emergency that can cause catastrophic vision loss in a short time if not treated quickly. It is possible to use a number of tests during your eye exam to determine whether you might be at risk. If you are, we can provide an in office laser treatment to easy decrease your risk of Closed Angle Glaucoma. One of these tests is Optical Coherence Tomography, also called AS-OCT short for Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography which allows us to create digital images that are cross-sectional pictures of the eye’s anterior chambers. Researchers are now developing a fully automated database for screening for AS-OCT screening for Closed Angle Glaucoma using machine learning artificial intelligence that will make the diagnosis very reliable and consistent and readily performed by our staff as part of your eye exams if you are at risk.

If you are someone you know has not had a recent eye exam and glaucoma testing please schedule an appointment at 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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331, 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 and 255 Park Avenue, Suite 606, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609

Tips to Help Prevent Glaucoma Vision Loss

10 Tips to Reduce Your Chance of Losing Vision from Glaucoma

Recent studies have identified a number of lifestyle factors that actually influence eye pressure which is a major risk factor for glaucoma. By either avoiding or embracing certain habits you can have a positive effect on your risk of glaucoma.

Get Regular Exercise. A recent study showed that people who engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity appear to have a 73 percent lower risk of developing glaucoma. This is because blood flow and pressure inside the eye may change with exercise, which may affect glaucoma risk.

Eat a Diet Rich in Fruits & Green Leafy Vegetables. One study showed that people who ate more leafy vegetables have a 20 to 30 percent lower risk of developing glaucoma. Why? Nitrates in green vegetables can be converted to nitric oxide, which can improve blood flow and help regulate pressure inside the eye.

Drink Tea, BUT Coffee Only in Moderation. A recent study last month showed that people who consumed at least one cup of hot tea daily had 74 percent decreased odds of having glaucoma compared with those who did not consume hot tea. A little coffee is fine, but excessive caffeine intake is not ideal. One study found that drinking 5 or more cups of caffeinated coffee increased the risk of developing glaucoma. How can tea help? Antioxidants and the flavonoids contained in tea may improve the body’s ability to prevent the harmful effects of free radical damage.

Consider a Magnesium Dietary Supplement. We now know that an adequate intake of dietary magnesium may be beneficial for patients with glaucoma because of improved circulation.

Brush, Floss & See Your Dentist Regularly. A recent study showed that tooth loss may be linked to increased glaucoma risk due to because periodontal or gum disease stimulating and inflammatory response that can contribute to glaucoma.

Don’t Smoke. Studies clearly show that smoking cigarettes increases the risk of glaucoma, and has an overall negative impact on eye health.

Maintain a Healthy Body Weight. Studies show that people with a higher body mass index (BMI) are at increased risk for diabetes, and having diabetes puts people at risk of glaucoma. Having a too low BMI is also associated with increased glaucoma risk.

Avoid Inverted Yoga Positions. Studies show head-down positions can increase eye pressure and are not recommended for glaucoma patients.

Avoid Neckties. Researchers say that a too-tight necktie may increase the risk of glaucoma by increasing blood pressure inside the eyes.

  

Get Regular Eye Exams & Glaucoma Testing. Especially if you have a family history of the condition you are at greater risk and need more frequent eye exams and testing. Researchers have recently identified certain genes that increase the risk of glaucoma. Those at higher risk of glaucoma include people of African descent, people with diabetes, and those with a family history of glaucoma. You are at greatly increased risk if you have a parent or brother or sister with glaucoma. 

If you or someone you know is concerned about their glaucoma risk and is considering making lifestyle changes, before making changes please be sure to schedule an eye exam at 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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331, 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 and 255 Park Avenue, Suite 606, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609

Pterygia “Surfer’s Eye” & Melanoma Skin Cancer Risk

Does a Pterygium or "Surfer's Eye" Increase Melanoma Risk?  

A pterygium (pronounced “tuh-RIJ-ee-uhm”) is an elevated, wedged-shaped bump of tissue on your eyeball that starts on the sclera or white of your eye-most often on the side near your nose and can extend to the cornea. Although A pterygium is commonly referred to as "surfer's eye” because being around bright sunlight for long periods of time-particularly the harmful UV reflected light from water such as the ocean-can increase your risk. But there are other causes as well and you don't have to be a surfer or ever see the ocean to get a pterygium. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun appears to be the primary cause for the growth of pterygia but exposure to dust and wind along with dry eye disease are very common causes. Pterygia usually develop in 30- to 50-year-olds, and are rarely are found in children. If you have a light skin complexion and light eyes you have a greater chance of getting a pterygium.

Recently, researchers reporting in the British Journal of Ophthalmology reported the results of a study that considered whether people who had pterygia were at greater risk of melanoma skin cancer. They felt that since pterygia seemed to me more common in light skinned, light eyed people who were exposed to a lot of sunlight, that maybe they had greater melanoma skin cancer risk. They found that having a pterygium indicates a significantly increased risk of developing a melanoma of the skin and that eye care providers who see patients with developing pterygia should advise these patients of this increased risk and recommend regular skin surveillance with a dermatologist. Further, we know that if a pterygium becomes inflamed and affects the cornea, excision- pterygium surgery-may be necessary to avoid vision changes from corneal distortion or even scarring.

If you or someone you know has a pterygium please schedule an eye exam at 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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331, 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 and 255 Park Avenue, Suite 606, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609.

Solomon’s Cataract Surgery Story

“I wasn’t nervous going into it at all. All my nerves were placed at ease during my initial exam with Dr. D’Ambrosio. I was excited to get it done with. No discomfort with the laser or cataract surgery. Vision now is perfect; just need readers. On the way home I felt good enough that we stopped for seafood at a great restaurant. I would recommend this to anyone, sooner rather than later.”-Solomon

If you or some you know is experiencing cataract symptoms such as cloudy foggy vision, glare or difficult night driving and would like to learn more about cataract surgery & lens implants please 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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331, 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 and 255 Park Avenue, Suite 606, Worcester, MA 01609.

Happy Holidays from D’Ambrosio Optical

This is the time of year where we like to thank our loyal patients who visit us during the year and also purchase from our Optical Departments. This year was another great year and we hope to see you soon. Don’t forget if you have a flexible spending account you can use that towards eyewear and many lose funds each year when their account expires so don’t delay. Every December and quarterly throughout the year we host trunk shows that offer 35% off most purchases for that day only. Our frame vendors come the day of the sale and bring their entire collection, so if you are someone who likes to see all your options, new styles, etc., stop by our trunk show. We mail invitations out so just let any of our Optical staff know that you would like to receive an invite and you will be added to the listing.  Merry Christmas.

Visit D’Ambrosio Optical Center to learn more about personalized fitting selection and selection of eyeglasses and digital high definition eyeglass lenses, or visit us at D’Ambrosio Optical Center, 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, 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 and 255 Park Avenue, Suite 606, Worcester, MA 01609.

Buying Tips for Eye Safe Toys this Holiday Season

We wanted to share some tips for buying “eye safe” toys as you make your list for this holiday season. Certainly the kids and the toy manufacturers know what is popular, but often they are unaware of potential safety issues-especially eye safety issues. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are typically more than 250,000 toy-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency rooms in annually with more than 75% affecting children under 15 years of age. A serious eye injury from a toy can ruin a family's holiday and, more seriously leave a child with permanent vision loss.

Top Five Tips for Choosing Eye Safe Toys

1.     Avoid purchasing toys with sharp, protruding or projectile parts.

2.     Make sure children have appropriate supervision when playing with potentially hazardous toys or games that could cause injury.

3.     If you plan to give sports equipment, provide appropriate protective eyewear with polycarbonate lenses. Check with your eye doctor to learn about protective eyewear recommended for your child's sport.

4.     Check labels for age recommendations and be sure to select gifts that are appropriate for a child's age and maturity.

5.     Keep toys that are made for older children away from younger children.

We wish you a happy holiday season. If you need help with guidance on toys or protective eyewear for children, please 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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331, 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 and 255 Park Avenue, Suite 606, Worcester, MA 01609.

Stacey’s LASIK Experience

“My contacts were getting expensive and I would forget to take them out a night and would wake up with dry, itchy eyes.  Glasses were a nuisance and I didn’t like the way they looked or felt. I play sports and work out a lot and glasses were inconvenient. I was a bit nervous before the surgery, but felt like the procedure would be safe and effective.  My questions were answered from the procedure questions to financing options.  I had heard nothing but positive comments from friends who had been treated by Dr. D’Ambrosio so felt very comfortable.  Dr. D’Ambrosio explained everything to me during the procedure at each step and what to expect.  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 examination room when we had finished.  At home, I was a little sleep but very excited as I could actually see better than I had without my glasses previously.  I would highly recommend the LASIK doctors at D’Ambrosio Eye Care if you are considering LASIK surgery.”-Stacey

If you or some you know is tired of the hassle of glasses or contact lenses for seeing at distance and would like to find out if LASIK might be a good vision correction option, 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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331, 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 and 255 Park Street, Suite 606, Worcester, MA 01609.

Eye Photos for High Blood Pressure

Eye photos for high blood pressure? Why? When you visit us for your comprehensive eye exam we will perform a very careful examination of the inside of your eye so that we can study the health of the blood vessels and the retina itself, as this is an indication of your overall blood vessel health. Your primary care doctor will also take the time to do a more cursory examination of the retina and blood vessels-especially if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. Recently, a phone based app was developed to help emergency room physicians quickly evaluate the retina and photograph it to help make quicker and more accurate diagnoses of high blood pressure related emergencies. Sometimes high blood pressure can result of narrowing of the retinal blood vessels, blockage of blood vessels and even bleeding or hemorrhages. If you have high blood pressure that causes changes in your retinal blood vessels we may even ask to photograph your when you have an eye exam.

If you or someone you know has high blood pressure it is important to have regular eye exams at the recommended times you doctor requests. Please schedule an eye exam. 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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 or 255 Park Avenue, Suite 606, Worcester, MA 01609.

Early Detection of Juvenile Diabetic Retina Problems

Diabetic retinopathy is best treated and managed with early detection and diagnosis. This can be especially important for children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. The earlier we can detect and diagnose the diabetic eye problems, the better we can prepare to help prevent vision loss. Most often diabetic retinopathy is diagnosed during a dilated exam of the retina during an eye exam. However, we also have a very sensitive non-invasive “kid friendly” imaging system in our office called Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) that can help us detect the very earliest types of changes from diabetes-even before they might be visible during a dilated retinal exam.

According to a clinical study reported in the journal Ophthalmic Surgery, Laser and Imaging Retina Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus causes and degenerative effect on certain nerve cells in the retina even before the breakdown of blood vessels occurs with diabetic retinopathy. From this research, it is thought that OCT may be more useful than just a dilated retinal exam in kids with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

If you or someone you know has a child or young adult with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, please make sure they are having regular eye exams but also know that we might perform an OCT as part of their care. If you have questions or wish to schedule an appointment 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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 and 255 Park Avenue, Suite 606, Worcester, MA 01609.

Be Thankful and BOGO

BOGO, buy one give one. Thanksgiving is the time of year most celebrate what they are thankful for, family, food, family animals, etc. and this year why not purchases a new pair of eyeglass frames included in our BOGO program. We have frames like Jimmy Choo, Gucci and Taylor Madison and when one of these frames is purchased a frame is also donated to someone in need. We donate these frames to Shared Vision International. Shared Vision provides a bridge between people in need and resources, sharing vision both locally and internationally.  We have partnered with them and each year we donate hundreds of frames, for that we thank our patients who purchase from us who help support our mission. Our BOGO program is available all year round.

Visit D’Ambrosio Optical Center to learn more about personalized fitting selection and selection of eyeglasses and digital high definition eyeglass lenses, 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, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440.