A new laser gives hope to people with certain severe eye diseases.

 

“This new laser with yellow light is currently the only one of its caliber in the US, and there’s only one other being used in the world right now,” said Quan Dong Nguyen, MD, at McGaw Memorial Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology, when discussing the laser, which is currently being tested in Nebraska. The device was first used on July 22 to treat a patient with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

 

“It allows us to apply a large number of laser spots in a variety of patterns, explained ophthalmologist Diana Do, who performed the first treatment. “Overall, it is more effective, efficient and may be safer than traditional lasers.”

 

The Supra Scan Multispot Laser, manufactured by the French company Quantel Medical, provides treatments for a variety of diseases, such as retinal vein occlusion, neovascular glaucoma and retinal tears.  In addition, with micropulse application capability, it can also be combined with other therapies to treat diabetic macular edema.  

Source:

http://app1.unmc.edu/publicaffairs/todaysite/sitefiles/today_full.cfm?match=11355

 

A team of Boston researchers has devised a system for capturing photos of the retina using an iPhone.

 

Until now, attempts to use the iPhone to examine the retina had failed. Its video system lacked the flexibility required to produce good results; it could not independently control focus and exposure, which produced poor-quality images.

 

The researchers, from Massachusetts Eye and Ear, overcame this obstacle by using an app for iPhone 4 and 5, called Filmic Pro, which allows for independent control of focus, exposure and light intensity during filming. They tested the system on children under anesthesia, adults that are awake and even rabbits. In all three cases, the system produced good-quality images.

 

The system has already proved useful in the emergency department, in consultations with in-patients, and during exams under anesthesia.

 

Taking photos of the retina is an essential part of an ophthalmology practice. But current methods rely on fundus cameras that cost tens of thousands of dollars. This is much too expensive for smaller practices, particularly in poor countries.

 

The new system provides “a cheaper and portable option for high-quality fundus-image acquisition,” said Dr. Shizuo Mukai, a retina specialist at Massachusetts Eye and Ear.

Source:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266552.php

 

We should all eat fish. It promotes healthy eyes because of the fatty acids it contains. Yet, it also contains mercury. And mercury is damaging to the eyes!

 

Every time we eat fish or seafood, we consume low levels of methylmercury. For North Americans, who get approximately 7% of their protein this way, it’s not much of a problem. However, for Asians, who rely on this source for about 23% of their protein, the issue becomes a much bigger deal.

 

Methylmercury attacks the central nervous system, causing disturbances such as visual problems. Until recently, the scientific community claimed that this was due to a damaged visual cortex. However, a new study by researchers at the University of Saskatchewan shows that the accumulation of methylmercury in the retinal photoreceptors also affects vision.

 

“There are many reports of people affected by methylmercury claiming a constricted field of vision or abnormal colour vision,” said Dr. Gosia Korbas, a researcher at the Canadian Light Source who worked closely with the team of researchers at the U of S. “Now we know that one of the reasons for their symptoms may be that methylmercury directly targets photoreceptors in the retina. Our study clearly shows that we need more research into the direct effects of methylmercury on the eye.”

 

Source:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130911184825.htm

 

The founders of Kirk Originals Ltd, Jason and Karen Kirk, have resigned from the company to launch a new venture. Kirk Originals will continue to operate with a new team.

 

The couple’s new project is called simply Kirk & Kirk. Its first creations will be launched in spring 2014. “Twenty years in eyewear has taught us a great deal,” said Jason Kirk. “Naturally we will maintain our personality in the new collections but with added ingredients gleaned from our many years’ experience.”

 

David Wilkinson, appointed CEO of Kirk Originals in May 2013, will remain in this position. He says he is determined to develop the company, which was founded in 1992, namely by improving the relevance of the product offering. The company will continue to operate from its head office in Brighton and will continue to manufacture its frames in the Jura region of France. “We are currently securing new agency and distribution contracts in all major territories and investing in a fully transactional website which will debut in January 2014,” added the CEO.

 

“We would like to develop Kirk Originals internationally as a British eyewear brand of choice,” he concluded.

Sources:

http://www.visionmonday.com/latest-news/article/new-management-at-kirk-originals-original-founders-introduce-new-venture/

http://www.optometry.co.uk/news-and-features/news/?article=5104

Just a few days before the official opening, the organizers of Vision Expo West have noticed an increase in pre-registrations, particularly for the conferences.

 

Compared to last year, pre-registration figures are up by 11% for the conferences, 4% for the whole show. Over 13,000 eyecare professionals and buyers are expected to attend the event at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, to be held October 3–5. They will be able to visit the booths of nearly 450 exhibitors representing more than 5,000 brands.

 

Opt!k magazine will be on site to cover the event, and will keep eyecare professionals up to date on the most recent styles and advances as well as the show’s highlights.

 

In addition, the organizers surveyed registered visitors to find out what influences their decision to attend the show. Discovering new products, including frames, lenses, and technological or diagnostic advances, continues to be the primary reason. Those attending hope to find new ideas to increase practice profitability.

 

“Being able to house all these exhibitors, plus meeting space for industry-related events and a dedicated conference program covering topics from clinical diagnosis and treatment to business solutions, makes Vision Expo West a top choice for attendees, year after year,” said Courtney Muller ,vice president for Reed Exhibitions.

Source: http://www.visionexpowest.com/en/Press/Show-News/International-Vision-Expo-West-Reports-Pre-Registration-Figures/