Menicon has just announced the introduction of Magic, daily contact lenses packaged in the world’s thinnest (and extremely hygienic) flat pack.

The revolutionary flat pack, which has been developed with the use of Menicon’s proprietary technology, is eight times thinner than conventional packs used for contact lens storage. This results in unparalleled storage convenience, as the lenses can be easily carried around in a wallet.

The design of the pack makes it also very hygienic, as it always exposes the outside surface of the lens, which makes it less probable that the inner surface of the lens will be touched when opening the pack, which – in turn – prevents transferring bacteria onto the cornea.

The Magic contact lens is made of HEMA-GMA, a material that is characterised by very good water retention, which translates into exceptional all-day comfort.

Menicon stated that the production of the new lenses had started and that they would be available in the spring of 2012.

Researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry have conducted a study investigating the benefits and risks of wearing contact lenses by analysing tears.

According to the scientists, it is possible monitor changes in the health of the eye by determining the level of cytokines (protein molecules used in intercellular communication) in tears.

The study, prepared by Lucy Kehinde, a doctoral student at the University of Alabama, involved 80 volunteers, who wore silicone hydrogel contact lenses for 30 days and collected their tears in special containers.

The results suggest that even small changes in the level of cytokines can provide information about how a person reacts to different types of contact lenses and which ones are the best for them. Kehinde stated that choosing the right contact lenses is very important, as it reduces the risk of infections and other vision problems.

This research can help to develop new ways of diagnosing patients and finding out what type of contact lenses they should wear.

Leonardo DiCaprio is really difficult to recognize, wearing thick make-up and coloured contact lenses in his latest film, J. Edgar.

In order to play the aging FBI director, the actor had to spend six-seven hours a day in make-up. Apart from different prosthetic elements (fake teeth, a bald cap, a nostril-reshaping device, body pads), DiCaprio had to wear not one but two pair of coloured contact lenses. The first pair changed his eye colour from blue to brown, and the second one – placed on top of the first one – yellowed the whites of his eyes, making them look much older.

The makeup process was very complex, because the film presents J. Edgar Hoover’s entire career from his 20s to his 70s. The director of J. Edgar, Clint Eastwood, wanted DiCaprio to look as similar to Hoover as possible and was really satisfied with the effects of the make-up team’s work.

The film premiered on 3rd November and will open in the UK on 20th January 2012.

In recent years, experts have been stressing the importance of protecting eyes against UV rays with the use of contact lenses or glasses with UV filters, but now it turns out that UV light may have a beneficial effect on vision.

According to a review of eight studies, conducted by Dr Justin Sherwin and his associate from Cambridge University, children spending more time outside are less likely to become myopic. Short-sighted children, the review shows, spent 3.7 fewer hours a week outside than other children.

One of the hypotheses that are now verified is that exposure to natural UV light helps to stop short-sightedness from developing. This is because natural light can make the body produce dopamine, which subsequently prevents abnormal growth of the eyeball.

An alternative hypothesis suggests that spending time outdoors protects children from other risk factors for the development of myopia.

The results of this study are of utmost importance, as year after year more people find themselves in need of glasses or contact lenses in order to see well.

At a meeting of the American Academy of Optometry, Bausch + Lomb announced the launch of PureVision2 for Astigmatism with High Definition Optics contact lenses.

The new lenses have HD optics, which – according to the company – result in improved clarity and meeting the special needs of patients who suffer from astigmatism. In addition, as Bausch + Lomb informs, PureVision2 HD for Astigmatism contact lenses incorporate Auto Align Design, which is a stabilisation system developed to provide extremely clear vision throughout the day as well as remarkable comfort and stability. What is more, the lenses are characterised by an optimised thickness profile, which further increases their stability, and a large lens diameter, which allows more effective ballasting and enhanced centration.

Another advantage of PureVision2 HD for Astigmatism lenses is that they decrease spherical aberration, which translates into reduced halos and glare when they are used in low light. Finally, Bausch + Lomb boasts that the new lenses have excellent oxygen permeability, leading to very good comfort all day long.