Study indicates 1 in 20 children may suffer from convergence insufficiency.

Yet another reason why school vision screenings are no substitute for comprehensive eye exams. It is estimated that 80-90% of all learning is done visually......


ScrippsNews (11/21, Dean) reports that a recent study by the National Eye Institute "found that one in 20 students may suffer from a childhood eye-muscle coordination problem called convergence insufficiency, or CI." Youngsters "with CI find it difficult to make their eyes focus inward or converge." Optometrist Benjamin Kohn, O.D., explained that CI is "a reading-related vision disorder" which may be caused by "visual stress, such as reading, writing, and working on computers." He pointed out that the majority of vision-screening tests performed by pediatricians or schools do not catch the condition, because they are designed to "test distance acuity." Children with CI may express "some sort of block where reading is concerned," which vigilant parents and teachers should investigate. The study also "concluded that a combination of office-based vision-therapy treatment, coupled with at-home reinforcement, is more effective than home-based methods most commonly used" to treat the disorder.

Researchers say poor night vision may predict AMD.

Eat your veggies loaded with anti-oxidants or take premium nutritional supplementation to fend off AMD.

HealthDay (11/13, McKeever) reported that, according to a study published in the Nov. issue of the journal Ophthalmology, "poor night vision might be a predictor of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)." Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine gave "more than 1,000 people with early signs of AMD" a questionnaire in which respondents were asked to "rate their difficulties with night driving and low-light activities," then tracked the participants "for up to six years." The authors found those "with the worst night vision at the start were most likely to develop reduced visual acuity and one of two types of advanced AMD -- geographic atrophy (GA) or choroidal neovascularization (CNV)."

Optical coherence tomography imaging provides non-contact optical biopsy of the retina.

Optical coherence tomography imaging provides real-time information about eye structure.

Iowa's Spencer Daily Reporter (11/13, Todd) reports that "optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging method which uses light to scan an eye's retina and optic disc" to provide "detailed, real-time information about the structure of an eye" through "a non-invasive, non-contact optical biopsy of the retina." These scans, "which may be performed on undilated pupils," can assist in the "diagnosis and management" of "cystoid macular edema, central serous retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, macular holes, and glaucoma."

importance of annual dilated eye examinations for people with diabetes

In a Health Watch column, the Gate House News Service (11/10) reported that of the approximately "23 million Americans" who "are affected by diabetes...almost six million are unaware that they have the disease." If diabetes goes undiagnosed, it can "result in vision impairment...and blindness." Patients with diabetes should consider having "a dilated eye examination on at least an annual basis," or even "more often" if they have "existing eye issues or more serious retinopathy." In the process of a thorough eye examination, an optometrist "will perform a variety of tests, including looking in [the] eyes with lights and lenses that magnify the view of the retina, to identify signs of diabetes and other eye-related health problems."

Sàfilo Renews Agreements for Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Alexander McQueen Eyewear

PADOVA, Italy— The Sàfilo Group (SFL.MI) and the Gucci Group, one of the world's leading multi-brand luxury goods companies, have announced the extension of their license agreements for the production and worldwide distribution of branded eyeglass frames and sunglass collections for Gucci, Bottega Veneta and Alexander McQueen.

The renewals extend the Gucci brand contract to 2018, Bottega Veneta to 2010 and Alexander McQueen to 2013. The two groups first entered into partnership in 1989 with the presentation of Gucci’s first eyewear collection.

“Gucci is one of the most famous and desired brands in the world and this agreement allows both groups to focus on common values and strengths, such as the quality of product and distribution, through a strong and exclusive brand image,” said Massimiliano Tabacchi, vice-chairman and CEO of Sàfilo Group. “The target we have set ourselves for the upcoming years is to further strengthen the brand’s leadership in all worldwide markets. Furthermore, we are satisfied to be able to continue the partnership started in 2002 with two of the most prestigious Gucci Group brands; Bottega Veneta and Alexander McQueen, which, with their distinctive product and differing target consumer, both fit perfectly into our brand portfolio.”

"We are delighted to continue our long and highly successful collaboration with Sàfilo,” added Robert Polet, president and CEO of Gucci Group. “The success of Gucci Group brands' designer eyewear is a reflection of the unique design and quality execution of our many products over the last 20 years we have partnered with Sàfilo. Their consistent respect for the spirit, heritage and exclusivity of these Gucci Group brands has made them a wonderful partner to work with. We look forward to building further on this strong foundation as we continue to expand our eyewear business in the years ahead."

The Gucci Group is owned by Pinault-Printemps-Redoute (PPR), (Euronext: PP), a global retail and luxury goods company.