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Contact lenses are home to pathogenic amoebae

A high percentage of contact lens cases in Tenerife are contaminated with pathogenic Acanthamoeba that cannot be killed by normal contact lens solution. The infection is very painful and can cause blindness. Researchers have found that commercial contact lens solutions do not protect against amoebic keratitis.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateOct 20, 2008

A life 'lens' ordinary

Research from Cardiff University finds that a third of Down's syndrome children who wear bifocals can switch to ordinary glasses within two years. The study, led by Dr Maggie Woodhouse, reveals that bifocals may be 'teaching' children with the condition to use their own focusing ability.

Measuring in 3-D

The new LensShape system enables the rapid testing of free-form geometries in aspherical lenses, reducing production time from over an hour to just 15 minutes. This innovative method uses fringe pattern analysis and machine learning algorithms to identify deviations with high accuracy.

Soft contacts designed for cone-shaped cornea

Researchers at the University of Rochester developed custom-designed soft contact lenses to correct visual acuity in individuals with keratoconic eyes. The lenses feature irregular front surface profiles that address specific aberrations of the cornea and crystalline lens, resulting in improved vision for subjects.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalOptics Letters·DateMay 17, 2007

Study suggests wearing no-line bifocals slows myopia progression in some children

A new study found that children with two myopic parents wearing progressive-addition lenses showed slower myopia progression compared to those wearing single-vision lenses. The five-year study identified parental refractive error as a key factor in myopia progression, suggesting that special lenses may be beneficial for certain children.

SourceAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateMar 14, 2007

New wide-angle lens produces pictures without distortion

Researchers designed a low-cost, lightweight wide-angle lens that produces virtually distortion-free images, ideal for security-camera systems and robot navigation. The lens has a field of view of 151 degrees and can be increased to capture even more space, making it suitable for various indoor applications.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateNov 30, 2006

Impaired vision common in US

A recent study estimates that 1 in 8 individuals aged 12+ in the US have impaired vision, with a prevalence of 6.4%. The majority can achieve good corrected visual acuity, but disparities exist among certain groups.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 9, 2006

Study suggests simple way to make near-perfect lenses

Researchers at University of Edinburgh develop simpler way to produce negatively-refracting materials for lens construction, enabling cost-effective exploitation of negative refraction technologies. This breakthrough has significant implications for fields like telecommunications, microwave engineering, and optics.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalMicrowave and Optical Technology Letters·DateSep 7, 2005

Nearsighted children may benefit from rigid contact lenses

A three-year study found that rigid gas permeable contact lenses slowed the progression of myopia by nearly 30 percent in nearsighted children. The study, which included over 100 children aged 8-11, showed that RGP lenses altered the shape of the cornea and reduced 'corneal steepening', a condition associated with nearsightedness.

SourceOhio State University·JournalArchives of Ophthalmology·DateDec 13, 2004

Good things, small packages

Researchers at Binghamton University's IEEC are working on developing small-scale electronics, including microelectric mechanical systems and nanostructured materials. The goal is to create next-generation products with advanced technology, rather than lower cost manufacturing.

Stanford researchers teach old owls new tricks

Researchers at Stanford University broke the learning process down into smaller steps for adult owls, allowing them to adjust their mental maps more accurately. This method showed promise in overcoming the age-related decline in learning abilities, with implications for treating brain injuries and improving physical therapy outcomes.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature·DateSep 18, 2002

Seeing the light

The Office of Naval Research has funded the development of a Tactical Vectoring Equipment (TVE) display, a simple array of six lights with Fresnel lenses that projects red or green light based on viewing angle. This system aims to improve navigation and communication for surface ships behind carriers in low visibility conditions.

Brittlestars use crystal lenses to spot approaching predators unique “visual” system is the first of its kind to be discovered in animals inhabiting the earth today

Brittlestars, also known as serpent stars, possess a unique 'visual' system that enables them to detect shadows and escape from predators. Their skeletal elements feature crystal lenses that transmit light to their nervous system, allowing them to respond to light changes.