Blog

March 23, 2015April 24, 2018

Vision Expo East Announces the Vision Choice Award Winners

Vision Expo East has announced the winners of the Vision Choice Awards and interesting wood eyewear and sunwear products were amoung the favourites. The awards are held to honour top new products.

Christopher and Andrew Shalhoub with Parkman Sunglasses from Mountainside, NJ took first place with their wooden sunglasses in a very first collection debut.

“It all started about two years ago on a road trip to Maine,” said the Shalhoub brothers. “While in the town of Parkman, we came up with the idea of wooden sunglasses and wanted to make two pairs for ourselves and after lots of trial and error we ended up with something we thought was pretty special and took it to market.” They started their company in July of last year.

“This is our first time exhibiting at Vision Expo East and we’ve received tons of traffic and great feedback that we wouldn’t have been able to get any other way. We’re very happy and honored to have won. It makes all the 15-hour workdays and sleepless nights spent figuring out products and getting it all done, worth it” They aim to produce new products this season including materials made from wood with recycled drums, guitars and vinyl records.

Ian Rubinstein with Specs of Wood from Woodmere, NY placed second and Helene Goldschmidt and Brianna Hulburd with Lunette USA placed third.

Winners were chosen from exhibitors in the New Product Showcase Gallery at Vision Expo East where attendees got a first-hand look at the frames, accessories, and medical and lens technologies being introduced at the show.

March 20, 2015May 19, 2026

Smartphones linked to increase in eye problems

Prolonged smartphone use, especially among young people, is implicated in an increase in eye problems ranging from eye strain to myopia and even temporary blindness.

A teenaged patient of London, Ontario-based optometrist Dr. Christina Schropp developed eye strain so severe she was temporarily legally blind. Three months of therapy, and limiting her time on mobile devices, were required to return her to 20/20 vision.

A survey from the Vision Council’s report on digital eye strain found that 7 out of 10 millennials reported experiencing symptoms of eye strain. 84% of millennials surveyed owned a smartphone.

Staring too long at smartphone screens can result in dry eyes, blurred vision and a stiff neck. Experts recommend taking a break every 20 minutes and focusing on a more distant object, at least 6 metres away, to avoid eye strain.

Further Information: http://www.lfpress.com/2015/01/23/optometrists-report-increase-in-eye-problems-related-to-digital-devices

March 18, 2015April 24, 2018

Blindness Preventing Protein Discovered

Researchers at Louisiana State University have discovered a retinal protein essential for vision and uncovered the molecular mechanisms of visual degeneration. This discovery allows for more rapid testing of treatments that can slow down or prevent blindness.

The research reveals a previously unknown function for the protein named adiponectin receptor 1 to regulate the amount of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) inside photoreceptor cells.

DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid commonly found in fish oil and an important component of the human brain, skin, and retina. Diminished levels of retinal DHA are associated with age-related macular degeneration and other degenerative diseases.

The research team, led by Dr. Nicolas Bazan, discovered that mice with the adiponectin receptor gene deleted had diminished levels of retinal DHA. Without DHA the photoreceptors of the mice degenerated.

AdipoR1 was also essential in the uptake of DHA into human retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Further information: http://www.nature.com/ncomms/2015/150304/ncomms7228/full/ncomms7228.html

March 17, 2015April 24, 2018

How does your vision change in space?

NASA is investigating how low gravity affects the vision of their astronauts.

Spending extended time in microgravity environments can lead to swelling of the optic nerve and a far-sighted shift. These problems may not be merely temporary, chronic optic nerve swelling can cause permanent damage.

During their six-month stay on the international space station astronauts have retinal photographs and ultrasounds taken to determine the extent of vision problems. Full pre- and post-flight eye exams are also performed.

A survey conducted by NASA in 2011 found that 60% of station astronauts and 29% of astronauts working in shuttles reported a decline in near and distant vision clarity. These results have prompted increased research into the long-term effects of low gravity on the eyes.

NASA sends glasses stronger than their regular prescription with astronauts in anticipation of expected vision changes. In addition, astronauts are given Superfocus glasses, which have an adjustable focus feature to ensure vision problems will not interfere with their work.

Further information: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/Astronaut_Vision.html

March 13, 2015April 24, 2018

Blackfin recognized for its Mido 2015 stand

Black Shard, the Blackfin stand, won the Bestand 2015 award at the recent Mido.

Visitors voted on the best Mido stand, and the post-industrial look of the Black Shard stand clearly impressed them. Designed by architect Nicola De Pellegrini and his team at Anidride Design and built by Deimos, Black Shard summarizes the brand’s journey, while amplifying the blend of pure design, authenticity and innovation at the heart of its image.

The stand space seems to be an extension of the new ad campaign, in which the public can enter and explore the Blackfin universe. The Bar Cipriani space, in the centre of the stand, seals the partnership between the two brands, both worthy “Made in Italy” représentatives.

“We’ve been working on this project for over a year and we’re delighted with the result, the perfect representation of Blackfin and its philosophy,” said Nicola Del Din, CEO of Pramaor.

For further information, click HERE.