A new report looking at 10 years of data, suggests that the AREDS2 formula is slightly more effective compared to the original AREDS formulation.
The original Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS) demonstrated that dietary supplements can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) from moderate to late disease. However, other studies showed that individuals who smoked and took beta-carotene (which was a component of AREDS) had an increased risk of lung cancer. Therefore, a new formulation, AREDS2 that contained the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin instead of beta-carotene was tested. Five-year data from this study, published in 2013, showed that AREDS2 also reduced the risk of AMD progression and did not increase lung cancer risk.
In this new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology, researchers looked at longer-term data. This data showed that indeed the “new” AREDS2 formulation did not increase the risk of lung cancer. Interestingly, there was also a small (20%) reduced risk of progression to late AMD compared to individuals who started the study taking the original AREDS formulation. This study confirms that AREDS2 is safe for smokers or those at higher risk of lung cancer. It also suggests that taking AREDS2 may offer a small added benefit over taking AREDS.
SWV Strategy with Vision, an independently owned Consultancy and Market Research Company, specializing in the eyewear and eye care business, routinely provides perspectives on major international trade shows. Below is their report on SILMO Paris. The report has been edited for length and relevance to the Canadian market.
DAY 1 In 2022, there was once again a village with exhibitors from China. The number of exhibitors in the Chinese village was, in our opinion, smaller than in 2019.
There was a competition for ophthalmic frame designs made by designers (Createurs). This was won by an Israeli designer. The winning frame is shown below.
The SILMO press conference was well attended. Highlights:
SILMO 2022 had a similar number of exhibitors as in 2019.
Pre-registration of visitors had been at the same level as in 2019.
In April of 2023, there will be a new SILMO exhibition in Singapore. This in addition to the SILMO exhibition in Istanbul.
DAY 2 The Technological Innovation in Connected Products category was won by Skugga Technology AB. Short listed were Ray-Ban Stories and OBE.
The award ceremony took place near the Hippopotamus restaurant in Hall 6. It was well attended and open to all visitors. In the past the SILMO D’OR ceremony was by invitation only at a separate location.
DAY 3 IOT (part of the Younger Optical Group) announced the launch of a photochromic lens which they claim to be on a performance level like Transitions. The product has already been launched in the USA. They will be selling semi-finished photochromic lenses
EssilorLuxottica had a section on their stand showing the new mineral photochromic Transitions lens by Barberini.
A noticeable trend at SILMO is manufacturing equipment developed for Rx laboratories where a smaller footprint is needed. The Shamir Metaform manufacturing unit, which fits into a 40-foot container, was described on Day 2. Satisloh exhibited their Metro-Lab Film. The message is “manufacture your Freeform lenses with anti-reflection in less than one hour”. The unit has a 25 square meter footprint. Both companies were communicating on the sustainability of the green technology.
DAY 4 The last day of SILMO was well attended.
Fitting Box launched a new system to allow persons to try on a new frame in virtual reality. About 30% of persons carrying out an online virtual try-on of new frames cannot see clearly if they take their Rx spectacles off. The new developed Fitting Box can, in virtual reality, remove the real pair with correction and thus allow the customer to clearly see how the tried-on pair looks. Fitting Box mentioned that they have a lot of dedicated Internet sites of luxury sunglass manufacturers as customers.
Visionix have integrated a system in their VX 120 to calculate the level of dry eye of a patient. The new equipment is called VX120+ Dry Eye. Based on the result, patients with a score of 1 to 2 are recommended to be treated by eye drops or by nutritional supplements. Persons with a score of 3 or higher should visit an eye care professional.
Overall, it appears that SILMO exhibition has nearly returned back to 2019 pre-COVID levels, but there is still some way to go.
Doctors Eye Care Co-Op Ltd. (operating as Eye Recommend) and Digital ECP Inc. announced that Eye Recommend has acquired Digital ECP Inc. effective September 30, 2022.
“The optical industry needs a progressive buying group that is controlled by independents to protect the industry from consolidation and the degradation of eye health services for patients.” said Lee Raffey, Chief Executive Officer with Eye Recommend.
“Owning the [Digital ECP Inc.] billing software gives Eye Recommend control of a system that we can develop further for the industry, ensuring reliability for our members and improved service levels for both our supplier partners and members. Owning the [Digital ECP Inc.] buying group is a step into a new area for Eye Recommend and will allow Eye Recommend to provide buying leverage to customers that don’t fit into the full scope independent model that we currently service.”
“With the Eye Recommend business resources, support and large network within the Canadian marketplace, the Digital ECP Inc. members will continue to benefit.” Karen Ouellette, President with Digital ECP Inc. says.
As a leading network of independent optometrists across Canada, Eye Recommend provides business management and personal resources for members to grow and be successful.
The acquisition of Digital ECP provides a platform for Eye Recommend to expand their network, remain competitive and build a strategic path within the independent optometric landscape across Canada.
Introduced in the Acetate Hybrid Collection launched in March from ic! berlin, the Geoffrey frame reintroduces the vintage square style we all love with bold new colourways. The acetate used is biodegradable and is sourced from a premium provider with a rich legacy.
The Geoffrey is very reminiscent of its cousin Mr. Yang. George is the brother of Geoffrey with nose pads.
Starting September 23, visitors canregister on the MIDO websitefor the forthcoming edition of the international eyewear show.
February 4-6, the world of optics will meet at MIDO 2023, where the best the industry has to offer in terms of trends, innovation, design, sustainability and creativity will be on display, in a setting where deals are made, and sales closed.
MIDO 2023 opens with a fresh look and a new claim: “The Eyewear State of the Art”. Both epitomize the values that, for more than 50 years, have set this show apart – contemporaneity, culture, fashion and beauty.
“We are hard at work on the 2023 show, after the April 2022 edition (the first post-pandemic show) exceeded all expectations, drawing the participation of 22,000 professionals and 670 exhibiting companies,” noted President Giovanni Vitaloni.
Data confirm that, thanks to its strong international orientation, eyewear is among the sectors most successful in responding to recent adversities. In the first quarter of 2022, exports from January to March surged by 32.3% compared to the same period in 2019 and grew 35.3% over 2021.
MIDO will take place at Fiera Milano, February 4-6, 2023.
Applications are now open for the 2027 Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award, inviting emerging designers to submit a three-frame optical or sunglass collection under the theme “The DNA of Design: Eyewear Reimagined.”
Safilo Group has completed the acquisition of SPY+ and Serengeti from Bollé Brands, adding two complementary brands to its portfolio and strengthening its position in sport, outdoor and premium performance eyewear.
Following the first event in the Optometry Practice Strategy Series, the program now turns to its fall lineup of COPE-accredited webinars for Canadian optometrists, with more than 100 registrants already confirmed for each upcoming session.
Bausch + Lomb’s third annual State of Dry Eye survey suggests that dry eye symptoms may affect emotional wellbeing, stress, productivity and self-confidence, while also highlighting awareness gaps around related health conditions.
Prevent Blindness has declared July as Dry Eye Month and is offering no-cost educational resources to help the public and allied healthcare professionals better understand dry eye symptoms, risk factors and management.
Applications are now open for the 2027 Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award, inviting emerging designers to submit a three-frame optical or sunglass collection under the theme “The DNA of Design: Eyewear Reimagined.”
Safilo Group has completed the acquisition of SPY+ and Serengeti from Bollé Brands, adding two complementary brands to its portfolio and strengthening its position in sport, outdoor and premium performance eyewear.
Following the first event in the Optometry Practice Strategy Series, the program now turns to its fall lineup of COPE-accredited webinars for Canadian optometrists, with more than 100 registrants already confirmed for each upcoming session.
Bausch + Lomb’s third annual State of Dry Eye survey suggests that dry eye symptoms may affect emotional wellbeing, stress, productivity and self-confidence, while also highlighting awareness gaps around related health conditions.
Prevent Blindness has declared July as Dry Eye Month and is offering no-cost educational resources to help the public and allied healthcare professionals better understand dry eye symptoms, risk factors and management.
Applications are now open for the 2027 Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award, inviting emerging designers to submit a three-frame optical or sunglass collection under the theme “The DNA of Design: Eyewear Reimagined.”
Safilo Group has completed the acquisition of SPY+ and Serengeti from Bollé Brands, adding two complementary brands to its portfolio and strengthening its position in sport, outdoor and premium performance eyewear.
Following the first event in the Optometry Practice Strategy Series, the program now turns to its fall lineup of COPE-accredited webinars for Canadian optometrists, with more than 100 registrants already confirmed for each upcoming session.
Bausch + Lomb’s third annual State of Dry Eye survey suggests that dry eye symptoms may affect emotional wellbeing, stress, productivity and self-confidence, while also highlighting awareness gaps around related health conditions.
Prevent Blindness has declared July as Dry Eye Month and is offering no-cost educational resources to help the public and allied healthcare professionals better understand dry eye symptoms, risk factors and management.
Applications are now open for the 2027 Sergio Cereda Eyewear Design Award, inviting emerging designers to submit a three-frame optical or sunglass collection under the theme “The DNA of Design: Eyewear Reimagined.”
Safilo Group has completed the acquisition of SPY+ and Serengeti from Bollé Brands, adding two complementary brands to its portfolio and strengthening its position in sport, outdoor and premium performance eyewear.
Following the first event in the Optometry Practice Strategy Series, the program now turns to its fall lineup of COPE-accredited webinars for Canadian optometrists, with more than 100 registrants already confirmed for each upcoming session.
Bausch + Lomb’s third annual State of Dry Eye survey suggests that dry eye symptoms may affect emotional wellbeing, stress, productivity and self-confidence, while also highlighting awareness gaps around related health conditions.
Prevent Blindness has declared July as Dry Eye Month and is offering no-cost educational resources to help the public and allied healthcare professionals better understand dry eye symptoms, risk factors and management.
