The aim of the course “Ocular Surface Diseases and Dry Eye” is to provide to the participating ophthalmologists a thorough review of anatomical and physiological properties of the ocular surface, tear film and corneal and conjunctival changes in pathological conditions, epidemiology of ocular surface diseases, pressing needs of patients afflicted, clinical and instrumental diagnostic tests available, and therapeutic options in our hands to treat those important diseases. In particular, dry eye syndrome, allergic conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and ocular surface inflammatory diseases including allergic conjunctivitis will be presented with lectures and live presentation of clinical cases. Selected patients will be presented and they will undergo to symptom questionnaires, slit lamp examination, ocular surface staining with vital dyes, tear and conjunctival samples collection, and other diagnostic tests including osmolarity measurements, tear film analysis. Clinical protocols for diagnosis and therapy will be discussed for each patient presented. Particular attention will be given to an integrated approach to ocular surface diseases treatment.

Scientific Coordinator: Stefano Barabino

29 March 2019
12:30-12:45       Check-in
12:45-13:30       Welcome lunch
13:30-13:45       Welcome

13:45-15:45
Dry eye syndrome S. Barabino and J. Del Castillo

• the scale of the problem
• pathogenesis:osmolarity & inflammation
• symptoms, visual function
• clinical and instrumental diagnosis
• therapeutic protocols
• the role of substitute tears
• the role of anti-inflammatory treatment

15:45-16:00 Coffee break

16:00-17:00
Ocular surface and refractive surgery E. Messmer

• wound healing
• post-PRK and LASIK treatment

 Ocular surface and cataract surgery E. Messmer

• dry eye symptoms after cataract surgery: a new problem
• pre-operative diagnostic tests for better outcomes
• ocular surface treatment after cataract surgery

17:00-18:15
Workshop with clinical cases discussion     All speakers

30 March 2019

09:00-11:00
Meibomian gland disease (MGD) S. Ahmad

• definition
• pathogenesis
• diagnosis
• management

11:00-11:15 Coffee break

11:15-12:15
Ocular surface inflammatory diseases S. Ahmad

• the red eye
• differential diagnosis
• laboratory procedures
• allergic conjunctivitis

12:15-13:15
Workshop with clinical cases discussion     S. Ahmad

13:15-13:30    Certificates and farewell

13.30-14:15    Lunch