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/

Eyecare professionals showed up in droves yesterday for the official launch of Silmo 2013. A strong turnout and a lively ambiance marked the start of the festivities. 

The day ended with the 20^th annual Silmo d’Or gala, held this year at the Showcase, a swanky nightclub located under the historic Pont Alexandre III.

Here are the winners:

“VISION” CATEGORY:
BBGR with “Intuitiv”
COOPERVISION with “MyDay”

“MATERIAL/EQUIPMENT” CATEGORY:
NIDEK with “ARK-1s”

“LOW VISION/OPTICAL INSTRUMENT” CATEGORY:
ESSILOR with “Prodigi Duo”

“CHILDREN” CATEGORY:
SEAPORT with “KILT 03” de Façonnable

“OPTICAL FRAME” CATEGORY:
DITA EYEWEAR with “Thom Browne TB-011”

“SUNGLASSES” CATEGORY:
FACTORY900-AOYAMA with “Fa-1111”

“SPORTS EQUIPMENT” CATEGORY:
JULBO with “Tensing Flight”

 

“FRAME TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION” CATEGORY:
CIDI with “3MOMI Tech”

 

SPECIAL PRIZE FROM THEJURY:

MASUNAGA with “Masunaga GMS Limited 2013”

 

Don’t miss our complete coverage of the show in the November issue of Opt!k magazine!

 

In trials using mice, a new class of drugs has proven highly effective at helping to reduce the abnormal blood vessels responsible for vision loss associated with AMD.

 

“We may have found an optimized treatment for macular degeneration,” said senior author of the study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, Sai Chavala.

 

MDM2 inhibitors are the source of this cautious enthusiasm. While anti-VEGF, presently the most widespread treatment, works by targeting the growth factors that lead to the formation of leaky blood vessels, MDM2 inhibitors attack the blood vessels directly, causing them to regress. This could lead to more long-lasting results.

 

The drug activates a protein called p53, a regulator that determines if a cell lives or dies. This protein initiates the cell death process in the abnormal blood vessels. Another technique, low-dose radiation, also works to increase p53 protein, but it causes DNA damage, which MDM2 doesn’t do.

 

“The idea is we’d like to have a long-lasting treatment so patients wouldn’t have to receive as many injections,” said Chavala. “That would reduce their overall risk of eye infections, and also potentially lower the economic burden of this condition by reducing treatment costs.”

 

Source:

http://news.unchealthcare.org/news/2013/september/unc-research-points-to-promising-treatment-for-macular-degeneration