Comprehensive eye exams can detect problems well before vision is affected

The North American Press Syndicate (2/6) reports that "a comprehensive eye examination can catch problems with your eyes well before your vision is affected." For example, patients with "primary open-angle glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy" may not "have recognizable symptoms" of vision loss "until the diseases are quite advanced." And, as the population ages, eye examinations will become more important. "By 2020, 43 million Americans will be at risk for significant vision loss or blindness from age-related eye diseases such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, an increase of more than 50 percent over the current number of Americans with these diseases." Yet, "despite the statistics, many Americans are more concerned about weight gain or back pain than they are of vision loss."

Dilation during eye examination may help detect glaucoma early

In the Healthbeat column in Iowa's Quad City Times (1/8), Deirdre Cox Baker observed that having the eyes dilated as part of an eye examination is a "weird experience," as well as a necessary one, because "glaucoma -- one of the leading causes of blindness in the United States -- can be caught if a doctor uses dilation to clearly see the retina, optic nerve, and vessels in the back of the eye." While "glaucoma is not preventable...it can be controlled to some extent if detected early." According to the American Optometric Association, "there are two types of glaucoma," a "common kind" that "develops painlessly and gradually, typically without symptoms," and another kind that comes on "rapidly," with symptoms including "blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, colored rings around lights, and pain or redness in the eyes."

Ray-Ban, Creative Coalition to Honor Ewan McGregor at Sundance Film Festival

NEW YORK— Golden Globe nominee Ewan McGregor will be honored with the 2009 Ray-Ban Visionary Award, presented by Ray-Ban and The Creative Coalition on Jan. 18, 2009 in Park City, Utah. McGregor was chosen to receive the prestigious award, which is in its 7th year, because of his “unprecedented accomplishments as an actor, writer, singer, director and producer.”

McGregor debuted in feature films with Bill Forsyth's 1993 project, “Being Human,” he won an Empire Award for his performance in the thriller “Shallow Grave” directed by Danny Boyle. McGregor then played his breakout role in Boyle's 1996 film “Trainspotting.” He has also co-created, written and produced the documentary TV series “Long Way Round and Long Way Down,” about a motorcycle journey he and friend Charley Boorman took from London to New York. McGregor has also lent his singing talents to a number of movie soundtracks including, “Cassandra's Dream,” “Miss Potter,” “Down with Love,” “Emma,” “Velvet Goldmine” and “Moulin Rouge.”

The Ray-Ban Visionary Award, in partnership with The Creative Coalition, a nonprofit, social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community, is in its 8th year and honors the work and dedication of an individual who possesses passion, creativity and leadership, and whose work showcases imagination and originality. Previous award winners include actor/writer/director Quentin Tarantino; actors Aaron Eckhart, Matt Dillon, and Kevin Bacon, president of HBO Films Colin Callender and Mark Ordesk EVP/COO New Line Productions and president of Fine Line Features.

Ray-Ban, long a supporter of the growth of music and the arts, will return to the 2009 Sundance Film Festival as an official sponsor, according to an announcement from the company.

Glaucoma may strike at any age

Glaucoma may strike at any age, article points out.
UPI (12/24) reports that glaucoma, "often associated with the elderly, can strike at any age," according to "officials at the Chicago-based Prevent Blindness America," who "say glaucoma causes loss of sight by slowly damaging the optic nerve, which results in loss of peripheral vision." If the condition is "not treated central vision can be lost as well." While there is currently "no cure for glaucoma," early treatment "can lessen the risk of severe vision loss."

symptoms, treatment of glaucoma.

South Carolina Now /WBTW-TV (12/18, Boone) reported that glaucoma, "a leading cause of blindness," is "not preventable," but "can be treated if detected early." According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), "glaucoma is a group of eye disorders that occur when internal pressure in the eye increases enough to cause damage to the optic nerve, leading to loss of nerve tissue, resulting in vision loss." The AOA points out that primary open-angle glaucoma, "the most common type," comes on "gradually and painlessly, usually without symptoms." Acute angle-closure glaucoma, however, "occurs rapidly, and its symptoms may include blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, seeing colored rings around lights, and pain or redness in the eyes." "African-Americans over age 40," anyone older than age 60, and "people with a family history of glaucoma" are more likely to develop the condition. Treatment options include "prescription eye drops and medicines to lower pressure in the eyes," or even "laser treatment or surgery."

importance of regular eye examinations, especially for people with diabetes.

In a column in Health News Digest (12/16), optometrist Barry Kay, O.D., pointed out that "diabetes is becoming an epidemic in the" U.S. A recent study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology found that the "prevalence of retinopathy, glaucoma, and other vision problems related to diabetes is projected to rise dramatically over the next four decades." During "a comprehensive eye examination, optometrists can detect and diagnose diabetes and start patients on the road to treatment for the disease," Dr. Kay explained. By "using the latest technology, such as scanning laser ophthalmoscopy or even a more traditional dilated fundus exam," optometrists "can look inside the eye and examine blood vessels directly, detecting signs and symptoms of vascular diseases such as diabetes and hypertension." Because undiagnosed diabetes "can result in vision impairment, a frequent complication of both Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes," Dr. Kay urged people with diabetes to undergo regular eye examinations

Michael Kors Newest Sun and Optical Collections

Marchon Bows Michael Kors Newest Sun and Optical Collections
December 15, 2008 3:30 AM

The Michael Kors sun styles, the Olympia (left) and the Santa Barbara (right), from Marchon.

MELVILLE, N.Y.—Marchon has introduced the newest sunwear and ophthalmic collections from Michael Kors featuring iconic design elements, luxurious materials and meticulous craftsmanship for a sleek, sophisticated eyewear collection that embraces the jet-set lifestyle.



In sun, standouts include the Amalfi, which showcases a chain captured in a layer of crystal zyl; while on the Sun Valley, a chain’s two metal links are integrated into a working hinge. Hollywood glamour lent inspiration to the Olympia, featuring metal hardware, rich zyl and a fashionable square shape. Michael Kors also re-interprets classic styling and takes a cue from his Fall 2008 runway collection, with the Santa Barbara, a modern take on the vintage approach, and the Venice, an updated wayfarer design.

Timeless appeal is also captured in Michael Kors optical releases from the Signature Collection. The MK615 offers a feminine look with a triangular cut out on the end piece and a modified deep rectangle shape. The MK133, a modified navigator metal style, MK600, a complete zyl vintage style and the MK608, a progressive, friendly sophisticated zyl frame, all offer a masculine look with a clean design and an understated logo on each temple.