Literacy Linked to Eye Health

"In the month after Alexander Dominguez joined Maygon Thompson's third-grade class at Charles Carroll Barrister Elementary School, he breezed through worksheets and quickly rose to be among the most studious members. So when the third-grader couldn't read a relatively simple sentence on the board, Thompson was puzzled. 'I thought he was kidding,' said Thompson, a special educator at the public school in Southwest Baltimore. 'But he's so serious about his work, it had to be something else,'" according to a report in the Baltimore Sun. A team of researchers at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital might have figured out that 'something else.' They're trying to answer a basic but overlooked question: Are students struggling to read because they can't see? For the past six months, Hopkins pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Megan Collins has been conducting screenings and administering glasses to students in a dozen Baltimore elementary schools to produce a first-of-its-kind study that attempts to link vision deficiencies and literacy in a school-based population. Whether students can't read because they can't see, Collins said, is one of those 'important research questions you think someone else has answered.'" Read more.

Contact Lenses Change the Community of Bacteria on Eyes

"Wearing contact lenses may change the community of bacteria living in your eyes, according to a small new study." That's the word from Discovery.com. "In the study, the surface of the eye in the people who wore contact lenses had triple the proportion of certain bacteria species, on average, compared with the people in the study who did not wear the lenses, researchers found. Moreover, the researchers found differences in the composition of the bacterial community on the surface of people’s eyes. In the people who wore contact lenses, this composition more closely resembled the bacteria on the individuals’ eyelids, as compared to the nonwearers. The study included nine people who wore contacts and 11 who did not." Read more.

In a more detailed version of the study, Medical News Today reported: "Presenting their work at the annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology on May 31st in New Orleans, LA, the NYU Langone researchers report that micro-organisms residing in the eyes of people who wear contact lenses daily more closely resemble micro-organisms residing in eyelid skin than the bacteria usually found in the eyes of people who do not wear contacts. The researchers took hundreds of swabs of different parts of the eye, including the skin directly beneath the eye. Genetic analysis of swabs and used contact lenses allowed the team to identify which bacteria were present. Comparing nine contact lens wearers with 11 non-contacts users, the team found three times the usual proportion of the bacteria Methylobacterium, Lactobacillus, Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas on the eye surfaces (conjunctiva) of contact lens wearers than on the eye surfaces of the control group. Examining the bacterial diversity using a plotted graph, the team observed that the eye microbiome of contact lens wearers is more similar in composition to the microbiome of their skin than the eye microbiome of non-lens wearers." Read more.

Cataract Explosion on the Horizon, Says Study, as June Declared Cataract Awareness Month

 In just 17 years, the number of American with cataracts will exploded 50 percent to 38.5 million by 2032 and by 78 percent to 45.6 million by the year 2050. That's thte conclusion of Prevent Blindness “Future of Vision: Forecasting the Prevalence and Costs of Vision Problems." Currently 25.7 million Americans older than 40 have cataracts. It also found most current cataract patients are women and that trend will continue. Whites will continue to make up a majority of cataract patients, but this population will level off and slightly decrease by the 2040’s. Hispanics will exhibit the fastest rate of growth in cataract cases.

Prevent Blindness has declared June as Cataract Awareness Month to educate the public on cataract, risk factors, symptoms and treatment options, including surgery. Free information is provided through its dedicated web page at preventblindness.org/cataract, or via phone at (800) 331-2020.

New Eyewear from A&A Optical

"A&A Optical announces the release of new frames from the XXL eyewear collection," notes Midwest Lens. "Premium quality eyewear engineered for the man with special fit needs and endorsed by ESPN’s Ron 'Jaws' Jaworski. The XXL collection features classic, athletic, and uptown styling. All frames have longer temples to match the ample head space in eye sizes 51 to 63. Available in titanium, beta titanium, acetate, semi-rimless and acetate-metal combinations. Tackle fit challenges with XXL eyewear." Read more.

New Eyewear from Just Cavalli

"The Just Cavalli Spring/Summer 2015 Eyewear collection exudes a spirit of innovation and a real non-conformist attitude, with the style of these new frames representing the perfect incarnation of the brand’s original vibe," according to Midwest Lens. "The new collection has an urban influence running through it, with contemporary, eclectic features in every model. Squared lines alternate with more rounded profiles, with pilot and cat-eye frames featuring heavily, while a variety of materials and engaging color combinations bring home the brand’s unconventional spirit." Read more.

New Sunglasses from Ksubi Eyewear

"Ksubi Eyewear’s new Spring/Summer 2015 collection embodies the raw underground aesthetic the Australian fashion house is renowned for," reports Midwest Lens. "A cohesive nod to the past, present, and future, the range showcases a diverse fusion of inspiration. Everything from a 50’s inspired cat-eye, to a 70’s squared-off aviator, feels very fresh through metallic finishes, modern detailing and lens treatments. This blend of vintage vibes with minimalist execution brings out a eclectic, yet very wearable assortment of one of a kind sunglasses." Read more.

Colors in Optics Signs License with Perry Ellis

"Perry Ellis International...has entered into a license agreement with Colors In Optics, Ltd. to include sunglasses, ophthalmic eyewear and eyewear accessories such as cases, chains, cloths and cleaners under the Laundry by Shelli Segal brand," goes the press release that appeared on NASDAQ.com. "The roster of licenses for the Laundry brand will now include eyewear in addition to fashion accessories, lingerie, outerwear, home and fragrance. The new collection is expected to launch Spring 2016 in premium department stores, upscale specialty stores, eyewear specialty stores, optical shops, Optician's offices and select ecommerce sites in the U.S. and Canada." Read more.

Oscillating Brain Waves in Visual Cortex Help Sight

"Scientists measuring brain activity have found that in many regions, such as the sensory or motor cortex, activity sometimes oscillates at different frequencies, forming wave-like pattern," according to Medical News Today. "Despite the fact that such oscillations are frequently observed, and present in many brain regions, their functional role remains unclear. Research done by Dr. Christopher Pack, from McGill University, who looked at such waves occurring in a region of the visual cortex of the brain, suggests these oscillations could have a role in resetting the sensitivity of neurons after eye movements. Further results suggest these waves could also have a role in supporting the brain's representation of space. These results were presented at the 9th Annual Canadian Neuroscience Meeting, on May 25th 2015 in Vancouver, British Columbia." Read more.

Blind Use Echolocators and Access the Visual Cortex

"Canadian expert Mel Goodale determines echolocators use echoes to detect multiple properties of objects through areas of the brain associated with vision," writes Medical News Today. "Certain blind individuals have the ability to use echoes from tongue or finger clicks to recognize objects in the distance, and some use echolocation as a replacement for vision. Research done by Dr. Mel Goodale, from the University of Western Ontario, in Canada, and colleagues around the world, is showing that echolocation in blind individuals is a full form of sensory substitution, and that blind echolocation experts recruit regions of the brain normally associated with visual perception when making echo-based assessments of objects. Dr. Goodale's latest results were presented at the 9th Annual Canadian Neuroscience Meeting in Vancouver British Columbia." Read more.

Project Runway's Tim Gunn Teams Up with Transitions

Recently Gunn made a change to his trademark eyewear when he purchased
a pair of Transitions Signature lenses for them.

Through a new marketing partnership, Transitions Optical, Inc., and Project Runway host Tim Gunn hope to inspire people to see life – and fashion – through a new lens. (Transitions' pun, not ours.)

Gunn will provide fashion tips to help people see fashion differently and to help them feel confident with their style. For example, Gunn will advise how to make sure style choices are fashionable and functional. Transitions believes the message will resonate with its users. "He [Gunn] will connect Transitions with countless eyeglass wearers, making them aware of how fashionable and functional Transitions adaptive lenses truly are," said Patience Cook, director, North America Marketing, Transitions Optical.

Poor Southerners Have the Highest Incident of Poor Eyesights, Says CDC

"Health officials say bad eyesight in the U.S. is most common in the South. A new report found the South was home to three-quarters of the U.S. counties with the highest prevalence of severe vision loss," goes an Associated Press report in the Augusta Chronicle. "The South also has higher rates of poverty, diabetes and chronic disease. Health officials believe those problems are all related to the vision loss. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the report Thursday. Overall, about 3 percent of people had severe vision loss. The highest rate was from Owsley County, Kentucky, which surpassed 18 percent. The study is the CDC’s first county-level assessment of blindness and severe vision loss. It’s based on millions of U.S. Census Bureau survey responses from 2009 through 2013." Read more.

In the report entitled Geographic Disparity of Severe Vision Loss — United States, 2009–2013, the CDC reports that "vision loss and blindness are among the top 10 disabilities in the United States, causing substantial social, economic, and psychological effects, including increased morbidity, increased mortality, and decreased quality of life. CDC analyzed data from the American Community Survey to estimate county level prevalence of severe vision loss in the United States and to describe its geographic pattern and its association with poverty level." Get a copy of the report at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/.

Campaign for Utah's AG Reportedly Received a Donation from 1-800 Contacts

"Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes accepted a $5,000 campaign donation from a contact lens seller based in the state after his office began defending a new law that critics say was written at the company's behest," according to an Associated Press report on ABC News. "Three of the nation's biggest contact lens makers are suing Utah over the law, which bans price-fixing for lenses and could have wide-ranging implications for the industry. They argue it is unconstitutional and was written to benefit discount retailers like 1-800 Contacts. The companies filed suit April 13. On May 1, Reyes' campaign deposited a $5,000 check from 1-800 Contacts, which by that time had joined the lawsuit in favor of the law." Read more. What is the significance? In this era of multimillion political campaigns, five grand ain't much. Besides it was the legislature that passed the law banning unilateral pricing by contact lens manufacturers.

New Eyewear from bene

"This Summer 2015, bebe Eyewear releases an optical collection that captures the spirit of adventure with exclusive animal camouflage prints and shimmery iridescent animal acetates," writes Midwest Lens. "Flowing silhouettes, metal logo cuff embellishments and ‘b’ rivet logos satisfy sophisticated tastes. Available in vibrant teal, amethyst and ruby jewel tones as well as earthy topaz and olive, this collection appeals to the many facets of the bebe girl and offers an assortment of feminine, fashionable styles." Read more.

New Eyewear from Modern Optical International

"The stage is set for back-to-school 2015 as value eyewear leader Modern Optical International announces the launch of its newly revamped URock Collection," announced Midwest Lens. "Geared exclusively for the male tween thru college crowd, the seven new URock styles offer minimalist designs that balance cool with edge. A masculine color palette along with subtle patterns and matte finishes invite broad appeal to this elusive, style-conscious demographic. Quality materials such as TR90 memory plastic, handmade zyl, and spring hinges support their active lifestyles. Value pricing plus a two-year warranty will earn parents’ stamp of approval. On-trend designs, teen-centric model names, a URock video and updated collection logo all embody the core of this essential eyewear collection. 'Do What Rocks Your World!'" Read more.

Eye Exams Get Patients to Seek Treatment for Chronic Problems

After comprehensive eye exams, patients seek follow-up treatment for certain chronic conditions from the primary care physicians and specialists, based on the advice of an eye care professionals. That's the finding of Eye Exam Impacts on Re-engagement for Chronic Conditions, a new study by UnitedHealthcare.

It  demonstrates how eye care professionals can play a key role in helping re-engage patients with chronic conditions into care. This may help enable cost savings and prevention of disease progression and complications. Study results showed that 33 percent of previously unengaged patients, defined as lacking medical care for any chronic conditions over the previous 18 months, were re-engaged into care with a primary care physician or specialist within 60 days following an eye exam. Another 24 percent of patients were re-engaged after 60 days following an eye exam.

The study followed more than 2,300 UnitedHealthcare plan participants enrolled in employer-sponsored health plans to determine whether patients lacking care for chronic conditions followed up for treatment with a primary care physician or specialist after an eye exam. The study examined re-engagement rates for people with seven chronic conditions: Crohn’s disease, diabetes, Graves’ disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The results are important considering many people visit their eye care doctor more frequently than their primary care provider. Read more.

Hospital Reports Rise in Acanthamoeba Keratitis

"Specialists at Moorfields Eye hospital have noticed a rise in eye infections among contact-lens wearers and are warning users to take extra care," according to a BBC post. "Last year, doctors at the hospital treated 60 new cases of a particularly nasty infection called acanthamoeba keratitis - around two to three times more cases than in recent years. Bacteria, fungi and micro-organisms can stick to contact lenses and cause pain, irritation and serious harm. One woman whose eye became infected from her contact lens has described being kept awake for a week while doctors tried to treat the problem. Jessica Greaney, 18, a student at Nottingham University, was told the probable cause of the infection was a drop of water which had splashed on to one of her lenses while she was washing them." Read more.

Readers Make People Look Older, Says Study

One in four adults say reading glasses can make someone look ten years older, says a survey conducted by Jacksonville University, FL. The survey evaluates the effect that readers have on perceived age. Worldwide, nearly 1.7 billion people have presbyopia, and the number could jump to 2.1 billion by 2020.The Age Perception Impact Survey, conducted online and with support from Alcon, examined the perceptions and attitudes of aging among the US population between the ages of 38-54, also known as the Generation X population. It surveyed 1,067 adults who live in the continental United States. In addition, there were 50 interviews, which included sharing pictures of individuals with and without readers and asking interviewees to guess their age and personal attributes. Read more.

New Eywear from Ogi Kids

"Ogi Eyewear expands the Ogi Kids line with new styles in the “Mommy & Me, Daddy & I” collection, a high-demand series of coordinating adult and child-sized frames," reports Midwest Lens. "The Ogi Kids Collection by Ogi Eyewear combines form and function to create a unique line of fashionable frames modeled after the best-selling adult styles. This notion is beautifully demonstrated in the new OK316 and OK317. By fusing sophisticated textures with vibrant colors, these two additions help to solidify Ogi Kids as a leader in the children’s eyewear segment." Read more.

Fight against Unilateral Pricing Policies of Contact Lenses Grows

"Costco and online sellers like 1-800 Contacts would love to sell you cheaper contact lenses. But in recent years, the country’s biggest contact manufacturers have instituted minimum prices for their products that make it impossible for retailers to offer them at lower price points," reports Time magazine. "In testimony before Congress last summer, the Consumers Union declared such policies 'uncompetitive' and tantamount to price fixing: 'Consumers are denied more affordable alternatives. They pay more than they need to, and sellers who would like to make those affordable alternatives available are denied the opportunity to do so.'" Read more.

Kendall Jenner Stars in New Lagerfeld Campaign

"The latest act at total domination of the fashion world, Kendall Jenner stars in Karl Lagerfeld’s eyewear campaign. The first sneak peak is here, and it is obviously all kinds of chic. But when Karl and Kendall combine, it’s hard to expect anything less," according to Bustle. "Karl Lagerfeld posted a short video on his Instagram on Monday, giving us a preview of the making of his new eyewear campaign, starring Jenner and French model Baptiste Giabiconi. The full video, which is available on Karl.com, shows the two posing in oversized sunnies, army green shades, and coquettish reading glasses, while Lagerfeld shoots from behind his camera lens. And Karl also gives us some insight as to why the 19-year-old has experienced such widespread modeling success. He says, '[Kendall is] great and modern, and the girl of the moment.' Well, there’s no arguing that one." Read more.