From new lens centration systems to a novel pre-retinopathy biomarker, these are the news stories and studies that caught our attention this week…
CooperVision Science and Technology Awards. Contact lens manufacturer CooperVision is relaunching its Science and Technology Awards program. Researchers wishing to apply for the award will now be able to submit full proposals throughout the year, with each award offering up to $100,000 in funding over a one-year period. “The Science and Technology Awards aim to support a continuous pipeline of new ideas and collaborations that advance scientific discovery, driving meaningful progress in contact lens research and development and innovation over the years,” says Francis Erard, Vice President, Research and Development, CooperVision. “This is especially timely as the need for new insights and approaches to managing myopia grows globally.” Link
HOYA unveils AI-based lens centration system. At the European Academy of Optometry and Optics (EAOO) Conference (Slovenia, May 16-18, 2025), HOYA Vision Care launched its new AI-powered lens centration system for children. The visuReal MoveAI Kids module enables eye care professionals to attain high accuracy in their centration measurements by using AI-power automated detection, requiring less manual adjustment and resulting in enhanced patient fit and improved long-term comfort, HOYA reports. Félix España, Global Instruments Director at HOYA Vision Care, commented, “Optimal spectacle lens centration is especially crucial for myopia management treatment spectacle lenses… to ensure the best treatment outcomes for these young patients.” Link
Post-pandemic rates of pediatric astigmatism. A JAMA Ophthalmology study has examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence and severity of astigmatism in children aged 6 to 8 years between 2015 and 2023. The Chinese University of Hong Kong-based researchers found a significant increase in both refractive astigmatism (RA) and corneal astigmatism (CA) during and after the pandemic, independent of myopia and other known risk factors. The study linked these changes to pandemic-driven lifestyle shifts – particularly reduced outdoor activity and increased near work (e.g., screen time) – which may have induced corneal steepening over time, especially along the vertical meridian. The findings suggest that post-pandemic visual behaviors contributed to structural eye changes and emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring of childhood vision health in rapidly changing environments. Link
Novel pre-retinopathy biomarker. A BMC Ophthalmology study has investigated the relationship between systemic inflammation, renal function, and early retinal changes in adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who had no clinical signs of diabetic retinopathy. Using OCT angiography and blood/urine biomarkers, the researchers found that the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) was significantly higher in T1DM patients and was strongly correlated with increased choroidal thickness and thinner ganglion cell complex (GCC), indicating early neuroretinal damage. Additionally, poorer kidney function (reflected by elevated spot microalbumin and creatinine) was associated with lower retinal vessel density and larger foveal avascular zones, suggesting shared microvascular stress between the eye and kidneys. These findings support the role of systemic inflammation in early retinal neurodegeneration and highlight the SII as a potential low-cost biomarker for detecting preclinical diabetic retinal changes. Link
