Time for a round up of the best looks from last night's Golden Globes.  The eyewear this year was decidedly understated, with stars bucking the trend that we've seen for most designers to use vintage inspirations and bold architectural details.  Black, brown, and gray plastics won the night, but there was still plenty to talk about:

Lupita Nyong'o donned this perfectly sized pair of glasses as a presenter.  I would have loved to see her in something a bit edgier in the color palate, but this frame shape is very flattering for her, and her understated glasses let her dress take front and center. via

Golden Globe winner Jeffrey Tambor actually had one of the boldest statements of the night with these tortoise frames in a round eyeshape. via

Award winner Kevin Spacey's glasses are a classic style -- rimless frames have long been a go-to if you want a subtle look.  But the bright silver frame and almost cat eye angle of the temples added a new twist.  Definitely one of the best eyewear looks for the night!  via

Winner Patricia Arquette donned these light gray or possibly lilac reading glasses to read her acceptance speech.  Even in this she is reminding us of what its like to be a real human being.  via

Meryl Streep stayed true to her eyewear signature -- oval shaped metal frames are her go-to for award shows.  I appreciate her always wearing glasses, but her black and white architectural dress would have been perfectly paired with a bold pair of black or white plastic frames this year.  via

Of course leave it to a surprise appearance from Prince to bring the biggest fashion trends to the night -- he wore throwback round shades that have been having a major fashion rebirth since  the end of 2014 via

If you wear specialty contact lenses, the normal techniques that work for soft and even rigid gas permeable lens wearers don't really work for you.  I've put together some tips from across the internet and the expert lens fitters on the topic to help you out if you are having trouble at home after leaving your doctor's office.

Synergeyes Lenses:

Synergeyes are hybrid contact lenses that fuse a rigid contact lens center with a soft contact lens "skirt" that provides additional comfort and a "soft lens" feel.  Traditionally, inserting and removing these lenses was nothing like what you were used to as a soft lens wearer.  With the new changes to the products, certain Synergeyes lenses can now be applied much more like a regular soft lens.

• Synergeyes Duette (including Duette Multifocal or Duette Progressive)
• You can insert the lens straight onto the eye, just like a soft contact lens with the new guidelines for the product. 
• Because the lens is larger, it is easiest to hold it with a two or three finger "tripod" approach as you insert the lens for balance.
• Filling the lens with solution before insertion is not required. 
• Synergeyes UltraHealth, ClearKone, or if you are having dryness or comfort issues with Synergeyes Duette products above

A DMV inserter has no suction since there is an open hole through the unit, so you don't have to worry about it sticking to your contact lens.  via

• Because the lens is so large, it can be more comfortable to fill the lens with a moisturizing solution to create a comfortable cushion layer between your cornea and the lens.  For lenses with excessive vault, like the UltraHealth and ClearKone lenses for keratoconus, filling the lens is essential for all- day comfort.  See below for the best filling solutions
• Since you are filling the bowl of the lens completely and don't want to loose all of that solution before getting the lens on your eye, you may prefer using a tool to aid in insertion like the DMV inserter (should be able to get this from your doctor's office) or EZI Lens Applicator for extra balance versus using the finger balance approach.  Make sure the DMV has a hole in the bottom to prevent the inserter from suctioning to your contact lens.

  Another great insertion tool is the EZI Lens Applicator; a ring device with a cup designed to hold your lens so that you can fill it with solution and bring it to your eye without spilling too much fluid.  You can purchase the EZI lens applicator in a variety of specialty lens sizes here.

• To prevent spillage, you will need to insert the lens by keeping it parallel to the counter top surface so that you don't tip all of the fill solution out.  You can either bend over at the waist or tuck your chin into your chest to achieve the right position.  The key is having your contact lens and your face horizontal for the entire process. Putting a small mirror on your counter may help with seeing what you are doing for this method.
• Do not press too hard!  The soft lens skirt can flex and almost turn inside out with too much force, causing all that liquid to escape out the sides and creating excessive suction between your eye and the lens (thus reducing comfort).  Shoving the lens into your eye will really reduce your end of day comfort.
• Bubbles are always an insertion error with this lens, so if you have a bubble, remove the lens, refill, and reinsert.

Gazal and Saeed Tabrizipour are the designers behind Atlanta-based Gazal Eyewear via

Let's kick 2015 off right by featuring the innovative, local eyewear designers of Gazal Eyewear.  This husband and wife team just launched their brand in June 2014, and with Gazal's past as an Atlanta-based optician, their focus is on quality and performance with a unique personality.  Gazal views eyewear in the same vein as jewelry -- an accent for expressing your personality.

Q & A

What is the inspiration for your designs?

"A need for functionality and fashion combined.  I never liked my glasses growing up so I stuck with contacts, but I always wanted to design something that was comfortable, durable, and still looked great."

Any specific trends that your designs center around in the new winter collection?

"No trends because they come and go.  I design based on inspirations in my life.  I draw different types of inspiration from each journey and each frame has a unique story behind it."

The High Flyer in Crystal is a highlight of the sunglasses collection, shifting the aviator trend into futuristic appeal with clean lines and a stripped-down color story.

Details on the mens' line of ophthalmics include leather temples and the woven detailing seen here in the His Eyeglasses

The cleverly two-toned cat eye style of the SyeAhMeez women's frame features two layers of acetate to create the pop of color peeping out at the edge of the eyepiece.

What sets your product apart for the independent optometrist to offer in their optical?

"We've created a win-win situation for everyone involved.  A product designed in Atlanta, GA which cuts out the middle men.  This leaves the practice owner with a product at a fair price to patients while delivering great return of investment over traditional big box frames and names."

How can optometrists interested in carrying your frame line get in touch?

"Email us at info@gazaleyewear.com or visit our social media pages on facebook, instagram, twitter, or pinterest!"

Pancreas beta cells produce insulin, helping the body process blood sugar.  Damaged beta cells are unable to produce insulin at the needed rate, resulting in excessively high levels of blood sugar, and diabetes. via

Exciting study results in the world of diabetic research were published at the end of last year by a group out of UAB investigating Verapamil as a potential cure for diabetes.  Verapamil is a commonly prescribed calcium channel blocker that is effectively used in treating high blood pressure, irregular heart rate, and even cluster headaches and migraines. Researchers targeted Verapamil after a secondary function was discovered -- Verapamil also reduces the amount of a protein called TXNIP in cells.  TXNIP is a protein that has been isolated in the pancreas beta cells; the amount of TXNIP increases as the the beta cells try to process higher levels of blood sugar.  At a certain level, TXNIP can be toxic to the beta cells and result in beta cell dysfunction and even death.  That means the body can no longer process high blood sugar effectively, leading to the effects of diabetes that we are so familiar with.

In mice studies at UAB, Verapamil was used to reduce the amount of TXNIP proteins within the pancreas beta cells, effectively "reversing" diabetic damage to the pancreas and preserving beta cell function.  They report that diabetes "was eradicated" in the treated mice who had blood sugar levels above 300 mg/deciliter.

Since the safety of Verapmil for human use has been verified by its previous uses on the market as a blood pressure treatment, UAB is set to enroll its first human study to begin testing its effects on human pancreas beta cells.  Enrollment is set to begin in early 2015, and UAB researchers are looking for patients aged 19 to 45 with type 1 diabetes.  The study will run over one year and will compare Verapamil versus placebo in a randomized distribution.  Insulin pumps will be used as directed throughout the study for both groups and a continuous glucose monitoring device will be used to accurately report hourly readings of sugar levels.

Non Proliferative diabetic retinopathy

With diagnosis of diabetes growing at a rapid rate in this country, any new research in the area is promising.  In addition to the systemic health effects, ocular side effects from diabetes are prevalent and can result in permanent blindness.  In patients with type 1 diabetes, 90% of patients have some form of ocular microvascular damage or retinopathy when living with the disease for 15 years or longer.  25% of these people have proliferative retinopathy which is a huge risk of permanent vision loss.  Annual eye examinations are essential in diabetic care to preserve vision and assess systemic health related to blood sugar control.  

For more information concerning the UAB study or to enroll, contact Kentress Davison at 205-934-4112 or 205-975-9308.

Another year is about to wrap up, and there has been plenty of excitement and change in the world of eyecare in 2014.  Today I'm bringing us into 2015 with a review of the top stories that brought you to the website and that shaped the face of optometry in this past year.  The more popular articles are always so telling about what we really care about, and next year I plan to continue bringing you the latest in technology updates, fashion posts, and patient education.

Top Industry/Technology Posts of 2015

via

• This year was all about the contact lens changes, from the continued interest and growing support of Ciba's Dailies Total 1 (our review of DT1 is the second most popular/viewed post all time on Eyedolatry, right behind perennial favorite, conjunctival cyst) to new lenses like Bausch and Lomb's Ultra (the fourth most popular/viewed post all time on Eyedolatry).  
• A number of color contact lenses were discontinued in 2013 and 2014 (Freshlook, Focus Softcolor, and Acuvue 2 Colors), but we did get the launch of a new, higher oxygen color contact lens in Air Optix Colors. 
• The use of Lucentis versus Avastin was a topic of a ton of interest after articles reporting on the most recent Medicare review seemed to put a bad light on the ophthalmogists using the more expensive product.  You can check out the full info and why your doctor may prefer Lucentis for your eyes in this post.
• Tons of new innovations from artificial tears to telescopic implants became available for use this year:

via

• Retaine MGD -- a great artificial tear made by Ocusoft hit mainstream pharmacies
• CentraSight telescopic implant for advanced macular degeneration lowered its age requirements in October 2014 so that more people could take advantage of this new technology
• LensPen introduced its Peeps glasses cleaner that uses high-tech ionic charges to remove pesky smudges from your glasses without risking a scratch.
• Bausch and Lomb released their new take on hydrogen peroxide contact lens deep cleaning with PeroxiClear, making your lenses feel like new day after day.

It's not too late!  If you are in need of a few last minute gifts or stocking stuffers for the glasses obsessed individual in your life (or basically any optometrist because we are by definition obsessed with eyes) then we have you covered in today's post.

This affordable tumbler will make any optometrist happy -- "one or two" jokes are a part of our life.  Find this on Etsy.

Looking to splurge?  These Del Toro slippers are going to set you back, but will definitely spark a conversation.  Find them here.

Another great Etsy find, this cuff bracelet is perfect for the optometrist.  Find it on Etsy.

This is the perfect stocking stuffer for any glasses wearer.  The LensPen Peeps cleaner will remove smudges without risking scratches, and are the perfect size to keep in a desk drawer, in your purse, or even in your pocket.  Find them here.

Evil Eye Jewelry is having a major moment, so take advantage of all of the eye-love while it is on holiday sale!

Studio Silver 18k Gold over Sterling Silver Ring, Crystal Evil Eye Ring •

RACHEL Rachel Roy Ring, Abalone Evil Eye

If you have found this little corner of the internet, you probably really care about learning about your eyes.  The longer I have been blogging about ocular health, I am repeatedly blown away by the other talented and intelligent eye care specialists sharing their knowledge on the internet for patients they will likely never meet but they are helping and educating nonetheless.  Today I wanted to share some of my favorite optometrists and ophthalmologists blogging about their fields so that you can find even more of the information you seek about your ocular health!