What’s New

As coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads around the world, health professionals are demanding that people limit their personal risk of contracting the virus by thoroughly washing their hands, practicing social distancing, and not touching their nose, mouth, or eyes. In fact, it may surprise you to learn that the eyes play an...

Per the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control, the Massachusetts Society of Optometrists and in alignment with Governor Baker's Declaration of a State of Emergency during these unprecedented times, we will be altering our business hours significantly. We all have a role to play in slowing the spread of...

Wearing traditional contact lenses is particularly uncomfortable when you have dry eye syndrome as it can further exacerbate itchy and irritated eyes. Fortunately, there is a lens that isn’t only comfortable but can also improve dry eye syndrome.

COVID-19 INFORMATION (UPDATED March 16, 2020) To Our Patients: Your safety is our top priority and we are writing to update you on our current policies regarding the Coronavirus.  As you are aware, there is a worldwide spread of the virus and we are doing everything we can to keep...

While vision may not seem to be the most important factor in maintaining balance, the brain relies on visual input to keep your world appearing both stable and leveled. Visual problems related to balance issues or dizziness can be effectively treated with neuro-optometric rehabilitation therapy.

Wearing lenses overnight has been shown to be safe and effective in slowing down myopia progression in children. That said, many parents believe orthokeratology involves a higher risk factor than other contact lens modalities. Let's take an open and honest look at some of the issues.

Your vision depends on your eyeball shape. A perfectly shaped eye will provide crystal vision, whereas any deviation in size or irregularity in contour will cause distortion. Read on to learn the difference between a healthy and an unhealthy eye shape.  

Everyone seems to be staring at a screen these days, whether their computer, their smartphone or another digital device. The stress it puts on your eyes can cause a condition called "digital eye strain" (DES) or "computer vision syndrome" (CVS). Symptoms include eye fatigue, dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, neck...

Are you frustrated your bright child is not reading at the level you think they should be? They may actually be suffering from an issue in their visual system. Our practice can assess more than just 20/20 vision and use vision therapy to treat any vision-related learning issues that could be affecting your child.

Use your new benefits to make 2020 your year of perfect vision. Ortho-k overnight lenses, which are particularly advantageous for myopic patients,  can be eligible for reimbursement with major savings accounts, such as HSA and FSA.

Vision therapy helps children with poor visual skills perform daily tasks more efficiently and with ease. This can lead to more success with school-work and sports, which, in turn, can have a positive effect on one's self-confidence.

Though many wouldn’t place “smoking” and “myopia” in the same sentence, the harmful effects they have on vision are comparable, as children with rapidly progressing myopia have a similar risk of developing eye disease later in life as smokers do.

Concussions and other traumatic brain injuries are common in high-impact sports —such as football — and can have drastic effects on visual function. Fortunately, neuro-optometrists can help patients regain lost visual abilities and skills.

Playing outside in a snowy winter wonderland can be magical. Under clear skies in the sunshine, the soft white landscape becomes just about irresistible, whether at home or travelling on a winter-weather get-away.  Before you let your children run outside to build the most adorable snowman or fling themselves onto...

Vision therapy, practiced for over 150 years, has been helping patients with visual problems strengthen the eye-brain connection. Over the years, it has developed and expanded into a highly effective method for learning or improving visual skills.

Did you know that people with diabetes are 20 times more likely to get eye diseases than those without it? There are three major eye conditions that diabetics are at risk for developing: cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. To prevent these sight-threatening diseases, it's important to control your blood sugar...

It is not uncommon for patients to experience post-surgery refractive errors, particularly following a corneal transplant. To achieve clear and comfortable vision, scleral lenses are often prescribed.

Children who spend a considerable amount of time playing outside are less likely to develop myopia than children who spend most of their time indoors in front of the TV or computer screen. These are the findings of a recent university study. Since Myopia is a progressing condition that can lead to more severe vision problems, every parent should be aware of this.

The complexity of the brain is truly fascinating; any slight change in its chemistry or structural integrity can result in a multitude of health problems, such as visual disturbances or permanent vision loss. This can affect everyday activities such as driving, walking, reading, using a computer, and staying focused. Below...

Though not always evident, a stroke almost inevitably affects vision. Neuro-optometric rehabilitation can treat the resulting vision deficiencies and improve the person’s functionality and quality of life as part of an integrative treatment plan.

A hockey match can be fun and invigorating, but it can also be dangerous. Hockey players suffer a high rate of concussions, like football players. A concussion is a mild brain injury that results from trauma, like a painful body-check or a puck to the head. The human brain is...

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can lead to severe health problems, and in 90% of cases, vision problems. Here are 5 things about TBI that you probably didn’t know.

Your eyes aren't just the windows to your soul — they can also reveal valuable information about your general health beyond whether you need glasses, including: diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. It is not unusual for people to come in for an eye exam just to check their eyesight...

This holiday season, offer the gift of perfect vision that will have your loved one thanking you every day. If you or anyone in your family is nearsighted (myopic), Ortho-K lenses is the perfect gift. Read on to learn why.

Whether you’re a pro-athlete or a 4th grader struggling to read, improved vision skills can boost confidence and success in life. Consider vision therapy this year and see the change for yourself!

In  Southborough, getting behind the wheel in the colder months comes with challenges that driving in the summer does not present. Besides the dangers of slipping and skidding in ice and snow, there are added risks because of potential impediments to your vision. When driving during the day, the sun...

Smoking harms nearly every system in your body — including your eyes.  Though we are all aware of the health effects associated with smoking, such as lung cancer, heart disease, and bad teeth, few know about the negative impact it can have on our vision.  Smoking and Eye Disease  Smoking,...

If your child is nearsighted (myopic), it may seem like a great idea to get him or her a new pair of glasses. They will surely improve how well your child sees but, unfortunately, will do nothing to slow myopia progression. You can offer your child MUCH more than a...

November 10 will be the fourth annual World Keratoconus Day. Keratoconus is an eye disease in which the eye bulges and its shape becomes less spherical, leading to potentially significant loss of vision. Symptoms can also include sensitivity to light and red, puffy eyes. Sometimes, a cornea transplant is required...

Your vision is dependent on the quality of your tears, any imbalance will tend to disrupt the way your eyes can focus and receive light. Call 508-481-8558 for a dry eye evaluation today!

Dr. Abbondanza & Dr. Levine and Countless adults, teens and even children will be wearing colored contact lenses this Halloween, but few are aware of the risks involved. Ever wondered what those cat-eye contacts are doing to your eyes? If you got them without a prescription, beware of health complications....

September Is Sports Eye Safety Month! Ocular sports trauma is among the leading causes of permanent vision loss in North America. Tens of thousands of people get treated for sports-related eye injuries a year, with the most common injuries occurring during water sports and basketball. Infections, corneal abrasions, eye socket...

This summer, heat waves with scorching temperatures have hit communities nationwide, making an already hot summer even hotter. With high temps and heat waves in certain areas, it’s now more important than ever to protect yourself. For best practices and tips for maintaining healthy vision in the summer heat, talk...

July is UV Safety Awareness Month, and no wonder! With the summer sun out in full force, it’s now more important than ever to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. During this month, people who have suffered from UV ray damage and their loved ones are encouraged to share...

This summer, whether you're headed across state lines on a family road trip, flying off to Europe, grabbing a quick weekend getaway, or taking a vacation in your own backyard, don't forget to protect your eyes! Summer Eye Care Near You Check out our top 4 tips for ensuring healthy...

June is Cataract Awareness Month. During this important time, people living with cataracts (and their loved ones) are encouraged to talk about their personal experiences by giving each other helpful information and sharing their knowledge and advice. Use the hashtag #CataractAwarenessMonth on your social media channels to encourage and support...

Do your kids need glasses in order to see clearly? Maybe they have a strong case of nearsightedness, perhaps they have astigmatism, or another type of refractive error. Whatever the cause, getting your kids to wear eyeglasses can be a parenting challenge. Dr. Abbondanza & Dr. Levine treats patients from all...

Those with excellent visual acuity may experience difficulty with visual processing or focus, which can impact various aspects of a child’s development, learning ability, and daily functioning. Fortunately, visual skills can be trained through vision therapy. Question is: how young is too young for your child to begin vision therapy?

May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the USA; in Canada, Mental Health week is May 6th to 12th. Since 1949, it has been observed throughout the United States as a way of drawing attention to the importance of proper mental health. This year’s theme is #4Mind4Body. The idea is...

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month in the USA and Canada, a time when those living with the disorder, their family members, friends, and community come together to raise awareness and share helpful information. People with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and their loved ones are encouraged to share their stories, struggles, and...

We invite you to take a look around our new site to get to know our practice and learn about eye and vision health. You will find a wealth of information about our optometrists, our staff and our services, as well as facts and advice about how to take care...

Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, is one of the most frequently seen eye diseases, especially in kids. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria or even allergies to pollen, chlorine in swimming pools, and ingredients in cosmetics, or other irritants, which touch the eyes. Some forms of conjunctivitis might be...

When it comes to providing sharp visual acuity, comfortable wearing, and healthy eyes, scleral lenses rank at the top of the charts.

What’s this secret method for helping kids to excel?... Schedule a pediatric eye exam to see if they need glasses!

Following cataract surgery, a number of options are available to provide you with clear vision.

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye, which leads to loss of vision. Cataracts are part of the aging process and are very common in older people.

Eye doctors today can help most patients who have vision problems stemming from presbyopia. Glasses and laser surgery are both options that are available to correct vision in this circumstance. Each option to correct vision has some advantages and disadvantages. Progressive Frames Glasses are an effective and common way to...

Each year, thousands of individuals sustain eye injuries due to sports and other accidents, many causing permanent damage and vision loss. Over 98% of these injuries can be prevented by proper eye protection. Further The National Eye Institute states that when it comes to children, eye injuries are the leading cause of...

It’s common knowledge that ultraviolet sun rays are harmful to skin, and too much exposure will put you at a greater risk of skin cancer. This damage begins from a young age, starting with kids who fail to adequately protect their delicate skin from the sun. Kids’ skin is particularly...

There are many risk factors for Macular Degeneration. Some of these risk factors are things that you cannot control, and some are things that you can control.

Unfortunately, the early and intermediate stages of macular degeneration do not have any symptoms.  If you suspect you have macular degeneration, or if you have a history of macular degeneration in your family, make an appointment with our eye doctor.

Whether it’s summer or winter, extreme weather can stress your eyes so that they can’t produce enough tears to keep your eyes lubricated well.

Eye exams to check children for myopia are an essential part of responsible family eye care! Don’t wait until your child’s vision condition advances and it is too late to treat it effectively.

Monthly lenses were the gold standard when contact lenses were first released into the consumer market. We offer a wide selection of dailies and monthlies are available in our contact lens collection.

Living with Keratoconus has left many individuals searching for an eye care specialist with the right solution for their unique vision needs. Keratoconus is a condition that can develop in the pre-teen years when the cornea starts to change its shape. Associated with these changes are extreme sensitivity to light...

In an effort to educate corporations and their employees on the importance of vision health, including safety tips on how to avoid vision-threatening eye accidents, Prevent Blindness America (PBA) has marked the month of March as Workplace Vision Wellness Month. The workplace can be a dangerous place for your eyes....

When people think of workplace dangers to the eyes, it is usually machinery, chemicals or construction materials that come to mind.  However, a growing danger to the eyes is one that may be less obvious - exposure to blue light from digital devices, television and computer screens and artificial lighting....

(U.S.) April is Women's Eye Health and Safety Month. The many stages of a woman's life can have an impact on her vision. Women are increasingly diagnosed with eye disease, particularly as they age. In fact, studies indicate that most women over the age of 40 have some type of...

A baby’s visual system develops gradually over the first few months of life. They have to learn to focus and move their eyes, and use them together as a team.  The brain also needs to learn how to process the visual information from the eyes to understand and interact with...

Independence Day may have passed but fireworks season is still in full swing and fireworks-related injury and death is a real and serious danger.  According to the 2014 Annual Fireworks Report, compiled by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission there were at least 11 deaths and 10,500 injuries due to...

A stye (known by eye doctors as a hordeolum) is an infection of an oil gland which forms a pimple-like bump on the base of the eyelid or within the eyelid itself. Styes can be uncomfortable, causing swelling, pain, redness, discomfort and sometimes excessive tearing or blurred vision if it...

Poor vision in adults or children can be the result of a number of conditions including anatomical changes or abnormalities in the eye or visual system, eye diseases, side effects of medication or eye injuries. Many people also experience visual disturbances associated with age or eye stress that can result...

Good vision is essential for road safety. In fact, safe driving requires a combination of a number of different visual abilities including distance and near vision, peripheral vision, night vision and color vision, to name a few. Distance vision in crucial because it allows you to scan the road ahead...

UV Awareness Month This article might scare you, and we hope it does - just enough to motivate you to wear proper eye protection against the sun. Most people are aware of the dangers ultraviolet (UV)  light from the sun pose to your skin, while the long-term effects of sun...

According to the Vision Council’s 2016 UV (Ultraviolet Radiation) Protection report, parents are more likely to wear sunglasses (56%) than their children (only 29%!). Yet children, who spend much more time outside, are typically exposed to three times the amount of sunlight and UV radiation that adults get. This early...

Whether it is the sea, the sand, the sun or the softball field, summer brings people outside and this creates exposure to a multitude of potential dangers to the eyes. One risk that is possibly the least obvious is the swimming pool. Swimming pools are the culprit for multitudes of...

There is a lot more that goes into finding the right pair of sunglasses than just fit and fashion.  While it’s important to look and feel great in your shades, sunglasses also have the very important job of properly protecting your eyes from the sun. Here are a few facts...

For USA only : April is Sports Eye Safety Month For US & Canada: As the spring arrives, along with a greater opportunity to participate in outdoor sports, comes an increase in the danger of sports related eye injuries. Each year, many children and adults suffer sports-related eye injuries that...

90%! That’s the number of sports eye injuries that studies show can be prevented using proper eye protection. Yet most sports leagues don’t require protective eyewear as part of their uniform or safety requirements. This leaves it up to athletes, parents and coaches to ensure that proper measures are taken...

As we age, our bodies and our eyes begin to change. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish between normal aging and signs of problems that require medical attention. When it comes to eyesight, paying attention to a potential problem and seeking medical attention can often mean the difference between successful...

‘Tis the season for giving, and parents, grandparents, family and friends need to know that certain toys and games can pose a serious risk to children’s health and eyesight. Last year nearly 252,000 emergency visits were due to toy-related injuries, almost half of which were to the head or face....

The most well-known part of a comprehensive eye exam is the basic vision test. When you have a general vision test, one of the main conditions the eye care practitioner is checking for is a refractive error. A refractive error means there is an abnormality in the shape of the...

We are all exposed to UV rays on a daily basis. Even on a cloudy day, high levels of UVA and UVB damaging rays penetrate the clouds. Everyone should wear good quality sunglasses that protect from both UVA and UVB rays. Contact lenses can provide some shielding, but you should...

Protective Sports Eyewear is a Serious Matter There are thousands of eye injuries a year related to sports. According to the National Eye Institute eye injuries are the leading cause of blindness in children in North America and most injuries occurring in school-aged children are sports-related. Further 99% of sports-related...

Last week, people in South America, Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia and the Middle East saw a solar eclipse. As you may have heard, looking directly at a solar eclipse is very dangerous for your eyes and vision. Nevertheless, this rare event is something that many people want...

February is AMD and Low Vision Awareness Month in the United States, and it’s White Cane Week in Canada. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in adults aged 50 and older. Awareness about the disease, the risk factors and prevention are critical, even for younger...

Diabetes is a growing health crisis in North America as an estimated 29 million Americans and 3.4 million Canadians are currently living with the disease. Chances are it affects you or someone you know. November has been dedicated as a time to spread awareness about the disease, its risk factors...

Make your resolution for healthy vision this year by knowing the risks and signs of glaucoma. As the leading cause of blindness worldwide, glaucoma has earned the nickname “The Sneak Thief of Sight”. This is because often there are either no symptoms or a sudden onset of serious symptoms that...

There have been a lot of videos going viral lately of color blind people “seeing color” for the first time using specialized glasses. The emotional reactions of amazement, shock and joy even lead some to break down into tears. The glasses provide these individuals a way to view the world...

(IN US add- August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month) It is important to teach your children about eye health and safety from a young age.  This includes awareness about how your overall health habits affect your eyes and vision as well as how to keep your eyes safe...

The hormonal fluctuations experienced during pregnancy can cause many unexpected changes in your body, including your eyes and vision. Most of these changes are temporary and will return to normal once you give birth.  It’s important to know which vision changes are normal for an expecting mother and which could...

Have you ever thought about how vision works? Seeing is an incredible gift made possible by a system in which the eye and the brain process visual information from the outside world. If any step of that process does not function properly, vision will be impaired. Similar to a camera,...

Most people wouldn’t consider contact lenses dangerous. In fact, they are a great alternative to glasses, offering convenience and great vision for those who wear them. However, when not obtained and used according to an eye doctor’s instructions, the consequences can be devastating. Contact Lenses Need to Fit Like shoes,...

Nerf guns or blasters come in a remarkable number of shapes and sizes and have become incredibly popular for use in the home and even in large scale “Nerf Wars”.  However publicity surrounding the toy has not been all positive.  Many parents out there are questioning the safety of the...

This year, make healthy eyes and vision your resolution. Find out if you or a loved one is at risk for glaucoma and take steps for prevention. Glaucoma is a leading cause of preventable vision loss and blindness in adults in the United States and Canada and the second leading...

U.S. only: February is low vision awareness month. Low vision is a condition in which an individual suffers significant vision loss that can't be fully corrected with glasses, contact lenses, medication or surgery. Low vision can affect both children and adults, but is more common in the elderly, and requires...

Whether you are looking for regular prescription glasses, sunwear or protective sports eyewear, it can be tough choosing the best eyewear for children and teens. On the one hand, they need to be comfortable and provide the optimal fit for improved vision and protection. At the same time, they also...

Do you experience dry, scratchy, burning eyes, redness or pain, a gritty feeling like something is in your eye? Or perhaps, excessive tearing, blurred vision, eye fatigue or discomfort wearing contact lenses? There could be a number of causes for your symptoms including allergies, reactions to an irritant or medication...

Red, itchy, watery eyes and swollen eyelids (along with sneezing, congestion or a runny nose)...these symptoms are a clear indication that allergy season has arrived. These allergic symptoms are caused by a reaction to allergens, which are substances in the environment that are usually harmless. If, however, you are one...

Digital devices have impacted our world in so many positive ways, allowing us to connect, work, play and get information at the speed of light. But all of this good brings with it a measure of concern: Digital Eye Strain or Computer Vision Syndrome. Focusing on your vision on digital...

Eye Complications of Diabetes It's true. Diabetics have a higher risk of blindness than those without the disease. That fact coupled with the superior prognosis of early intervention, makes it easy to understand why optometrists and doctors say routine eye care is absolutely essential. Below, we'll discuss what your eye...

Beware this Halloween and think before you blink (in decorative contact lenses that is)! Sure, decorative contact lenses can enhance any Halloween costume, but if not taken seriously, they can also cost you your vision. Whether they are sold as cosmetic lenses, colored lenses or fashion lenses, they are anything...

We have all seen the futuristic thrillers that use high-tech eye scanning identification systems but nowadays the technology does exist to use them in real life. A greater number of high security establishments have begun to use iris recognition for identification and security systems. How does it work? The iris...

Along with congestion, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, headaches and difficulty breathing, individuals with allergies often suffer from eye allergies or allergic conjunctivitis resulting in red, watery, itchy and sometimes swollen eyes. Just as irritants cause an allergic response in your nasal and respiratory system, your eyes also react with an...

Is your child smart in everything except school? He or she might be struggling with a hidden vision problem that impacts learning called Convergence Insufficiency (CI). CI is a near vision problem that interferes with one’s ability to see, read, learn and work at close distances. A person with CI...

It's that time of year again. Children across the country are gearing up for the new school year with new bags, new books and loads of energy and excitement. This is the ideal time to take your child to get an eye exam, if you haven’t already done so. (Proper...

If you are over 40 and have difficulty seeing close up, you probably have a common age-related condition called presbyopia which is when the eye’s natural lens loses the ability to focus on close objects. Presbyopia is a natural process as the eye ages and affects the majority of people...

The home can be a dangerous place if you aren't aware of the risks that surround you.  This is particularly true for your eyes and vision. Nearly half of all serious eye injuries take place in or around the home and the majority of these can be prevented with proper...

Your toddler may show every sign of good eyesight including the ability to see objects in the distance, however that doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she doesn’t have a vision problem. Amblyopia is one common eye condition is often hidden behind the appearance of “good eyesight”. Amblyopia, also known...

Spring is in the air. But along with the beauty of the blooming flowers and budding trees, comes allergy season. The high pollen count and allergens floating in the fresh spring air can certainly wreak havoc on the comfort level of those suffering from allergies, causing an otherwise nature-loving individual...

(U.S. only:) February is Low Vision and Age-Related Macular Degeneration awareness month. Low vision describes a set of conditions in which there is significant visual impairment which can not be corrected with traditional means such as glasses, contact lenses, medication or eye surgery.   Low vision includes a loss of visual...

One of the most common patient complaints during the winter months is dry eyes. In the cooler climates, cold winds and dry air, coupled with dry indoor heating can be a recipe for an eye disaster.  Dryness and irritation can be particularly debilitating for those who wear contact lenses or...

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the United States. Here are 6 things you need to know. 1. You're more than likely develop a cataract! Cataracts are part of the natural aging process so if you live long enough, you will likely eventually develop one. 2. A...

Over the centuries there have been a lot of old-wives tales circulating about eyes and vision. You know, like the one that if someone hits you on the back while your eyes are crossed they will stay that way. Unlike this example, some of these myths do have roots in...

Your eyes work for you day in and out, playing a vital role as you navigate through the day. As May is healthy vision month, here are some tips for taking charge of your eye health. 1. Know your Genes While your eyes may be the same color as your...

March is Save Your Vision Month, a time to raise public awareness about how to protect your eyes and your vision. Most people aren’t aware that 75% of potential vision loss can be prevented or treated. This largely depends on patients being proactive and educated about their eye health. Here...