Lowering blood glucose levels is not enough when treating diabetic retinopathy, according to German researchers.

 

Numerous proteins and molecules are involved in the process of optical signal transduction from the retina to the brain. Diabetic retinal damage leads to impaired function of these proteins. Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München (HMGU), in Munich, compared the concentrations of proteins in the retinas of non-diabetic mice, of mice with type 2 diabetes without treatment and of type 2 diabetic mice that were treated with the drug metformin. This treatment lowers blood glucose levels.

 

In total, 98 proteins were less abundant in the diabetic animals. About half of the proteins were normalized by treatment with metformin, while the others remained insufficient. Among these was the protein VGLUT1, which is essential for visual signal transduction.

 

“Our results show that normalized blood glucose levels alone are not sufficient to fully treat diabetic retinopathy,” said Dr. Alice Ly, a lead author of the study. “In further studies we want to examine how different combination therapies affect the retinal proteins, in order to achieve a better understanding of the causes and treatment of this diabetes complication.”

Source:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131007094243.htm

Essilor International has acquired a majority interest in Technologies HumanWare Inc, a Quebec-based designer and distributor of electronic assistance products for people who are blind or vision impaired.

 

Products designed by this company, which has 150 employees and is located in Drummondville, Quebec, are mainly marketed in visual rehabilitation clinic networks. It reports revenues of $35 million and records sales in North America, Europe, Australia, and some parts of Asia. It recently introduced Prodigi, hybrid technology that helps people with visual impairment whether they are sitting or moving about. This new product was awarded the Silmo d’Or in 2013.

 

With this acquisition, Essilor hopes to increase its market share in the low-vision sector. According to the French giant, only 5% of the 140 million people with low vision own equipment adapted to their situation. The two companies will combine their research teams in the field of optics and electronics to develop new products.

 

Essilor Chairman and CEO, Hubert Sagnières, described this partnership as a “fundamental step in the development of a range of effective and accessible vision tools for the greatest number of people.” For his part, Gilles Pepin, CEO of HumanWare, is pleased to be partnering with Essilor, “whose knowledge in optics and access to optician distribution networks will accelerate innovation to help people with visual impairments.”

Sources:

http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1243629/humanware-sees-its-global-development-expand-through-a-partnership-with-essilor

http://www.acuite.fr/articles.asp?REF=9045

 

 

Scientists from Japan have successfully regenerated fully functioning bioengineered tear glands.

 

A team of researchers from the Tokyo University of Science, led by professor Takashi Tsuji, has successfully recreated functional tear and harderian glands in vivo in mice that had disorders similar to dry eye disease in humans. These glands were able to secrete tears in response to nervous stimulation to the eye and protect the eye’s surface.

 

“This study is the first to demonstrate the potential for bioengineered organ replacement to functionally restore the lacrimal gland,” said professor Tsuji. “In addition, we provided proof-of-concept for lipid secretory organ regeneration by regenerating the harderian gland, which secretes lipids that are critical for tear function.”

 

The researchers are now looking at clinical applications, but admit that several problems must be solved before this method can be used in humans. One thing is to identify the suitable cell sources.

Source:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266952.php

 

The Israeli lens manufacturer Shamir is coming to Canada with the launch of Shamir Canada Inc.

 

“Our organizational phase is done, and we have already begun distributing Shamir Freeform lenses,” confirmed Martin Bell, national sales and marketing manager. “We will soon make an official announcement of the creation of Shamir Canada.”

 

At the recent Vision Expo West, held October 2–5 in Las Vegas, Shamir launched two new occupational lenses, Shamir Computer™ and Shamir WorkSpace™. The two lenses provide an optimal depth of field up to 1.5 m and 3 m, respectively. The multinational company operates two manufacturing facilities in Israel and nine labs worldwide with a workforce of over 1,800.

 

Shamir’s flagship products include, among others, Autograph III^®, a personalized progressive lens, InTouch^®, a lens with a unique power profile to allow wearers to view their cell phones and other digital devices clearly, and Autograph Attitude^®, a lens with special optical design for wrap frames.

 

“We see a need in the Canadian market for high quality, branded, back-side freeform lenses,” said Martin Bell, formerly with Rodenstock. “Shamir is well known internationally as a premier lens designer and manufacturer, and Shamir Canada Inc. will be bringing these freeform lenses to Canada.”

Source: Shamir Canada

 

The number of attendees increased by 5% (according to preliminary figures) at the 25^th edition of Vision Expo West, held October 2–5 at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas.

 

Almost 13,000 attendees from 89 different countries visited the booths of 426 exhibitors, who presented close to 5,000 brands, collections and products. There were 99 new exhibitors this year, compared to 87 in 2012. The official figures will be released in November, following an independent audit.

 

The continuing education program, an important part of Vision Expo West, was also a major success, with a 12% increase in participation. Conference speakers offered a total of 325 hours of training on a variety of topics, such as dry eye, systemic diseases, buying frames and stock management.

 

The show also provided an opportunity to announce an agreement between the International Vision Expo & Conference and the British Contact Lens Association for the creation of a Global Contact Lens Forum. The program will make its debut at Vision Expo East, in spring 2014. It will provide an information platform for the latest scientific developments and the best business strategies related to this product.

The next VEW: September 18 to 20, 2014.

Source:

www.visionexpowest.com