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If you have been following our previous posts; Engineers to develop spectacle lenses for keratoconus patients, Research update and Spectacles for KC Research update 2, you will be aware of Dr Ahmed’s work to address the problem of non-orthogonal astigmatism.

At our AGM and Speaker meeting both Dr Abass and optometrist Lynn White, carefully explained the progress of their work to find a solution for those of us who have to cope with not wearing contact lenses for a period of time; yet still need better vision for dealing with basic tasks. Both Ahmed and Lynn are convinced that with the advance of technology, spectacles can be manufactured to take account of a non-orthogonal angle of astigmatism. Indeed, some who have worn the spectacles in laboratory conditions, do not want to give them back.

In this clip, Dr Abass explained how he was able to interpret the high-resolution results without relying on the software provided by modern topography machines. He noticed that astigmatism is not always orthogonal, which led to his research project to find a better solution for keratoconus.

Here Lynn White explains the wider implications of Dr Abass’ research beyond keratoconus.

There is still a long way to go but results to date are promising. More details will be given in our next newsletter.

Here is the press release from Liverpool University.

In a recent KC patient group meeting, Dr Ahmed Abass from the University of Liverpool unveiled exciting research into a new type of spectacle lens designed to help those living with keratoconus; a progressive eye condition that causes thinning and irregular shaping of the cornea.

Traditional glasses often fall short in correcting vision for keratoconus patients due to a phenomenon called non-orthogonal astigmatism. However, Dr Abass and his team, supported by Fight for Sight and the UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association, have been exploring an innovative lens design that targets this issue directly.

The results are encouraging. In this pilot study, many participants experienced clearer vision, reduced ghosting, and sharper letter recognition with these specially designed lenses.

“This is the first study of its kind,” Dr Abass said. “We’ve shown that the idea works. Now we need to focus on scaling it up, finding ways to mass produce these lenses and test them on a larger group.”

As the project looks towards the next stage, development and commercialisation, there may be exciting opportunities for those in the optical or medical device industries to get involved. Anyone interested in collaborating with the University of Liverpool or learning more is welcome to contact Dr Abass at a.abass@liverpool.ac.uk. or connect via linkedin

It is a small but meaningful step forward, offering new possibilities for those seeking alternatives to contact lenses or invasive procedures.

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/people/ahmed-abass

Our next London meeting will be held on Saturday 22nd March at 11 am

The venue is at the Moorfields Education Hub, 1st Floor,
15 Ebenezer Street, N1 7NG (the hub is opposite Moorfields main hospital — cross City Road and go up Provost Street to the next corner and the Hub is facing you on the left).

Our guest speakers are
Dr Ahmed Abass and Lynn White.
They will be updating us on their project to make special spectacles for those of us looking for temporary relief from contact lenses. Their talk is titled
Non-orthogonal spectacle correction for irregular astigmatism
You can read more –here.

All are welcome, both people with KC and family members. As usual, there will be a buffet lunch and an opportunity to meet others with KC.

Do let us know if you are coming by emailing anne@kcgroup.org.uk or ‘phoning her on 020-8993 4759 so we can cater for numbers. If you are unsure whether the meeting is for you, please give Anne a call.

Note to Optometrists and ECLO’s – Please help us publicise this event by downloading and displaying a copy of this poster

Formal documentation for the AGM are available here:

Agenda
Minutes of last AGM
Chairmans Report
Draft Accounts

If you have been following this topic, you would have seen our earlier posts here and here

We are pleased to report that Dr Ahmed Abass has published his paper which we are proud to have co-sponsored with Fight for Sight.

Dr Abass has kindly provided the following simplified abstract. The full paper can be read here. You can also view his other papers on his University Page here

Purpose

The study aimed to investigate whether non-orthogonal correction in spectacles would improve the visual acuity of people with keratoconus. Non-orthogonal correction is where the angle between the cylinder powers of a spectacle lens for astigmatism is less than or greater than 90 degrees. Typically, keratoconus patients have this type of astigmatism, which is why standard glasses do not work well.

Methods

The study involved 18 patients with keratoconus from an eye clinic in Liverpool. After evaluating their eye condition, 23 eyes were selected for testing, while others were excluded due to the eye having little or no keratoconus or severe dryness. Each eye was tested first with standard lenses, and then with non-orthogonal lenses. The lenses were tested with different angles until the best one was found for each person. Participants were asked to rate their vision, specifically how clear letters appeared and how much “ghosting” (double vision) they experienced with each lens type.

Results

Of the eyes tested, 61% showed improved vision with non-orthogonal lenses, 30% saw no change, and 9% saw a slight decrease in vision. Regardless of vision improvement, 87% of participants noticed clearer letters, and 79% reported less ghosting. Most of the preferred angles for the non-orthogonal lenses were between 80° and 85°. The study also showed that for many people, the non-orthogonal lenses could provide a more accurate prescription compared to regular lenses. Nearly all participants said they would be interested in trying non-orthogonal glasses.

Conclusions

The study suggests that non-orthogonal lenses could improve vision and reduce issues like ghosting for people with keratoconus. While this is a promising step toward developing better glasses for these patients, more work is needed before these lenses can be made for everyday use. 

We are hoping to arrange for Dr Abass to speak at one of our future events.

World Keratoconus Day is fast approaching on 10th November. We would love to hear from YOU! We are keen to support NKCF who this year are inviting everyone touched by keratoconus(KC) to join their 2024 World KC Day Contest – whether you are living with the condition, a supportive family member, friend, or an eye care professional who treats or studies KC. Share your unique story or perspective to help raise awareness and connect with others in the keratoconus community.
We encourage you to express your experience in a creative way.

Here are some options to get started:

How you can share:
Create a short Video
Write a poem
Design some digital artwork
Compose an essay
Or use any other medium that feels right for you

Ideas for what to share
Describe how keratoconus has impacted your life – both the challenges and the victories. A heartfelt thank you to someone who has supported you along the way. Giving a shout out to an eye care provider who has made a difference. Sharing your personal KC journey

Eye care professionals:
Why are you passionate about treating those with keratoconus?

Feel free to share anything else relating to your KC experience.

Your submission will be reviewed by representatives from NKFC, Keratoconus Barbados, Keratoconus Australia and the UK Keratoconus Group

Winners will be announced shortly after World Keratoconus day on 10th November 2024.

We can not wait to hear your stories and celebrate your creativity!

To learn more or submit your entry, click below: World KC Contest.

Wednesday 18^th September 2024 Opening Times: 10am – 4pm

The KC Group will be represented at the “Eye Contact” event hosted by Southampton Football Clubs’ St Marys Stadium, Britannia Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 5FP. 

Rated one of the top eight Exhibitions in the country and the biggest of its kind in Southern England, Eye Contact will host a number of leading businesses and community services to showcase the very latest aids, equipment, information and services

If you get the opportunity to visit, please stop by our stall and say hello.

The Eye Can Bristol Exhibition is fast approaching! We will be there to share information about what we offer, we hope you can make it.

Come along and listen to some fascinating talks from guest speakers, Amar Shah – leading optometrist, Yahya Pandor – renowned advocate for the blind who will be sharing his story or try Ignite Bristol’s seated low intensity exercise taster session.

Have a wander through a diverse range of exhibitors and find out about the latest in tech, products and services for anyone living with sight loss.

The Eye Can Bristol Exhibition will be taking place at BAWA Health & Leisure Club, Southmead Road, Bristol, BS34 7RG, on Wednesday the 9th of October 2024 from 10 am to 3.30 pm (last entry 2.45pm).

This event is hosted by Sight Support West of England and is sponsored by Optelec and Humanware.

Entry is free and you can book your place by visiting the Eventbrite booking page (Here) or contacting Sight Support directly on 0117 322 4885.

If you get the opportunity to visit, please stop by our stall and say hello.

https://EyeCanBristol2024.eventbrite.co.uk