18th International Conference on Ophthalmology and Vision Science April 24-25, 2023 Amsterdam, Netherlands Theme- Upgradation and modernization of ophthalmologists via new innovation and Research, which focuses on the most recent innovative improvements and research in the field of Ophthalmology

1. Session/ Tracks
Track 1: Cataract and Lens Surgery
A cataract is an eye condition in which the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. This causes vision to
worsen, making it especially difficult to see fine details clearly. Some people’s vision is only
slightly affected, whereas others might lose their eyesight very quickly. How it progresses will
depend on things like the exact type of cataract.Cataracts mostly affect people over 50. The risk
increases with age: About 20 out of 100 people between the ages of 65 and 74 have a cataract.
And more than 50 out of 100 people over the age of 74 are affected.Cataracts are the main
cause of blindness in developing countries. The number of people who go blind from cataracts is
considerably lower in industrialized countries due to the availability of effective surgery.
Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy eye lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.
There are three main types of cataracts:
Cortical cataracts: Apart from causing blurred vision, this type of cataract leads to problems with glare
in particular, for instance when driving at night.
Posterior subcapsular cataracts: This type of cataract is more common in younger people and
progresses relatively quickly.
Nuclear cataracts: These cataracts affect your ability to see things in the distance more than your ability
to see nearby objects. Vision is sometimes affected only a little, and the condition develops relatively
slowly. Some people can compensate for the vision loss – temporarily or even in the longer term – by
wearing glasses or contact lenses. There are no medications for the treatment of cataracts.The only
effective treatment is surgery. Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a
new, artificial lens. The lens capsule (an elastic membrane surrounding the lens of the eye) is left in the
eye during surgery. Only the inner core and the outer cortex of the lens are broken up into small pieces
using ultrasound. The pieces are then sucked out of the eye through a small cut. Once the lens has been
removed, an artificial lens is implanted into the lens capsule. This procedure, called phacoemulsification,
is the standard technique in Germany and some other countries. Sometimes laser surgery is offered as
well.Whether and when surgery would be a good idea greatly depends on how much the vision loss is
affecting someone’s life. Another factor to consider is the presence of other (eye) conditions that could
affect the outcome of cataract surgery.
Track 2:Contact Lens and Refraction
Contact lenses are thin, clear plastic disks you wear in your eye to improve your vision.
Contacts float on the tear film that covers your cornea.
Like eyeglasses, contact lenses correct vision problems caused by refractive errors. A refractive
error is when the eye does not refract (bend or focus) light properly into the eye resulting in
a blurred image.
Contacts can improve vision for people with these refractive errors:

2. myopia (nearsightedness)
hyperopia (farsightedness)
astigmatism (distorted vision)
presbyopia (changes to near vision that normally happen with age)
Types of Contact Lenses
Contacts are made from many kinds of plastic. The two most common types of contact lenses
are hard and soft.
Hard contact lenses
The most common type of hard contact lens is a rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lens. These lenses
are usually made from plastic combined with other materials. They hold their shape firmly, yet
they let oxygen flow through the lens to your eye.
RGP lenses are especially helpful for people with astigmatism and a condition
called keratoconus. This is because they provide sharper vision than soft lenses when
the cornea is unevenly curved. People who have allergies or tend to get protein deposits on
their contacts may also prefer RGP lenses.
Soft contact lenses
Most people choose to wear soft contact lenses. This is because they tend to be more
comfortable and there are many options. Here are some types of soft lenses.
Track 3: Cornea, External Eye Diseases, and Eye Banking
Corneal and external diseases refer to eye conditions that affect the ocular surface.
Some of the common conditions that affect the ocular surface include dry eye,
blepharitis, allergies, conjunctivitis, corneal infections, and corneal dystrophies
which may cause clouding of the cornea.
Allergies Allergies affecting the eyes are fairly common, especially those related to
pollen and other environmental allergens, contact allergies, medications, and
contact lens wear. The most prominent symptom is itching but symptoms can
include redness, burning and watery discharge as well. Treatment may include
reducing your exposure to the allergen when possible. Topical eye drops or
ointment and/or oral medications may be indicated to help treat allergic ocular
conditions.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a chronic eye disease that is often characterized by inflammation of
the eyelids. Additionally, it can cause symptoms such as red, burning, or itchy eyes,

3. light sensitivity, and blurred vision, among others. Blepharitis can be caused by
bacteria or a skin condition, and your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, eye drops,
or ointments
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis refers to a diverse group of diseases and conditions that may cause
watery or thick discharge, swelling, burning and redness of the conjunctiva, a
mucous membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye (the
sclera). Conjunctivitis is usually mild but may be severe. It is sometimes highly
contagious, affecting millions of Americans at any given time. Typically caused by a
virus, bacteria, allergies, environmental irritants, contact lens products, or eye
drops can also play a role. Our specialists will determine best therapy based on
your symptoms and findings on examination. Viral conjunctivitis often does not
require intervention and will resolve on its own. Bacterial conjunctivitis is rare, but
if present, will typically be treated with topical antibiotics.
Corneal Infections
Rare infections can be caused by bacteria or fungi from a contaminated contact
lens; or damage to the cornea from trauma. These infections cause pain and
discharge and can reduce vision Thinning and scarring of the cornea can result in
permanent vision loss that may require a corneal transplant. Minor infections are
commonly treated with antibiotic eye drops. If the problem is severe, it may require
more intensive antibiotic or anti-fungal treatment, as well as steroid eye drops to
reduce inflammation.
Corneal Dystrophies
Corneal dystrophies are conditions in which the normal clarity of the cornea is
reduced due to a buildup of abnormal deposits in the cornea. There are over 20
corneal dystrophies that affect all parts of the cornea. These diseases are usually
inherited, affect both eyes, and are not caused by outside factors, such as injury or
diet. Most corneal dystrophies progress gradually and occur in otherwise healthy
people. Some dystrophies cause severe visual impairment while others cause
minimal visual problems. The most common corneal dystrophies include Fuchs’
dystrophy, lattice dystrophy, and map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy.
Dry Eye
When the eye is unable to produce enough tears to keep it properly lubricated or
the tear film is improperly balanced, this is known as dry eye. It is a very common
diagnosis that affects millions of people worldwide. UConn Health has established
the Dry Eye Center with knowledgeable ophthalmologists who can quickly diagnose
and treat dry eye in patients.

4. Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a condition in which the normal cornea, which is dome-like and
spherical in shape, becomes thin in one area and develops a cone-like shape. The
cornea is critical in refracting or focusing light on the retina so that you can see
clearly. When the cornea shape is altered then vision can be distorted or blurred.
Keratoconus may affect one or both eyes. It can start in the late teens and early
twenties. The vision may worsen gradually, although, on occasion, it can advance
quickly if there is sudden swelling of the cornea. Keratoconus is diagnosed by an
eye examination and a special instrument that maps the corneal contour. If the
vision is good, treatment may include simply wearing glasses. If the vision worsens
over time, special keratoconus contact lenses may be fitted and are typically the
mainstay of improving vision. Eye rubbing is discouraged as sometimes this can
lead to progression of the keratoconus. Procedures such as collagen cross-linking to
stabilize the cornea from further thinning and corneal transplantation may be
necessary to help improve vision.
Track 4:Glaucoma
Our eyesight often gets worse with age. In addition to this normal aging effect, people may also develop
eye diseases that impair their vision, or even lead to blindness. Glaucoma is one of the more common
eye diseases. It's estimated that, in the industrialized world, about 2 out of 100 people over the age of
40 years have glaucoma.
The term "glaucoma" is used to describe a number of different eye conditions, all of which involve
damage to the optic nerve. This damage leads to ever larger gaps in the field of vision, which usually go
unnoticed at first. Your field of vision is what you can see when you look straight ahead, without moving
your eyes. In advanced stages, your ability to see things sharply (visual acuity) also gets worse.
Over 90 percent of people who have glaucoma have a form called open-angle glaucoma. This form
progresses slowly, and damage to the optic nerve doesn't cause vision problems for many years. Eye
drops and surgery are the most commonly used treatments. Angle-closure glaucoma is less common:
This type can go unnoticed for a long time, but then very suddenly cause severe vision loss and other
problems
Track 5. Interdisciplinary
The WHO issued the first World Report on Vision in October 2019.
According to this report, at least 2 billion people are living with vision
impairment or blindness. Ophthalmic disease and vision impairment
have created a significant global disease burden that continues to in-

5. crease. Ophthalmologists worldwide face on-going challenges in the
diagnosis and management of complex eye diseases. It is therefore crit-
ical that we share information and join global efforts to expand our
clinical and applied research knowledge to protect visual health.
Due to the unique structure and intricate visual pathways of the eye,
ophthalmic research is inevitably integrated with the principles and
techniques of other related disciplines. These include materials science,
tissue engineering, biomechanics, neuroscience, medical imaging, com-
puter techniques, etc. With the rapid development of ophthalmology in
recent years, many novel and innovative technologies, cutting-edge dis-
coveries, and interdisciplinary research have emerged.
Ophthalmologists and basic scientists need an advanced, accessible,
academic platform that integrates these multiple disciplines and encourages
Track 6:International Eye Care and Eye Care Delivery
Globally, there are an estimated 370 million Indigenous people across 90 countries. Indigenous
people experience worse health compared with non-Indigenous people, including higher rates of
avoidable visual impairment. Countries such as Australia and Canada have service delivery models
aimed at improving access to eye care for Indigenous people. We will conduct a scoping review to
identify and summarise these service delivery models to improve access to eye care for Indigenous
people in high-income countries.
Methods and analysis
An information specialist will conduct searches on MEDLINE, Embase and Global Health. All
databases will be searched from their inception date with no language limits used. We will search
the grey literature via websites of relevant government and service provider agencies. Field experts
will be contacted to identify additional articles, and reference lists of relevant articles will be
searched. All quantitative and qualitative study designs will be eligible if they describe a model of
eye care service delivery aimed at Indigenous populations. Two reviewers will independently
screen titles, abstracts and full-text articles; and complete data extraction. For each service delivery
model, we will extract data on the context, inputs, outputs, Indigenous engagement and enabling
health system functions. Where models were evaluated, we will extract details. We will summarise
findings using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

6. Ethics and dissemination
Ethical approval is not required, as our review will include published and publicly accessible data.
This review is part of a project to improve access to eye care services for Māori in Aotearoa New
Zealand. The findings will be useful to policymakers, health service managers and clinicians
responsible for eye care services in New Zealand, and other high-income countries with Indigenous
populations. We will publish our findings in a peer-reviewed journal and develop an accessible
summary of results for website posting and stakeholder meetings.
Track 7:Medical Retina
Medical Retina is a specialized area of ophthalmology that deals with the in-office management
and treatment of retinal diseases. This includes age-related macular degeneration (AMD),
diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, vitreous floaters, retinal vascular disorders,
retinal tears, and some types of retinal detachments.The retina is the tissue lining the inner
surface of the back of the eye. The center part of the retina, called the macula, is essential for
one's central vision (e.g. seeing people's faces and sports scores on TV). While disease of the
retina can be serious and vision-threatening, recent advances in the field have expanded our
ability to effectively treat these problems.
Track 8:Neuro-Ophthalmology
Neuro-ophthalmology is a subspecialty of both neurology and ophthalmology. Neuro ophthalmologists
specialize in vision problems that relate to your nervous system. Such issues include vision problems due
to brain injuries or diseases, including trauma, a stroke, or an infection. Sometimes, these issues might
not be a serious cause for concern, but other times, they can lead to more serious complications, such
as vision loss.A neuro-ophthalmologist can diagnose and treat neurological and systemic diseases that
affect your sight and the movement of your eyes. The tests they may give you include
electroretinography, optical coherence tomography, and multi-focal EGRs
Track 9: Ocular Imaging
Highly trained OSOD ophthalmologists and imaging technicians are available to document the
appearance of basic ocular structures such as the external eye, anterior segment, and retina throughout
the life of a study. State-of-the-art digital cameras, cutting-edge imaging equipment, and advanced
imaging procedures allow color fundus imaging, fluorescein angiography, fundus autofluorescence, and
cross-sectional imaging of the anterior and posterior segment. OSOD's imaging team members are
highly skilled, and many are routinely engaged in clinical photography of human patients. Many are also
skilled teachers, having trained or certified many of the photographers involved in large-scale human
clinical trials

7. OSOD has the ability to use either film or digital imaging modalities in our studies at Labcorp and in our
university-based studies. OSOD members are also integral in industry-wide efforts to standardize digital
imaging across equipment manufacturers to assure and optimize data integrity. At OSOD, all color
fundus photographs, fluorescein angiograms, and OCT images are evaluated and graded by a retinal
specialist.
Track 10:Ocular Oncology
Ocular oncology involves the study and treatment of tumors that occur in or around the eye.
These tumors can range from harmless to potentially life-threatening, and may cause vision loss
or loss of the eye itself.Due to the complex nature of ocular oncology, our faculty includes
experts in cornea, ophthalmic plastic surgery, pathology, and retina. Mass. Eye and Ear
researchers and clinician scientists have experience with a range of conditions, including ocular
surface tumors, uveal melanoma, orbital tumors and inflammation, and retinoblastoma
Track 11:Ophthalmic Education/Young Ophthalmologists
Medical school at that time (1955) was lecture based for the first 2 years, and increasingly
clinical for the last two, very much along the Flexner recommendations of 45 years earlier.
There were no such things as a specific curriculum, learning objectives, or formative
evaluations. An example was my biochemistry course with one summative evaluation after a
course lasting two-thirds of the year. We had grades, as did most schools, and there was a
hierarchical ranking. At that time, 1959, it was not unusual for the graduating class to have had
considerable membership loss over the expected 4 years. In my situation, of the 120 entering
students, 89 graduated, including 3 from prior entering classes.
If you were uncertain of your future specialty interest (and at least 8 of my class did not go on to
residency), a “rotating” internship was selected. Mine was on the West Coast in a County
hospital with huge intern responsibilities, featuring knife and gun victims, and a plethora of
unusual and difficult cases. It was a spectacular opportunity, coming from a Midwest, heavily
didactic, but trauma-less medical school education. The population was primarily indigent and
minimally educated in contrast to my Iowa experience. The experience and capability obtained
were such that I became the triage officer of an Evacuation Hospital in Vietnam, some 6 years
later. There were no clear classic educational expectations, such as a curriculum, nor truly
structured evaluations. I was offered an internal medicine residency, a surgical residency, and
an ophthalmology residency; I selected none of the above at the Highland Alameda County
Hospital, Oakland, California. I was not yet ready to leave Iowa, and the quality of education
was vastly superior at Iowa.
Track 12:Ophthalmic Epidemiology
Ophthalmic Epidemiology is dedicated to the publication of original research into eye and vision
health in the fields of epidemiology, public health and the prevention of blindness. Ophthalmic
Epidemiology publishes editorials, original research reports, systematic reviews and meta-

8. analysis articles, brief communications and letters to the editor on all subjects related to
ophthalmic epidemiology. A broad range of topics is suitable, such as: evaluating the risk of
ocular diseases, general and specific study designs, screening program implementation and
evaluation, eye health care access, delivery and outcomes, therapeutic efficacy or
effectiveness, disease prognosis and quality of life, cost-benefit analysis, biostatistical theory
and risk factor analysis. We are looking to expand our engagement with reports of international
interest, including those regarding problems affecting developing countries, although reports
from all over the world potentially are suitable. Clinical case reports, small case series (not
enough for a cohort analysis) articles and animal research reports are not appropriate for this
journal.
Track 13:Ophthalmic Pathology And Microbiology
Ophthalmic pathologists study tissues excised by Ophthalmologists to provide
a precise diagnosis of the disease. The diseased tissue is examined
macroscopically (gross examination) and by light microscopy. Other
techniques, such as immunohistochemistry, molecular testing, and electron
microscopy are also sometimes employed. The diagnosis of the disease plays
an important part in patient care. Ophthalmic pathologists are able to provide
the practicing ophthalmologist with a tissue diagnosis and with information
about the cause, pathogenesis and prognosis of ocular diseases. Ophthalmic
pathologists are a vital component of academic medical centers because of
their comprehensive knowledge about diseases of the eye. By teaching
ophthalmologists and trainees in ophthalmology (residents and medical
students), they contribute to the maintenance of high quality eye care.
Ophthalmic pathologists are a vital component of academic medical centers
because of their comprehensive knowledge about diseases of the eye. By
teaching ophthalmologists and trainees in ophthalmology (residents and
medical students), they contribute to the maintenance of high quality eye
care. Numerous ophthalmology training programs exist in the USA. The
importance of ophthalmic pathology in education was recognized in an
editorial by John G. Clarkson titled "Ophthalmic Pathology. Important Now
and in the Future. Aside from the diagnostic and teaching aspects of
ophthalmic pathology, ophthalmic pathologists contribute to furthering
knowledge about eye diseases through research.
Track 14:Ophthalmic Trauma

9. Ocular trauma is one of the most under-recognized causes of vision loss in the developed
world. Blunt or penetrating ocular trauma can lead to vision loss through cataract or glaucoma
(Figures 1 and 2). Etiologies of ocular injury differ in urban areas compared to other settings, and
differ from country to country, between different regions of the world, and between differing
demographic or socioeconomic classes. Epidemiological studies can encounter difficulty due to
remote trauma and difficulty obtaining an accurate history. In addition, trials to better understand
management can be limited by poor follow-up. Strategies for prevention of ocular trauma require
knowledge of the cause or mechanism of injury, which may enable more appropriate targeting of
resources toward preventing such injuries. Both eye trauma victims and society bear a large,
potentially preventable burden.
Track 15: Orbital, Oculoplastic, and Lacrimal Diseases
Oculoplastic and orbital surgery is plastic surgery focused on the structures surrounding
the eye, including the eyelids, orbit (bones of the eye socket), lacrimal system (tear duct
system), forehead, and midface area. Because surgery in these areas can affect vision,
ophthalmic plastic surgeons are best qualified to perform this delicate surgery.The
oculoplastic and orbital surgeons at UT Southwestern are seasoned ophthalmologists with
years of experience in the latest plastic surgical techniques. Our oculoplastic surgery team
treats conditions and injuries affecting the eyes, eyelids, and surrounding structures and
also offers cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures to enhance the appearance.
Offers the comprehensive assessment and medical and surgical treatment of disorders affecting the
eyelids and eyebrows; the tear gland and problems with the drainage of tears; and orbital diseases
including thyroid eye disease and traumatic orbital “blowout” fractures. This service specializes in
aesthetic surgery, including surgery of the eyelids;laser treatment for facial wrinkles and skin blemishes,
and hair removal.
DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES:
 Measurement of eyelid height and eyeball protrusion
 Quantitation of tear production and drainage
 Orbital ultrasound
 Interpretation of CT and MRI Scans
 Visual Field Examination
 External Photography
 Histopathologic Evaluation of Tissue Biopsy Specimens
TREATMENTS OFFERED:
 Laser Skin Resurfacing for Wrinkles: Eyelids and Facial
 Aesthetic and Functional Eyelid and Eyebrow Surgery
 Reconstructive Surgery
 Management of Tearing Problems
 Orbital Surgery

10. Track 16: Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
Strabismus (crossed eyes) is a condition in which the eyes do not line up with one another.
In other words, one eye is turned in a direction that is different from the other eye.
Under normal conditions, the six muscles that control eye movement work together and
point both eyes at the same direction. Patients with strabismus have problems with the
control of eye movement and cannot keep normal ocular alignment (eye position).
Strabismus can be categorized by the direction of the turned or misaligned eye:
Inward turning (esotropia)
Outward turning (exotropia)
Upward turning (hypertropia)
Downward turning (hypotropia)
Other factors to consider that help determine the cause and treatment of strabismus:
Did the problem come on suddenly or over time?
Was it present in the first 6 months of life, or did it occur later on?
Does it always affect the same eye, or does it switch between eyes?
Is the degree of turning small, moderate, or large?
Is it always present, or only part of the time?
Is there a family history of strabismus?
Pediatric Ophthalmology
It is estimated that of the 45 million people who are blind worldwide in 2000, 1.4 million
are children from middle-income and low-income countries, the majority of whom live in
the poorest regions of Africa and Asia. The focus of this paper is to discuss the status of
pediatric ophthalmology in developing countries and the progress that has been made
in the areas of avoidable childhood blindness and visual impairment, particularly corneal
scarring as a result of vitamin A deficiency, congenital cataract and retinopathy of
prematurity. In addition, we will review the prevalence of uncorrected refractive error
and discuss the access to pediatric ophthalmologists in developing countries.
Recent findings
Some developing countries have begun incorporating vitamin A supplementation and
measles immunizations and have seen a decrease in xerophthtalmia. With improvement
in vitamin A status, cataract is becoming a more apparent cause of treatable childhood
blindness. Amblyopia and uncorrected refractive errors are important and inexpensively
treatable causes of visual impairment, with myopia being most common. As neonatal

11. intensive care services in middle-income developing countries improve the survival of
premature infants, retinopathy of prematurity is emerging as a significant cause of
childhood blindness.
Summary
Childhood blindness and visual impairment in developing countries remains a significant
public health issue, but recent initiatives have shown promise of future improvements.
Track 17:Refractive Surgery
Introduction
Refractive ophthalmic surgery allows refractive errors to be corrected
permanently in a safe, effective, and reliable way with few complications.
Methods
Selective literature review with special reference to the guidelines of the
German Commission for Refractive Surgery.
Results
With a total of almost 18 million treatments performed to date, laser in-
situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is the most commonly used refractive
surgical procedure worldwide. Alternatives to LASIK include surface
ablation procedures (PRK, LASEK, Epi-LASIK) and phakic intraocular
lens implantation. If ocular accommodation is lost, removal of the
crystalline lens and implantation of modern multifocal intraocular lenses
(refractive lens exchange) provide an alternative means of correcting
myopia, hyperopia and presbyopia.
Discussion
The treatment effect is maximized and complications kept to a minimum
if strict inclusion criteria are applied and a high technical standard
maintained during the procedure.

12. .Track 18:Surgical Retina
The surgical retina is a broad terminology for diseases of the vitreous and/or
retina for which the primary management is vitreoretinal surgery In addition,
some medical retinal conditions may eventually need surgery.many of the
surgical retinal conditions are emergencies and the doctor may advise
surgery at the earliest. however, there is no need to panic, as a majority of
them can be managed well with modern day vitreoretinal surgical
techniques.for conditions like retinal detachment, intraocular infection
(endophthalmitis), posteriorly dislocated/ dropped nucleus/retained lens
matter, time is the essence. prompt surgical intervention is the only way to
save vision in these patients.
Track19:Uveitis
Uveitis is inflammation inside your eye. Inflammation usually happens when
your immune system is fighting an infection. Sometimes uveitis means your
immune system is fighting an eye infection — but it can also happen when
your immune system attacks healthy tissue in your eyes. Uveitis can cause
problems like pain, redness, and vision loss.Uveitis damages the part of the
eye called the uvea — but it often affects other parts of the eye, too.
Sometimes uveitis goes away quickly, but it can come back. And sometimes
it’s a chronic (long-term) condition. It can affect 1 eye or both eyes.Uveitis can
cause vision loss if it isn’t treated — so it’s important to see your eye doctor
right away if you have symptoms.
Track15:Vision Rehabilitation
Low vision rehabilitation is the standard of care for people that have vision loss. If you, or
someone you know, suffers from a vision impairment, ask your doctor of optometry about
low vision rehabilitation. A doctor of optometry who provides low-vision rehabilitative
services can help people with low vision regain their independence and improve their quality
of life.People with low vision can learn a variety of techniques to help them perform daily
activities with their remaining vision. Government and private programs offer educational
and vocational counseling, occupational therapy, rehabilitation training and more.Since
1999, both the American Optometric Association and the American Academy of
Ophthalmology have called for Medicare to cover low-vision rehabilitation services. Many
Medicare carriers now have policies that cover some vision rehabilitation services. Ask your
doctor of optometry's office about this type of coverage.

13. Track16:Macular degeneration
Macular degeneration is a disorder that affects the retina, the light-sensitive lining at the
back of the eye where images are focused. The macula-the area on the retina responsible for
sharp central vision-deteriorates, causing blurred vision. This can cause difficulty reading
and, for some, a blurry or blind spot in the central area of vision.The most common form of
age-related macular degeneration is known as non-exudative, or the "dry" form, in which
vision loss usually progresses slowly. More rapid and severe vision loss comes from
exudative, or the "wet" form, of macular degeneration. In the wet form, abnormal blood
vessels develop under the macula and leak fluid and blood.Both exudative and non-exudative
forms of macular degeneration are age-related. They are the leading cause of blindness in
people over 50. Recent studies estimate that over 1.6 million older Americans have age-
related macular degeneration.The exact cause is unknown. Although age is the primary
contributing factor, cigarette smoking and nutrition can also play a role in the development
of age-related macular degeneration. A hereditary juvenile form of macular generation called
Stargardt Macular Dystrophy can also cause vision loss.
Track 17:Retinitis pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited diseases that damage the light-
sensitive rods and cones in the retina, the back part of our eyes. The rods, which
provide side (peripheral) and night vision, are affected more than the cones, which
provide color and clear central vision. Signs of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) usually appear
during childhood or adolescence. The first sign is often night blindness, followed by a slow
loss of side vision. As the disease develops over the years, people with RP often bump into
chairs and other objects because their side vision is worsening. They can only see straight
ahead as if they are in a tunnel. Fortunately, most cases of RP take a long time to develop
and vision loss is gradual. It may take many years for vision loss to become severe.
Currently, there is no cure for RP. However, research indicates that vitamin A and lutein may
slow the disease's progression. A doctor of optometry can provide more specific information
on nutritional supplements that may help slow the disease and can monitor the progression
thereafter. Also, low vision aids, including telescopic and magnifying lenses, night vision
scopes and other adaptive devices, can help people with RP maximize their remaining vision.
A doctor of optometry who is experienced in low-vision rehabilitation can provide these
devices. He or she can also provide information about other training and assistance to help
people remain independent and productive. Genetics research may one day provide a
prevention or cure for people who have this inherited disease.
Causes & risk factors
Factors Retinitis pigmentosa is an inherited condition.

14. Symptoms
Signs of RP usually appear during childhood or adolescence. The first sign is often night
blindness, followed by a slow loss of side vision. As the disease develops over the years,
people with RP often bump into chairs and other objects because their side vision is
worsening. They can only see straight ahead as if they are in a tunnel. Fortunately, most
cases of RP take a long time to develop and vision loss is gradual. It may take many years for
vision loss to become severe.
Diagnosis
 Comprehensive eye examination
 It can be a difficult diagnose and may require further testing
 Family history of the disease
Treatment
Currently, there is no cure for RP. However, research indicates that vitamin A and lutein may
slow the disease's progression. A doctor of optometry can provide more specific information
on nutritional supplements that may help slow the disease and can monitor the progression
thereafter. Also, low vision aids, including telescopic and magnifying lenses, night vision
scopes and other adaptive devices, can help people with RP maximize their remaining vision.
A doctor of optometry who is experienced in low-vision rehabilitation can provide these
devices. He or she can also provide information about other training and assistance to help
people remain independent and productive. Genetics research may one day provide a
prevention or cure for people who have this inherited disease.
Prevention
There is no prevention for retinitis pigmentosa because it is hereditary.
Track18:Amblyopia
Amblyopia—also known as lazy eye—is the loss or lack of development of clear
vision in one or both eyes. Amblyopia—or lazy eye—is often associated with crossed eyes
or is a large difference in the degree of nearsightedness or farsightedness between the two
eyes. It usually develops before age 6 and does not affect side vision. Eyeglasses or contact
lenses cannot fully correct the reduced vision caused by amblyopia if vision was not
developed within the critical period.

15. Causes & risk factors
 Not getting a comprehensive eye exam to detect condition by 6 months of age and again at 3
years of age.
 A high prescription that has gone uncorrected with glasses or contacts.
 Family history.
 Premature birth.
 Developmentally disabled.
 Eye turn—also referred to as strabismus (one eye turned out or in).
 Visual deprivation of one eye—congenital cataract, ptosis and/or corneal opacities.
 Large refractive errors.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include noticeably favoring one eye or a tendency to bump into objects on
one side. Symptoms are not always obvious.
Diagnosis
Early diagnosis increases the chance of a complete recovery.
The American Optometric Association recommends that children have a comprehensive
optometric examination by 6 months of age and again at age 3. Lazy eye will not go away on
its own. If left undiagnosed until the preteen, teen or adult years, treatment takes longer and
is often less effective.
Treatment
Treatment for lazy eye may include a combination of prescription lenses, prisms, vision
therapy and eye patching. In vision therapy, patients learn how to use the two eyes together,
which helps prevent lazy eye from reoccurring.
Prevention
A comprehensive eye exam by the age of 6 months and again by 3 years of age.

16. Track 19:Retinal detachment
Retinal detachment is a tearing or separation of the retina (the light-sensitive lining
at the back of the eye) from the underlying tissue, possibly resulting in vision loss.
Causes & risk factors
 A high degree of nearsightedness.
 After cataract surgery.
 Ocular Trauma.
 Loss of jelly-like substance (vitreous) eye.
 Retinal breaks.
 Lattice retinal degeneration.
 Glaucoma.
 Personal or family history of retinal detachment.
Symptoms
 Flashes of light (photopsia) or sudden increase of photopsia.
 Shadow of a curtain moving across vision and loss of central vision.
 Increase of floaters or spots.
Diagnosis
 Loss of vision.
 Sudden or recent onset of floaters.
 Flashing lights.
 Loss of peripheral field.
 Family history of vision loss or history of retinal disease.
 History of trauma, vitreous or retinal disease or intraocular surgery.
Treatment
Possible treatment options can include:

17.  Laser photocoagulation.
 Replacing vitreous (jelly-like substance)—Vitrectomy.
 Cryotherapy.
 Scleral buckle.
 Expanding gas.
 Air injection.
 Silicone oil injection.
Prevention
Early detection and treatment of signs and symptoms through routine comprehensive eye
exams by a doctor of optometry
Track 20:Low vision exam
During a low-vision exam, a doctor of optometry who provides low-vision rehabilitation will
ask the patient for a complete personal and family-general health and eye history. In
addition, the doctor will concentrate on the patient's visual difficulties, asking about how the
visual impairment is affecting the patient's daily activities, computer use, reading, traveling,
ability to recognize faces, functioning in the kitchen, driving, working, television viewing,
attending school and participating in hobbies. The doctor will also screen for depression that
is more common with vision loss. Low-vision doctors perform specialized refraction and
thoroughly examine each eye. In addition, the doctors will measure the patient's visual acuity
using special low-vision test charts. These charts include a larger range of letters or numbers
to more accurately determine the level of vision impairment. They may also evaluate the
patient's visual fields, investigate a patient's glare, contrast sensitivity and reading ability. At
the conclusion of the evaluation, the doctor will create a comprehensive, individual
rehabilitation plan based on the patient's visual abilities and goals. The vision rehabilitation
will often happen over several visits to the clinic.
Track 21:Nano Ophthalmology
Nanotechnology is a new concept that will soon become the pinnacle of science
and technology. This technology is predicted to benefit various parts of
ophthalmology therapy and diagnostics in the near future. Many medications'
bioavailability is reduced due to the complicated drug delivery barrier in the eye,
resulting in poor therapeutic benefits. New medications must be investigated
using proper delivery methods and vehicles. Nanotechnology has been used to
develop prospective ocular medication delivery systems that interact with the
ocular mucosa, enhance permeability, and lengthen drug retention time in the

18. eye. Nano-carriers such as liposomes, nanoparticles, nano-suspensions, nano-
micelles, and nano-emulsions have also gained favour as effective theranostic
applications to treat various microbial superbugs. Nanocarrier technologies hold
a lot of promise for revolutionising medication delivery in DED, as they can
deliver therapeutic agents to particular locations and for longer periods of time.