Cornea Meets Plastics, ISD-DE Meeting London

The Joy of ISD-DE was the contact between Corneal Ophthalmologists and Oculoplastic Surgeons, Optometrists and Patient Advisor Support Groups.

The International Society of Dacryology and Dry Eye (ISD-DE) 2024 Update course and Scientific Meeting May 29th, 30th and 31st, was held at the emblematic County Hall.

A report by:

Jane Olver, President ISD-DE and London 2024 meeting Organiser

The ISD-DE proved the perfect place for corneal and oculoplastic ophthalmologists. We were able to mingle, network and exchange ideas in relaxed surroundings overlooking the Thames and Big Ben, touch base on common ground and grow from each other’s knowledge. Our common ground was watery and dry eyes, which often co-exist in the same patient.

Examples of the dry eye lecturers below. My sincerest thanks to all of them for making this a wonderful and memorable meeting, I love you all my Corneal, Plastics and Optometry Colleagues!

Johnson Yan Ning Neo spoke on Challenging Corneal Ocular Surface, Daphna Landau, MD on Eyelid Surgery and Dry Eye, Sajjad Ahmad on Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), Siobhan Wren on Advanced Options for Dry Eyes, Raman Malhotra on Eyelid causes of Dry Eyes, Francesco Quaranta Leoni on the Management of POst Operative Tearing, Laura Maubon on basic Assessment Dry Eyes, Nizar Din on Basic Treatments of Dry Eyes, Tristan McMullan on Eyelid causes of Watering Eyes. Robert Scott spoke on Corneal Trauma and Dry Eyes – Which Drops?

We were delighted to have Dr Wolfgang GK Müller-Lierheim from Germany explain to us his Hypothesis that Hyaluronan is a Key Player in the Maintenance of the Ocular Surface Integrity.

Hormones play a role in Dry Eyes but this is not always clear. Dr Theadora Kalentzi who runs the Menopause Clinic in the City spoke all about Dry Eyes and the Menopause.

Professor Harminder Dua (right) from Nottingham gave two lectures including the Inaugural Schirmer Lecture on Ocular Surface reconstruction: Principles and procedures, as well as his lecture The tear Film in Ocular Defence.

There was also Sai Kolli, Daniel Ezra, Nikolina Budimlija, Vickie Lee, Jonathan Roos, Rachna Murthy with lectures and workshops on Lifestyle and Dry Eyes, and Melanie Corbett on the Cryptic Culprit in Ocular Surface disease – namely cosmetics that seep onto the ocular surface.

Advice: Use less makeup and facial cosmetics. But don´t forget to use the very light SPF50 sunscreen, not too near the eyes, to protect your skin from ageing and sun-damage, risk skin malignancy. Basically, the heat of the face melts the face creams and they spread across the face and get into the eyes. Other tip was to always wash your hands after putting any cosmetics on your face as we are always touching our eyes and can deliver chemicals directly that way, which can reach the ocular surface and cause inflammation.

Lastly but certainly not least, Optometrist Super Star Brian Tompkins (left) and his Edutainment – Sclerals Rock! Optometry & Dry Eye Management Success, along with rock music and distinctive educative style.

SM: #IntSocDryEye,#Cornea,#Oculoplastic,#Plastics,#Lacrimal,#ClinicaLondon,#Dryeyes,#Wateryeyes,#JaneOlver

Article written by Ms Jane Olver, FRCS FRCOpht, President ISD-DE and 2024 London Meeting Organiser, owner and Medical Director, Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon Clinica London.

WATCH THIS SPACE – NEXT ISD-DE CONGRESS

The XVth Congress of ISD-DE will be held in June 2026, in Tallinn, Estonia, to be organised by Dr Kadi Palumaa