Eye Injury Risk from Laser Pointers

Laser pointers are very often used in classrooms, lecture halls, during presentations and even as toys. But did you know that laser pointers can be a potential source of eye injury? Specifically, the greater a laser pointer's output power, the more likely it will cause serious eye injuries. Having a better understanding of the “do’s & don’ts’ of laser pointers as well as the potential for eye injuries as related to their strength and power, can go a long way to making that laser pointer on your desk or in your child’s hand a safe and useful tool.

Laser Pointer Output Strength

As the power increases above five milliwatts, the time margin for safe exposure decreases and permanent eye and skin damage can occur quickly. However, the output power of laser pointers is not immediately apparent to the user. Laser pointers often lack appropriate labeling or are mislabeled, and definitive testing of individual pointers is beyond the reach of the average consumer. What we know for sure is that even the briefest exposure to high-powered blue handheld laser products can cause serious eye injuries.

Researchers reporting the results of a study in Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that if a laser with less than five milliwatts of output power is directed at someone's eye, that person can blink or turn away without suffering an eye injury. However, the natural protective mechanisms of the eye – such as the blink reflex – are ineffective against lasers with an output power greater than five milliwatts, and severe retinal damage may occur, even after momentary exposure.

Here's what the FDA advises:

·         Never aim or shine a laser pointer at anyone.

·         Don't buy laser pointers for your children.

·         Before purchasing a laser pointer, make sure it has the following information on the label:

·         a statement that it complies with Chapter 21 CFR (the Code of Federal Regulations);

·         the manufacturer or distributor's name and the date of manufacture;

·         a warning to avoid exposure to laser radiation; and

·         the class designation, ranging from Class I to IIIa. Class IIIb and IV products should be used only by individuals with proper training and in applications where there is a legitimate need for these high-powered products.

The problem is that many laser pointers lack labels or have inaccurate labels and the researchers found that 60 percent of the sampled laser pointer products that the FDA tests are overpowered compared with what the label says. Those pointers may be powered in the 10s or 100s of milliwatts!

How do you know if your laser pointer is overpowered?

Ideally, consumers could buy a laser pointer with the certainty that it has less than five milliwatts of power, however this isn’t possible based on the poor labeling and compliance. The FDA says that if you have a laser pointer that isn't labeled or if you don't trust the labeling, consider the following:

·         If the pointer is small and runs on button batteries, its output probably is less than five milliwatts.

·         If it's pen-sized and runs on AA or AAA batteries, it's likely to be more powerful and may exceed five milliwatts.

·         If it's flashlight-sized and runs on a cluster of AA or AAA batteries or runs on lithium batteries, it likely exceeds five milliwatts.

·         Pointers sold with battery chargers probably drain their batteries quickly and are likely to be overpowered.

·         Some pointers are sold with a removable cap that spreads the beam into a pattern.  If used without the cap, the beam becomes a single beam that could exceed 5 milliwatts.

·         Look for keywords that sellers might use to indicate a pointer is highly powered without saying that it's over five milliwatts: powerful, bright, ultra, super, military, military grade, super bright, high power, ultra bright, strong, balloon pop, burn, burning, adjustable focus, lithium battery, lithium powered.

·         Look for videos or photos that show the laser burning, melting, balloon popping or show a bright, well-defined beam of light

·         Look for purchaser comments on websites that tout the brightness or power of the product.

Blue & Violet Laser Pointers Are the Most Dangerous!

Blue and Violet laser pointers are the most dangerous because the human eye actually is less sensitive to blue and violet. So, while a person would react quickly to a red or green laser, that person may not blink or turn away as fast from an equally powerful blue or violet light, creating a greater likelihood of injury.

If you or someone you know is concerned about laser pointer use and eye safety, 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.

Eye Injury Risk from Laser Pointers

Laser pointers are very often used in classrooms, lecture halls, during presentations and even as toys. But did you know that laser pointers can be a potential source of eye injury? Specifically, the greater a laser pointer's output power, the more likely it will cause serious eye injuries. Having a better understanding of the “do’s & don’ts’ of laser pointers as well as the potential for eye injuries as related to their strength and power, can go a long way to making that laser pointer on your desk or in your child’s hand a safe and useful tool.

Laser Pointer Output Strength

As the power increases above five milliwatts, the time margin for safe exposure decreases and permanent eye and skin damage can occur quickly. However, the output power of laser pointers is not immediately apparent to the user. Laser pointers often lack appropriate labeling or are mislabeled, and definitive testing of individual pointers is beyond the reach of the average consumer. What we know for sure is that even the briefest exposure to high-powered blue handheld laser products can cause serious eye injuries.

Researchers reporting the results of a study in Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that if a laser with less than five milliwatts of output power is directed at someone's eye, that person can blink or turn away without suffering an eye injury. However, the natural protective mechanisms of the eye – such as the blink reflex – are ineffective against lasers with an output power greater than five milliwatts, and severe retinal damage may occur, even after momentary exposure.

Here's what the FDA advises:

·         Never aim or shine a laser pointer at anyone.

·         Don't buy laser pointers for your children.

·         Before purchasing a laser pointer, make sure it has the following information on the label:

·         a statement that it complies with Chapter 21 CFR (the Code of Federal Regulations);

·         the manufacturer or distributor's name and the date of manufacture;

·         a warning to avoid exposure to laser radiation; and

·         the class designation, ranging from Class I to IIIa. Class IIIb and IV products should be used only by individuals with proper training and in applications where there is a legitimate need for these high-powered products.

The problem is that many laser pointers lack labels or have inaccurate labels and the researchers found that 60 percent of the sampled laser pointer products that the FDA tests are overpowered compared with what the label says. Those pointers may be powered in the 10s or 100s of milliwatts!

How do you know if your laser pointer is overpowered?

Ideally, consumers could buy a laser pointer with the certainty that it has less than five milliwatts of power, however this isn’t possible based on the poor labeling and compliance. The FDA says that if you have a laser pointer that isn't labeled or if you don't trust the labeling, consider the following:

·         If the pointer is small and runs on button batteries, its output probably is less than five milliwatts.

·         If it's pen-sized and runs on AA or AAA batteries, it's likely to be more powerful and may exceed five milliwatts.

·         If it's flashlight-sized and runs on a cluster of AA or AAA batteries or runs on lithium batteries, it likely exceeds five milliwatts.

·         Pointers sold with battery chargers probably drain their batteries quickly and are likely to be overpowered.

·         Some pointers are sold with a removable cap that spreads the beam into a pattern.  If used without the cap, the beam becomes a single beam that could exceed 5 milliwatts.

·         Look for keywords that sellers might use to indicate a pointer is highly powered without saying that it's over five milliwatts: powerful, bright, ultra, super, military, military grade, super bright, high power, ultra bright, strong, balloon pop, burn, burning, adjustable focus, lithium battery, lithium powered.

·         Look for videos or photos that show the laser burning, melting, balloon popping or show a bright, well-defined beam of light

·         Look for purchaser comments on websites that tout the brightness or power of the product.

Blue & Violet Laser Pointers Are the Most Dangerous!

Blue and Violet laser pointers are the most dangerous because the human eye actually is less sensitive to blue and violet. So, while a person would react quickly to a red or green laser, that person may not blink or turn away as fast from an equally powerful blue or violet light, creating a greater likelihood of injury.

If you or someone you know is concerned about laser pointer use and eye safety, 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.

Spring Eyeglass Trunk Show

D’Ambrosio Eye Care is pleased to announce their Spring Eyeglass Trunk Show providing the opportunity for eyeglass wearers to see and try on the latest spring eyewear lines and to learn about high technology eyeglass lenses from leading designers and eyeglass lens manufacturers. Guests will get great savings on selections and purchases made during the show!

Spring is a time we all like to freshen up our look and getting a new pair of eyeglasses in the latest spring fashions is a great way to do that. This season we are featuring eyeglass frames from Juicy Couture, Carrera, Liz Claiborne, Jimmy Choo, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Denim, Banana Republic & Polaroid Sunwear to name a few. The Transitions® Lenses are a really popular choice as we enter the warmer weather and people want the convenience of the color changing lenses as we spend more time outdoors. Our opticians, frame stylists and staff will be available to assist guests in eyeglass lens selection in order to select the best looking, best fitting and best performing eyeglass choices. Choosing new eyeglasses is really worthwhile at our Spring Eyewear & Eyeglass Trunk Show because anyone attending who orders eyeglasses at the trunk show will be given a 35% discount on complete eyeglasses and lenses.

The Spring Eyeglass & Eyewear Trunk Show at D’Ambrosio Eye Care will be held 479 Old Union Turnpike Lancaster, MA 01523 on Saturday April 11, 2015 from 9:00 AM until 1:00. 

Better Diagnosis & Treatment Reduce Glaucoma Blindness

About Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition where the eye does not drain fluid properly, resulting in high pressure in the eye that can damage the optic nerve. In the United States, 2.7 million people age 40 and older have the condition. If left untreated, glaucoma reduces peripheral vision and eventually may cause blindness.

 

Dr. Wu

There is good news for those with glaucoma or at risk of getting glaucoma. New advances in diagnosis and treatment are thought to lower the chance of vision loss, and in fact the risk of blindness from glaucoma has dropped by nearly half according to researchers from Mayo Clinic.

According to the Mayo Clinic study, the likelihood of losing sight in one eye was 28 percent for patients diagnosed with glaucoma between 1965 and1980. That number fell to 13.5 percent for patients diagnosed between 1981 and 2000.

At D’Ambrosio Eye Care our doctors and staff spend a great deal of time educating  patients about their risk of glaucoma and encouraging patients to have regular eye exams with glaucoma testing as this is the best way to detect glaucoma early and initiate treatment as quickly as possible. Our doctors use a combination of advanced technology for the earliest possible detection and diagnosis of glaucoma including Optical Coherence Technology (OCT) as well as high resolution digital photography for diagnostic purposes. This early diagnosis along with in office laser treatments for glaucoma has contributed to our ability to prevent vision loss and blindness from glaucoma. Despite these advances, 15 percent of those diagnosed with glaucoma still do go blind. We can’t over emphasize the importance of getting regular eye exams to detect glaucoma in the early stages so that we can prescribe vision preserving treatment as soon as possible.

If you or someone you know is concerned about glaucoma, has any risk factors for glaucoma or needs to schedule a glaucoma eye exam, please feel free to 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.

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 Injury Facts & Myths

Getting the facts about eye injury can possibly help you to prevent and avoid eye injuries. While there are many choices you can make to keep your eye health and vision in good shape, knowing some of the risks of eye injury and wearing proper protective eyewear make it possible to prevent 90 percent of those injuries! What is troubling is that according to a survey by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, only 35 percent of people say that they always wear protective eyewear when performing home repairs or maintenance and even less wear protective eyewear while playing sports.

Eye Injury Facts & Myths

• Who is more likely to have an eye injury-men or women? Men!
• Are eye injuries more common on the job or at home? Nearly half of all eye injuries occurred in the home! In fact more than 40 percent of eye injuries were caused by projects and activities such as home repairs, yard work, cleaning and cooking. More than a third of injuries in the home occurred in living areas such as the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, living or family room.
• More than 40 percent of eye injuries every year are related to sports or recreational activities.
• Eyes can be damaged by sun exposure, not just chemicals, dust or objects.
•  Among people who have had eye injuries, more than 78 percent of people were not wearing eyewear at the time of injury!

If you or someone you know is concerned about eye injury and wants to learn more about preventing eye injuries and protective eyewear, please feel free to 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.

Boston Marathon & LASIK

I was diagnosed with an eye ulcer in December 2012. After this diagnosis, I was only able to wear contacts on an extremely part-time basis (just a few hours a week). This made training for the 2013 Boston Marathon interesting as I had to wear glasses for most of my training. I felt less certain about my safety as I did not have the peripheral vision in glasses that contacts enabled me. Leading up to my LASIK, I was excited at the idea that I would not need any equipment to see. I was also nervous because my eyes are the only ones I have and what if I was the fluke and something bad happened. During the surgery, I still felt nervous. The surgery itself goes against everything that your brain thinks is normal. My second eye definitely fought it more, but it was a very quick procedure. Dr. D’Ambrosio and the staff were very calm and relaxed throughout the procedure which was comforting. Immediately after the surgery, when I sat up, I could see my mom in the waiting room. By see I mean I could see my mom clearly, not just blobs of color that I knew was her. That is something I had not been able to do in 20 years. Now, it is so nice to run and not have to deal with foggy glasses, and be able to see if I can cross the street without having to turn my whole torso.

Even with the eye ulcer, training for a marathon, and know a handful of people who have had LASIK, I was still nervous about the procedure, and a little freaked out that I would be awake for the procedure. It took me just about a year to finally decide to do it. I wish I had mentally come to terms with it sooner. Life is more enjoyable not having to worry about glasses, contacts, solution, etc. It is also nice when traveling and waking up in the middle of the night in a new place and navigating in the dark.

Michelle T.

If you or someone you know is interested in LASIK or would like to schedule a Free LASIK consultation please call us at 800-325-3937, visit D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

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.

Digitally Manufactured Progressive Lenses

As a patient all the new terms, advertising and lingo can be confusing. The way progressive (non-line) lenses are made has changed and it isn’t a gimmick. You may hear terms like free-form, direct to surface, high definition, digitally surfaced or digitally enhanced. Even lens brands and designs that were already on the market when this technology came out can now be digitally surfaced.

Your eyeglass professional, your licensed optician, will be able to help you navigate through all the new terminology so that you are educated enough to make informed decisions about your lenses. Lenses that outperform when compared to others do tend to be more costly so you always want to feel you know why you are spending the added dollars. Where you need to be more cautious is when you are purchasing a lens based on just price - even if it is a digital lens.

A digital process cannot improve a poorly designed or old designed lens and those types of digitally surfaced lenses are not worth the added dollars. Newer designed progressive lenses manufactured with digital technology do provide better end results compared to the older ways of manufacturing. Lens companies are able to provide a more accurate and more custom lens in a wider range of materials and lens features. These lenses provide crisp, sharp vision, much like when you compare HD TV’s to one another. We always recommend protecting your investment and vision by pairing your new progressive lenses with non-glare. Not only does it protect the surface of your lenses but it always enhances the way you look to others by eliminating glare and these lenses allow more light to reach your eye and since light helps create vision that is a good thing! Here at D’Ambrosio Eye Care our #1 selling digital progressive lens is the Varilux Physio DRx ™. This lens provides more natural vision, wider fields of sharp clear vision, less head movements and for first time progressive wearers that like those trendy smaller frames, these lenses are able to be fit into those too! Don’t sacrifice your style or vision for price the next time you are out shopping for a new pair of progressive lenses.

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.

Top AMD Risk Factors

As February is designated Macular Degeneration Awareness Month, D’Ambrosio Eye Care  wanted to share important information about the Top 5 Risk Factors for Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).  Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of severe vision loss among Americans ages 65 and over. Knowing your risk factors, being aware of your family history, and scheduling regular eye exam appointments with your eye doctor can help reduce your risks for vision loss from macular degeneration. The key to preventing vision loss from age related macular degeneration is early detection, diagnosis and treatment as recommended by your eye doctor.

Know the Top AMD Risks

Ø  Being over the Age of 60

Ø  Having a Family History of AMD

Ø  Cigarette Smoking

Ø  Obesity

Ø  Hypertension

If you have any two of these risk factors, you should schedule an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam and evaluation.

Managing AMD Risk Factors
There are some AMD risk factors that a person can change such as smoking and diet to reduce the risk of vision loss from AMD, but other factors such as genetics are just a part of who you are. It is important, if possible, to know your family medical history regarding eye problems such as AMD. A sound way to reduce your AMD risk is to quit smoking or better yet,  never start. For patients at high risk for developing late stage AMD, taking a dietary supplement of vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene, along with zinc, has been shown to lower the risk of AMD advancing to advanced stages by 25 percent. Eating green leafy vegetables and reducing alcohol consumption are also helpful in preventing AMD.

Know the Symptoms of Wet AMD

Wet AMD is the type of macular degeneration most likely to cause rapid and serious vision loss. Thus, people who are at risk should know the symptoms of Wet AMD as with early detection, diagnosis and treatment it is possible to avoid or minimize vision loss from Wet AMD.

Symptoms of Wet AMD can include sudden, noticeable loss or distortion of vision, such as seeing “wavy” lines, “distortion”, “bending of straight lines and objects”. If you experience any of these symptoms, please call our office right away and explain your symptoms and request an immediate appointment.

Current treatments for Wet AMD such as injections of VEGF Inhibitors including Lucentis® and Eylea® provide an excellent chance of stopping vision loss and may actually restore some vision when macular degeneration develops. Earlier diagnosis of wet AMD gives a much more favorable chance of successful treatment.

If you or someone you know has 2 or more of the top AMD risk factors, you 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 you manage your risk of AMD.

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 AMD Risk

Obesity is a well know risk factor for diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and orthopedic and joint problems. Recently, researchers reviewing the Beaver Dam Eye Study evaluated the risk of age related eye disease such as age related macular degeneration (AMD) with obesity. They discussed their review in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science where they reported the results of eye exams that were used to evaluate the presence and severity of cataract and macular degeneration as well as measurements of height and weight over a 15 year period of time. Their findings show that for females who were non smokers, there was indeed and increased risk of early and late stage age related macular degeneration (AMD) with an increasing Body Mass Index (BMI).

If you or someone you know is concerned about macular degeneration and AMD risk factors they should consider the role of obesity and they are encouraged to schedule regular eye exams at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare, as early detection, diagnosis and treatment are the key to avoiding vision loss from age related eye problems such as AMD.

D'AmbrosioEye 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.

Lifestyle for Eye Health & Vision

Bin Wu, MD

Making good choices about your lifestyle can go a long way to helping you maintain your eye health and vision. The first step is to know more about what kinds of things you personally can do.

Have Regular Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exams

Making sure to schedule regular dilated eye health and vision exams-at intervals your eye doctor recommends-is the first step to maintaining eye health and good vision. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment when necessary allows us to find eye diseases, conditions and problems so that we can address them before they are sight threatening. Many eye diseases do not have early warning signs, but signs and symptoms can be identified during a comprehensive dilated eye exam.

Know Your Family History of Eye Problems

Many eye health and vision problems and eye diseases tend to run in families. This suggests that if an eye disease is present in any family member it may put you at greater risk of that eye problem. This is particularly the case for eye diseases such as glaucoma and age related macular degeneration (AMD). Stay abreast of the eye diseases and conditions as they exist in your family, AND BE SURE TO TELL US ABOUT THEM WHEN YOU COME IN FOR AN EYE EXAM.

Nutrition and Diet Affect Eye Health & Vision

Make sure to pay attention to what you eat and try to include a steady diet of foods high in important nutrients that support good vision, such as the following:

o    Vegetables: collard greens, bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes and dark, leafy greens, such as kale and spinach

o    Nuts: sunflower seeds, almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts

o    Fruits: strawberries and blueberries

o    Omega-3 Fatty Acids: tuna, halibut and salmon

o    Beans: chickpeas, kidney beans and legumes

Watch Your Weight & Exercise

Being overweight exposes you to a greater risk of diabetes. In fact there is an epidemic of diabetes in the U.S. today. Diabetic eye problems include a greater risk of glaucoma, cataracts and sight threatening diabetic retinopathy. Exercise-even moderate amounts of daily exercise reduce your risk of developing MANY eye diseases and problems.

Wear Protective Eyewear

Eye injury prevention is relatively easy-if you wear the appropriate protective eyewear when taking part in sports or home activities that expose you to risk. It is estimated that some 90% of eye injuries can be prevented by taking a minute to review the need for protective eyeglasses before doing home projects, trimming branches or shrubs, using saws, tool or weed whackers-and on and on. In addition, when spending time outdoors or near the water, wear sunglasses designed to block out 99 to 100 percent of the sun’s UV-A and UV-B rays.

Be smart and be safe.

Stop Smoking

Not only does smoking cause a host of cardiovascular and systemic vascular problems, but smoking is now recognized as increasing the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and, all of which could lead to vision loss. We also now know that if you do smoke, there is considerable benefit in stopping!

Avoid Computer Eyestrain

CRT or video display terminals used for computers are well known to expose you eye fatigue, headache and more troubling-dry eye problems. When working on the computer or using a smartphone or tablet, practice the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eyestrain-that is, every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for about 20 seconds. If you have any sensation of dryness, grittiness or “something in your eyes”, use an eye surface lubricant or eye drop to replenish your tears.

If you or someone you know has questions about how lifestyle choices can help preserve eye health and vision, 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 you manage your choices.

D'AmbrosioEye 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 Story from Jen

I had PRK almost 2 years ago and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made! I went in for my consultation at D’Ambrosio Eye Care and the entire process was explained to me - it really helped to calm some of my fears. The day of the procedure was easier than ever expected. The staff was amazing and walked me through every step. They talked me through the procedure and it was done before I knew it. My vision was better almost immediately after. D’Ambrosio Eye Care saw me through all my post-op appointments and continued to follow my progress. My vision is 20/20 now and I could not be happier!

Jen L.

If you or someone you know has questions about LASIK or would like to schedule a free LASIK consultation 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 schedule  convenient time for you.

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 Injury from Airbags in Car Accidents

Just about all cars on the road today have both airbags and seat belts. This combination of air bags and safety belts are important safety features that have saved nay lives and helped to prevent injury. But, did you know that airbags and improper use of safety belts can actually lead to eye injury!

A recent report in Survey of Ophthalmology suggests that the incidence of eye injury and facial trauma from airbags is increasing. How can this be happening? Airbags were originally designed as a supplemental safety system to seatbelts, to protect the head from hard surfaces in frontal crashes. It is critical that all passengers wear their seatbelts even if your car has airbags in the front, back and sides of the passenger cabin because the seatbelts restrict and prevent you from being quickly and forcefully thrown forward and colliding with the rearward inflating and accelerating airbags as they are deployed during a car accident. Airbag deployment and passenger collision with airbags has been reported to cause eye injuries including corneal abrasions, alkali burns and the serious effects of eye compression such as retinal tears, retinal and vitreous hemorrhages, retinal detachment and even cataracts. SO-the message is clear. For eye protection and safety in motor vehicle accidents, all occupants of cars should wear safety belts at all times even if your vehicle has airbags!

If you or someone you know has questions about eye injury from airbags 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.

Glaucoma Symptoms You Should to Know

If you have any risk factors for glaucoma or have been told that you have ocular hypertension or any other history that predisposes you to glaucoma you should know about the symptoms of glaucoma.

Symptoms of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma

Primary Open Angle Glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma. Primary Open Angle Glaucoma is a slow, insidious and progressive sight stealing eye disease which has no symptoms that affected patients can readily be aware of. This is especially important as among African-American and Hispanic populations where glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness. Further-primary open angle glaucoma-is hereditary. The Nottingham Glaucoma Study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology evaluated the risk that siblings of glaucoma patients would themselves develop glaucoma within their lifetime. The study demonstrated that there was a strong likelihood that family members of glaucoma patients were at greater risk and that siblings were 5 times more likely to develop glaucoma by age 70. This is why we strongly recommend that siblings of glaucoma patients and glaucoma suspects be screened for glaucoma, each and every year.

Symptoms of Angle Closure Glaucoma

Angle Closure Glaucoma can be divided in two main types: Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma and Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma. Although Angle Closure Glaucoma occurs much less frequently than Primary Open Angle Glaucoma, it is important to understand it because it has the ability to produce considerable vision loss in a short period of time. Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma is one of the only types of glaucoma that produces distinct symptoms that include pain, light sensitivity, redness, and blurred vision, colored haloes around lights and nausea or vomiting.

There is a real need for regular eye examinations and glaucoma screening by an eye doctor in order to help you preserve your eye health and vision. If you or someone you know has a question about glaucoma, glaucoma symptoms, glaucoma risk or to schedule a glaucoma eye exam please feel free to 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.

Dropless Laser Cataract Surgery

At D’Ambrosio Eye Care we work to bring patients access to world class cataract surgery through innovation that improves eye surgery results and makes it more comfortable and convenient for our patients. Dropless Laser Cataract Surgery is a further step in the right direction. Unfortunately some patients don’t use their eye drops after cataract surgery ad lens implants like they’re supposed to and some may not even get or use the drops at all. Many patients can’t afford or don’t remember to use their eye drops after cataract surgery. Sometimes, they or their caretakers are limited by physical factors such as arthritis. Further, compliance can be a comfort issue for some patients because they are sensitive to the preservatives in the post operative eye drops. The good news is that with Dropless Laser Cataract Surgery, we  now have the ability to place the medications inside their eyes at the time of their cataract and lens implant surgery, eliminating the need for them to use most if not all of their after surgery medications.

About Dropless Cataract Surgery

Injectable intraocular drugs can simplify the post-operative process and provide safeguards against bacterial infection and inflammation. They reduce dependence on expensive, topical post-operative eye drop therapy resulting in a significant decrease in the overall cost of the surgical procedure. With Dropless formulations, patients may no longer need to administer multiple topical drops daily thereby largely eliminating patient non-compliance issues. Dropless Therapy has tremendous potential benefit to patients, particularly the physically and economically disadvantaged, along with caregivers, surgeons, staff, and the healthcare system alike.

If you or someone you know has questions about cataract, lens implants or Dropless Laser Cataract Surgery please call us at 800-325-3937 to schedule a convenient appointment.

Glaucoma Eye Exams Are Important!

Prevent Blindness America designates January as National Glaucoma Awareness Month and D’Ambrosio Eye Care wants to highlight the importance of eye exams and glaucoma testing to provide early detection, diagnosis and treatment for glaucoma when necessary. We also want to let baby boomers and seniors know that glaucoma risk increases considerably after the age of 40, and once over 60 years of age you are 6 times more likely to get glaucoma, even without any family or medical history. Your risk is further increased 4-9 times if you have any family history of glaucoma.

Eye exams for glaucoma should begin by checking your visual acuity with and without your eyeglasses or contact lenses. Then, the tonometry test should be performed where we measure your Intraocular Pressure (IOP) which gives the eye doctors the first piece of important information in determining whether you might have glaucoma. Ophthalmoscopy is another examination procedure used to detect and diagnose glaucoma. Ophthalmoscopy is a method of carefully examining the inside of the eye-especially the optic nerve-in order to detect glaucoma. It is necessary to have some eye drops placed in your eyes in order to dilate your pupils so that the doctors can make a clear and direct observation of the optic nerve.

If either the Intraocular Pressure (IOP) is elevated or the optic nerve appears unusual, additional tests will be necessary in order to complete the glaucoma examination. These may include Visual Field Perimetry, Gonioscopy, Optic Nerve Computer Imaging and Pachymetry. Should you need any of these tests we explain them fully to you and answer your questions so that you understand how they permit us to diagnose glaucoma.

If you are under 40 years of age and do not have any family history of glaucoma or ocular hypertension-and have no other glaucoma risk factors and are not of African-American or Hispanic descent, then having a glaucoma eye examination every two years should be sufficient. If you have any glaucoma risk factors including high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, are a smoker, entered menopause early, have a family history or are over 40-especially if you are of African-American or Hispanic descent, then a glaucoma eye exam each year is recommended.

If you or someone you know has any risk factors for glaucoma you are encouraged to schedule an eye exam at D’Ambrosio Eye Care by calling us at 800-325-3937, visiting D’Ambrosio Eye Care or facebook.com/dambrosioeyecare.

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.

Dropless Laser Cataract Surgery

“During the past 30 years cataract surgeons have positively impacted patient satisfaction through advances in technology, procedures and techniques to improve the safety, efficacy and predictability of cataract and lens implant surgery. Today, Dropless Laser Cataract Surgery appears to give us the opportunity to address some key needs of our cataract patients-those of non-compliance and the inconvenience of having to use eye drops after cataract and lens implant surgery,” explained Francis D’Ambrosio Jr., M.D., Medical Director and Founder of D’Ambrosio Eye Care. 

“In terms of compliance, we all have patients that don’t use their eye drops like they’re supposed to and some may not even get or use the drops at all. Many patients can’t afford or don’t remember to use their eye drops after cataract surgery. Sometimes, they or their caretakers are limited by physical factors such as arthritis. Further, compliance can be a comfort issue for some patients because they are sensitive to the preservatives in the post operative eye drops. The good news is that with Dropless Laser Cataract Surgery, I now have the ability to place the medications inside their eyes at the time of their cataract and lens implant surgery, eliminating the need for them to use most if not all of their after surgery medications,” explained Dr. D’Ambrosio Jr. “As a cataract surgeon who works to make eye surgery more comfortable and convenient for patients as well as improving outcomes and results, I am excited to be able bring Dropless Cataract Surgery to Massachusetts patients. This technique along with our integration of the femtosecond laser for cataract surgery gives us the ability to provide world class eye surgery to central and western Massachusetts residents in a close to home and convenient location.”

About Dropless Cataract Surgery

Injectable intraocular drugs can simplify the post-operative process and provide safeguards against bacterial infection and inflammation. They reduce dependence on expensive, topical post-operative eye drop therapy resulting in a significant decrease in the overall cost of the surgical procedure. With Dropless formulations, patients may no longer need to administer multiple topical drops daily thereby largely eliminating patient non-compliance issues. Dropless Therapy has tremendous potential benefit to patients, particularly the physically and economically disadvantaged, along with caregivers, surgeons, staff, and the healthcare system alike.

D’Ambrosio Eye Care is a leading central Massachusetts eye care practice providing eye examinations 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. 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.

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 Story from Stephanie

Before my LASIK procedure, my vision was so bad I could not even find my glasses in the morning! I was always afraid of losing my glasses or contact lens and being totally helpless.

Although I was very nervous at the thought of LASIK, I felt more at ease after my consultation at D’Ambrosio Eye Care. I had been walked through every step with detailed explanations by a confident staff. I was still a little bit nervous on the day of my LASIK, but the staff really puts you at ease and talks you through every step. 

Before I knew it, it was done and I was ready to go home to take a nap! Now, I can see every detail with more clarity than any pair of glasses or contact lenses. I could not be happier. Thank you all so much!

Stephanie

Contact Lens Success & Age of Fitting

Sometimes parents wonder what the best age is to fit their children with contact lenses is in order to give them the most successful and safest wearing experience. Researchers reporting in Eye & Contact Lens: Science and Clinical Practice  studied differences  in current symptoms, compliance, ocular health and adverse events between current successful long–term contact lens wearers fit as children or as teenagers. They found that successful contact lens wearers fit as children are no more likely to report previous contact lens–related adverse events, problems with compliance, decreased wearing time, or worse ocular health than those fit as teenagers amd suggest that parents should not rely on age as a primary determinant in fitting children with contact lenses, but should rely on their eye doctor’s recommendations and evaluation of their child.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about contact lens fitting for children 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 treatment plan.

D'AmbrosioEye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice with office locations at 479 Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 that serve the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area. 

Omega 3 Supplements for Age Related Macular Degeneration

Omega 3 supplements may provide benefits for reducing the risk of age related macular degeneration (AMD). Taking diet supplements with antioxidant vitamins C and E, Beta Carotene and Zinc has been shown to reduce the risk of progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). In addition to this “AREDS Supplement Formulation”, some data suggests that increased dietary intake of lutein + zeaxanthin (carotenoids), omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA] + eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA]), or both might further reduce this risk.

Researchers from the Age Related Eye Disease 2 (AREDS) Research Group reporting in the Journal of the  American Medical Association concluded that the addition of lutein + zeaxanthin, DHA + EPA, or both to the AREDS formulation did not further reduce risk of progression to advanced AMD but lutein + zeaxanthin could be an appropriate carotenoid substitute in the AREDS formulation for former smokers who were at risk for lung cancer.

If you or someone you know is concerned about age related macular degeneration risk or has any family history of AMD 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 orfacebook.com/dambrosioeyecare so that we can help recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

D'AmbrosioEye Care is a leading eye and LASIK care practice with office locations at 79 Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 that serve the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area. 

Voted Best Optical & Eye Care!

D'Ambrosio Eye Care, Inc. has been voted the “Best Optical and Best Eye Care” for 2014 by the Reader’s Choice Awards of the Leominster Champion.  “Our staff spends a great deal of time, effort and energy delivering eye care, services and products to the central Massachusetts community. We do it with dedication to being easily available and convenient for patients in terms of hours and locations, we do it in a friendly but professional manner and we do it affordably,” said Francis D’Ambrosio, Jr., M.D. “Eye health and vision care along with great eyewear is who we are. It is always nice and rewarding to hear from patients and organizations, that we are doing a good job for central Massachusetts residents-THANK YOU to all of the patients and friends in our community!”

If you have questions about any aspect of eye heath and vision or eyeglasses or eyewear please contact us by calling D’Ambrosio Eye Care 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 is a leading eye and LASIK care practice with office locations at 479 Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331 and 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 that serve the greater Boston and central Massachusetts area.