Biography:

Bruna Ventura graduated from the Medical School of the University of Pernambuco and completed her residency training at the Altino Ventura Foundation, both in Recife, Brazil. Did a postdoctoral fellowship in cataract and refractive surgery at the Baylor College of Medicine, in Houston, USA. Obtained her Master Degree from the Federal University of Alagoas, in Maceio, Brazil, and is currently working on her PhD Degree. Is Head of the Cataract Department of the Altino Ventura Foundation. She has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals, written several book chapters, and serves as an editorial board member of two ophthalmologic journals.

Abstract:

The Zika virus (ZIKV) is a neurotropic flavivirus. It was first identified in a rhesus monkey in 1947, and first isolated in humans from Uganda a year later. However, only in 2007, a ZIKV outbreak was reported outside of Africa. This outbreak was characterized by rash, conjunctivitis and arthralgia. Another ZIKV epidemic occurred in the French Polynesia in 2013 and 2014. In April 2015, the first ZIKV autochthone transmission was confirmed in Brazil, followed by an epidemic scenario in the country. It is estimated that more than one million Brazilians have had ZIKV infection since then, reflecting the virus’ capacity to cause large-scale outbreaks where the vector is present. After the Brazilian ZIKV outbreak, an unexpected 20-fold increase of microcephaly in newborns was identified, with approximately 3,174 new suspect cases until January 2016. For the first time in history, this malformation has been associated with ZIKV intra-uterus infection. Since other vertically transmitted diseases can cause ocular alterations, ZIKV may also affect the eye. Literature is scarce regarding the ophthalmologic findings of infants with clinical diagnosis of ZIKV-related microcephaly. The Altino Ventura Foundation is a tertiary reference center in Ophthalmology in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, and has a Rehabilitation Center for patients with multiple disabilities. Since Pernambuco is one of the states with the highest prevalence of ZIKV-related microcephaly, several patients received ophthalmologic care at the Foundation. Thus, we have assessed the ocular findings of infants born with microcephaly during the Brazilian ZIKV epidemic.

Biography:

Bruna Ventura graduated from the Medical School of the University of Pernambuco and completed her residency training at the Altino Ventura Foundation, both in Recife, Brazil. Did a postdoctoral fellowship in cataract and refractive surgery at the Baylor College of Medicine, in Houston, USA. Obtained her Master Degree from the Federal University of Alagoas, in Maceio, Brazil, and is currently working on her PhD Degree. Is Head of the Cataract Department of the Altino Ventura Foundation. She has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals, written several book chapters, and serves as an editorial board member of two ophthalmologic journals.

Abstract:

The Zika virus (ZIKV) is a neurotropic flavivirus. It was first identified in a rhesus monkey in 1947, and first isolated in humans from Uganda a year later. However, only in 2007, a ZIKV outbreak was reported outside of Africa. This outbreak was characterized by rash, conjunctivitis and arthralgia. Another ZIKV epidemic occurred in the French Polynesia in 2013 and 2014. In April 2015, the first ZIKV autochthone transmission was confirmed in Brazil, followed by an epidemic scenario in the country. It is estimated that more than one million Brazilians have had ZIKV infection since then, reflecting the virus’ capacity to cause large-scale outbreaks where the vector is present. After the Brazilian ZIKV outbreak, an unexpected 20-fold increase of microcephaly in newborns was identified, with approximately 3,174 new suspect cases until January 2016. For the first time in history, this malformation has been associated with ZIKV intra-uterus infection. Since other vertically transmitted diseases can cause ocular alterations, ZIKV may also affect the eye. Literature is scarce regarding the ophthalmologic findings of infants with clinical diagnosis of ZIKV-related microcephaly. The Altino Ventura Foundation is a tertiary reference center in Ophthalmology in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, and has a Rehabilitation Center for patients with multiple disabilities. Since Pernambuco is one of the states with the highest prevalence of ZIKV-related microcephaly, several patients received ophthalmologic care at the Foundation. Thus, we have assessed the ocular findings of infants born with microcephaly during the Brazilian ZIKV epidemic.

Biography:

Janardan Kumar, PhD is a Professor of microbiology and chemistry at Becker College. He served as a chair of natural science department from 2011-2014. Prior to joining to Becker College, while a research associate/Assistant Professor at Duke University, he first proposed at the ARVO international conference, Fort Lauderdale, (1999) that the Rho-GTPase activation mediated through LPA and thrombin perfusion caused increase outflow resistance in porcine eyes. In 2001 while at Duke University he filed for intellectual property in the US on RGD-containing peptides as safe therapeutic alternatives for glaucoma therapy. The same molecule has been filed for patent in Japan, with additional international applications to follow.

Abstract:

The emerging evidence on Rho-GTPase studies in the field of glaucoma research has reinforced a growing understanding of the molecular mechanism(s) of aqueous humor outflow resistance and provided new drug targets for glaucoma therapy. Several laboratories including our research team suggested that the increased outflow facility was as a result of the cellular contractions in outflow pathway cells. Even perfusion of thrombin with impurities in porcine eyes, initially misled us to a conclusion that the Rho-GTPase activation with thrombin leading to cellular contraction might increase the outflow facility. Furthermore, investigation of pure thrombin and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) perfusion in porcine eyes led us to conclude that Rho-GTPase activation, in fact, decreased the outflow facility. A number of studies have focused on to the regulation of outflow, however, very little is known about the regulation of fluid dynamics in the eye and the role of outflow pathway cells for maintaining aqueous humor outflow resistance. The simple reason is that the physiologically compromised fluid dynamics measuring device at constant pressure and the fluid medium for perfusion, similar to the aqueous humor, are not fully developed. Hence, measurement of the fluid dynamics at constant pressure is warranted to determine if aqueous flow is continuous or discontinuous and could be directly correlated with the function of outflow pathway cells. Moreover, we hypothesize that the measurements of LPA and/or thrombin in the aqueous humor of glaucomatous eyes might provide a rationale to the pathophysiology of glaucoma. We anticipate that this new knowledge will ultimately lead to the development of new therapeutic alternatives in the management of glaucoma.

Biography:

Samantha Harding was a chemist, polymer scientist and journalist before entering medicine. She was a resident and fellow at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London where she developed her interest in pediatric ophthalmology. She was the first in the history of the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus to win best of show twice as first author for posters in 2008 and 2011 and was the first to publish a series of pediatric deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty cases with Ken Nischal. She is a fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.

Abstract:

The diagnosis of papilloedema can be elusive at the best of times but in children it can present particular challenges. Children are often sent to the eye clinic because "blurry disc margins" are visualised on direct ophthalmoscopy or retinal photography but these can represent normal structural variants. Ultrasound can be helpful, quickly distinguishing an obvious drusen and autofluorescence and enhanced depth imaging can be helpful in a buried druse. Can electrophysiology also be of assistance? This talk will look at some of the challenges diagnosis of true papilloedema can present and clinical and imaging modalities that can assist in making a diagnosis of swelling of the optic nerve head due to raised intracranial pressure.

Biography:

Celso Cunha has completed his specialization at the age of 27 at Hospital Regional – Santa Catarina - Brazil. He is a member of the Refraction Department SOBLEC – Brazil, and a Medical consultant for Hoya Vision Care. He has published more than 10 papers which were published in Brazilian journals and Meetings. He is a new member of the editorial national board of Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia and Revista Brasileira de Oftalmologia.

Abstract:

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of 0.025% atropine eye drop in children for the control of myopia with and without photosensitive lens. METHODS: This was a prospective study of sixty children, aged 6 to 12, with spherical equivalent refractive error of -1.00 to -6.00 diopters (D) and astigmatism of -1.00 D or smaller. Children were randomly assigned into two groups in a 1:1 ratio of either anti-reflective coating lens (group 1) or photosensitive lens (group 2). Both groups used 0.025% atropine, once-nightly dosing to both eyes for 1 year. Cycloplegic refraction, axial length, and keratometry were noted at the baseline and 1 year later. In terms of corneal topography, only regular astigmatism was accepted. Student's t test was used to compare the two groups. RESULTS: The age mean and SD for the two groups were 8.2 +/- 1.7 and 8.3 +/- 1.7 years; the initial refractive errors were -3.63 +/- 1.21 D and -3.60 +/- 1.38 D in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Myopic progression was significantly less (P = 0.0007) in group 1 (-0.19 +/- 0.14 D) than in group 2 (-0.32 +/- 0.13 D). Axial length increase was also significantly smaller (P = 0.001) in group 1(0.11 +/- 0.08 mm) than in group 2 (0.21 +/- 0.11 mm). There were no significant statistical differences in relation to keratometry between groups. CONCLUSION: Topical 0.025% atropine eye drops is more effective without photosensitive lens for retarding myopic progression in moderate myopia. However, it is necessary the usage of multilayer anti-refrective coating lens for preventing glare. Furthermore, a larger scale randomized controlled study with longer follow-up seems warranted.

Biography:

Anna Laura Giacomin has completed her Medical degree in 1986 at the Padua University. She has joined as the Ophthalmological Specialist at the Padua University in 1991. In 1996, she joined in the Ophthalmology Unit of the Camposampiero PD Civil Hospital, responsible for the Ophthalmoplastic Service. She has obtained Homeopathy clinic course and in 2011, Master 2° level in Ophthalmoplastic Surgery from Naples Federico II University. From 2005, she is a full Member of the European Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Abstract:

Infective and inflammatory eyelid disorders (blepharitis, chalazion, allergy, viral infections) have a frequent manifestation in pediatry. Usually they are treated with therapeutic local procedures to resolve itching and ocular reddish to reduce the risk of bacterial infection due to a minor control of the hygiene in this age. If the pathology has recurring aspects, or has an aesthetic expression, other examinations are performed to place the problem in a general health contest. In fact disorders of immune system are revealed in eyelid disorders, in particular in mucous membrane immune system (lung, intestine, liver). The environment, nutrition and of family life style, play an important rule in eyelid disorders. Prophylaxis, conventional and unconventional therapies (homeopathy) are proposed to prevent chronicity, avoid lid surgery and reduce the risk of sight problem due to corneal damage.

Biography:

Daniel Valverde presently working as a Faculty of Medical Sciences at University of Guayaquil. Being Specialist in Retina Medicinal – Ocular Nutrition - Low Vision – Pediatric Vision - Public Health - Community Development Projects in Public Health.

Abstract:

If the immature immune system entirely in the patient newborn, receiving no maternal colostrum either by birth not to end, or not to receive the colostrum any case, that patient with immature immune system. It presents pictures hyperactivity, allergies and recurring weakness in their health. Many signs and symptoms in ametropia suffered by the infant patient, one in hyperopic pictures are more noticeable than in other ametropia are sharpened. Cellular reprogramming with the help of strengthened transfer factors help these sharp pictures disappear and allow the patient's immune system to work more efficiently, overcoming not only the pathologies that arise but also the visual system. With our team for over four years valuing these types of cases concluded in the advantage provided by having the optimization of the immune system in the pediatric patient suffering from ametropia.

Biography:

Sevinj Salmanova has completed her PhD from Azerbaijan State Medical University. She is chief of Pediatric Department at National Center of Ophthalmology. She has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

To trace the state of adrenergic-cholinergic relationship in the recovery stage of sensomnestic and pupil-accommodative mechanisms 2000 children suffered from pre-, perinatal encephalopathy aged 3-12 months and further in ages 1-3 years, followed by catamnesis 5-7 years old were examined. The state of sensomnestic indicators was assessed by the adequacy of fixation of visual attention, by flash visual evoked potential and the reaction of "assimilation" of photostimulation rhythm in the EEG. They were grouped by diagnosis of neonatologists; pre-, perinatal encephalopathy (PPE) – 1000 children, perinatal acute cerebrovascular stroke (PACVS) - 400 children, perinatal toxic-hypoxic encephalopathy - 600 children. We found that 85% of children with PACVS and 50% of children with PPE in the early neonatal period have marked catecholamine excite dumping syndrome. We have had a direct positive correlation between this syndrome and the duration of unstable fixation of visual attention in children with PACVS and with PPE, examined of a periods of life up to 3 and 3-6 months, even – up to 1st year. In more than one third of these children up to age of 1 year, there was a tendency to strengthen of dysregulation of the visual analyzer vascular providing mechanisms, related to cholinergic irritation. However, we have worked out the treatment plan, including Prednisolone 1 mg - in the morning, 2 ml of Bio-Ritmo – in the afternoon, Vasobral 10 mg - in the evening, Semax - 1 drop in each nostril (1 time a day) carry through 3 weeks, minimizes the risk of exacerbation of the consequences of catecholamine excite dumping syndrome.

Biography:

Caroline Mvilongo Tsimi has completed MD degree from Yaounde faculty of Medicine and biomedical sciences. She is an ophthalmologist at Yaounde Central Hospital and has published some papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

The management of strabismus in Cameroon is not well developed and the average age of first consultation is beyond the age amblyopia reversal. It is with the aim of improving strabismus management that we undertook this prospective and descriptive study which spanned 11 months. The objective was to describe amblyopia in patients with comitant strabismus at their first visit. Data collected included the age at the first visit, past history, refractive error, the characteristics of strabismus, amblyopia and strabismus-associated factors.Forty patients were included amongst whom there were 21 females and 19 males. The mean age was 5.5±4.6 years, with extremes of 3 months and 24 years. The hospital prevalence of amblyopia was 1.02%. Esotropia was the most common form of strabismus in 52.5 % of cases. In 37.5% of cases, the onset of strabismus was before the age of six months. Amblyopia was present in 63.7% of cases. It was classified as severe in 29.41% of cases, moderate in 21.57% of cases, and mild in 49.02% of cases. Head tilt was present in 27.5% of cases and nystagmus in 25% of cases. In conclusion, the prevalence of amblyopia is high in our milieu with a higher prevalence amongst esotropic patients. The management of strabismus relies on the wearing of the full cycloplegic correction and requires the full cooperation of the parents.

Biography:

Jagmohan Dyal Singh is completing his BS in Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Major) and Applied Mathematics (Minor) through National Credit Policy of ACE (American Council of Education). He himself is suffering from amblyopia comorbid with Refractive Squint and had diplopia when reading through a book. He corrected his visual handicap by designing a special type of spectacles which gave him the power to read and eventually complete his education, which he had left for 12 years. After he corrected his disorder he continued his education in Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (Major) and Applied Mathematics (Minor).

Abstract:

“Lazy Eye” syndrome or Amblyopia is a common phenomenon scattered throughout the human population. It is estimated that around 5% of the human population suffers from this syndrome along with diplopia and refractive squint present in many or rather most of the cases. It is quite possible that other animal species that depend on stereoscopic vision for their survival are also prone to this condition in the same frequency as the human population. During prehistoric and ancient times, this condition did not interfere with human survival and this is the reason of its prevalence among the human population even in the present times. As it is present among 5% of the human population, it is no doubt a genetic condition. It has presented itself in individuals that have a genetic history of this condition in the maternal or paternal lineages. This condition is a major liability for the sufferer in the modern world. During ancient times, when man started as a hunter-gatherer and until the human world did not depend on the written word this condition was a benign syndrome, possibly without any competitive disadvantage. That is the reason this condition has survived into the modern world. In the modern world, the major disadvantage is in field of academics. Children suffering from this condition are at a disadvantage due to their inability to study like other normal children, due to this condition. In the amblyopic patients, having diplopia and refractive squint near stereoscopic vision is disrupted during reading and other near vision activities. Two different images that are created in the visual cortices do not overlap. Special glasses can be utilized to fuse two different images that do not overlap, into an image that overlaps and soothes the patient while reading and other near vision activities. These glasses force the visual cortices to fuse the two different images into one which otherwise is impossible and makes amblyopia comorbid with refractive squint a difficult malady to correct with present treatment options. These glasses are based on the neurobiology of vision. How stereoscopic vision is processed by the brain and the understanding of underlying cause that produces this deficit in the brain of individuals afflicted with this disorder is also conceptualised in this treatment option. Why 3D Optics is helpful in correcting this disorder in the brain is also hypothesized in the paper. These glasses should only be used for near vision activities like reading through a book but not for reading through a computer screen or watching television, as no diplopia is present when words or visuals are seen on an illuminated background, although amblyopic patients who suffer headache while using a computer shall benefit immensely from this procedure. This method will correct the visual deficit and convergence insufficiency with 100% positive results and shall improve the academic capabilities of children suffering from amblyopia and refractive squint who complain of diplopia and headache while reading. These glasses shall also correct the binocular acuity of individuals suffering from amblyopia. This shall be done by breaking the suppression of visual signals sent by the amblyopic eye to the brain. Prolonged use of these glasses shall train the brain to make use of signals and images created in both the visual cortices into one. The brain shall be forced to utilize visual signals from both the eyes due to its neurophysiology.

Biography:

Coming soon

Abstract:

The incidence of uveitis in children (between 4-7/100,000/year) is lower than that of adults, but it is more likely to cause vision impairment. Unlike adults, the onset is mostly insidious in normal looking white eyes, whilst slowly allowing inflammation to damage the structures of the eyes until vision is compromised, often permanently. In the developed economies the proportion of infectious cases is declining but idiopathic uveitis stubbornly persists. Screening of children at high risk, such as those with arthritis, allows earlier treatment, which can save vision. However treatment with steroids topically, regionally or systemically leads to delayed causes of vision loss that may not be manifested until late adolescence or even adulthood. Promptly initiating steroid sparing immunomodulatory therapy can avoid these problems, but management is complicated potentially dangerous and is independent of the status of any systemic condition and uveitis often smoulders on long after the arthritis has completely resolved. Use of biological agents is effective but is expensive and needs to be prolonged increasing the risk of systemic side effects, including cancer. The challenges of early diagnosis, appropriate referral and control of inflammation are ever present and despite best modern care children still lose vision in one or both eyes as a consequence of uveitis.

Biography:

Chris D Kalogeropoulos is the Professor of Ophthalmology in School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Greece. He obtained Diploma of Medicine at University of Patras, Greece in 1983 and PhD in Ophthalmology, School of Medicine; University of Ioannina, Greece in 1991. He worked as a Research Associate (Ocular Inflammations), Lecturer and recently, Professor in Ophthalmology at University of Ioannina. He was also a Research Fellow at University Eye Clinic of Geneva, Switzerland. He also served as a President of the Hellenic Society for the Study of Ocular Inflammations and Infections. He is the Head of Ocular Inflammation Service at University Hospital of Ioannina, with over than 100 publications in International and Greek scientific journals and invited speaker in Hellenic and International Ophthalmological Congresses.

Abstract:

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is a very important allergic eye disease in children, especially in boys, potentially sight threatening in some cases. VKC is usually characterized by seasonal exacerbation and resolves by puberty. The disease has a geographical variation (increased incidence in hot-dry areas). The onset presents between 3 to 5 years (in early childhood). There are two main clinical types: palpebral and limbal. The complications of VKC include loss of vision, corneal scarring, keratoconus, limbal stem cell deficiency, steroid induced cataract and glaucoma and behavior alterations. Antistamines, mast cell stabilizers and topical steroid constitute the classic treatment. However, recently topical cyclosporine-A is a new approach to the treatment of VKC. Injection of sub-tarsal short and long-acting steroids can be used. Surgically, cryoablation and/or surgery of tarsal cobblestones and amniotic membrane transplantation are also performed. A new grading system of VKC based on the seventy of the disease has been proposed and different treatment options are oriented according to the clinical grade of VKC. The goal regarding the management of VKC is to prevent severe complications before puberty since afterwards a remission of the disease is observed. Therefore, grading of VKC is useful for clinicians and researches to classify disease activity and to establish an agreement for treatments.

Biography:

Arturo Maldonado-Junyent is a Medical doctor and surgeon, graduated from the National University of Cordoba, Argentina, specialist and master in ophthalmology. He is head of the anterior segment department of the Clinica de Ojos Maldonado Bas in Córdoba, Argentina. He is also Assistant Professor of the Postgraduate specialization in Ophthalmology in the Catholic University of Córdoba and Director of the Postgraduate in Ophthalmology of the Ophthalmology Society of Córdoba, Argentina.

Abstract:

Penetrating keratoplasty is rarely used in children due to the high rate of rejection. But manual lamellar keratoplasty requires a level of surgical skill that limits its performance. And the visual results in conventional femtosecond assisted lamellar keratoplasty are not good. In order to solve this, we have developed a hybrid lamellar keratoplasty technique with high replicability, since its performance is almost entirely automated, thus guaranteeing a significant percentage of surgery completion. It is named FEHLK (Femto Excimer Hybrid Lamellar Keratoplasty). Indications: This technique is indicated for any corneal pathology in which the endothelium is unharmed, including keratoconus, superficial and deep corneal opacities and scars. Technique: This involves making a lamellar cut with a femtosecond laser, with the lamellar keratoplasty program, without completing the central three millimeters, which will later be dissected manually. This makes possible an interface zone in the visual axis of much higher quality than that made by the femtosecond laser. We then make a photoablation with an excimer laser to regularize further the surface of the corneal bed. Finally, the donor tissue is sutured. Conclusion: With this technique, we can make a reproducible lamellar keratoplasty in children and adults with a very low complication rate, which allows us to maintain the endothelium and extend the life of the graft and decrease rejection, achieving better visual results. This is the best option for pediatric patients.

Biography:

Professor Mohamed Mostafa Kamel Diab has completed his Ph.D. at age of 29 years from Ain Shams University and postdoctoral studies from Ain shams university school of medicine Cairo Egypt. He is professor of ophthalmology Ain shams university Cairo Egypt and consultant ophthalmology Magrabi hospital KSA. He has published 16 international papers in reputed ophthalmology journals.

Abstract:

Introduction: Dissociated vertical deviation (DVD) is a poorly understood vertical deviation which may remain latent (compensated) or manifest (decompensated). The deviation may be symmetrical or asymmetrical Objective: we compare 3 different surgical approaches in patients with DVD without IO over-action. Methods: This is prospective study include 48 consecutive patients with dissociated vertical deviation without inferior oblique overaction subdivided into three groups, 16 patients each Group I patients was subjected to bilateral inferior rectus tucking (plication), and Group II patients were subjected to combined bilateral superior rectus recession and Faden procedure (posterior fixation), lastly Group III bilateral superior rectus recession is the procedure for management. Results: It was found that DVD had significantly improved in all cases of group inferior rectus tucking with correct11±3pd of vertical deviation and 4±2pd of asymmetry with exception one patient needed retucking of unilateral IR for residual manifest DVD. GroupSR Faden procedure revealed moderately improved DVD with correct 9±2pd of vertical deviation 2±2pd of asymmetry with 4 patients needed resection of unilateral IR for residual manifest DVD. Group SR recession corrected to10±3pd of vertical deviation and 3±1pd of asymmetry. Conclusion: Various treatment modalities as a primary procedure for management of dissociated vertical deviation without inferior oblique overaction revealed still superior rectus recession combined with faden procedure is the best line of treatment nevertheless inferior rectus tucking procedure is safe easy respectable substitute, further studies is recommended in this field.

Biography:

Divya Vakharia completed her graduation in medicine (MBBS) from Mahatma Gandhi Missions Medical College, Mumbai, India from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik, India. She is specializing in Ophthalmology from Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Pune, India. She started her specialization in August 2013. She has published 3 papers and presented 10 papers at both national and international conferences.

Abstract:

The study was conducted on cases in children coming to outpatient department of Ophthalmology in Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Pune, Maharashtra, India from August 2014 to November 2015. After taking the consent from the legal guardians, history was taken and comprehensive ophthalmic examination as carried out in view of detecting amblyopia ( best corrected visual acuity is 6/12 or worse without the presence of any pathological cause). Mann Whitney U-Value two tailed hypothesis was applied for statistical analysis. 60 cases were included in the study. 3 cases (5%) had bilateral amblyopia, of which 2 cases were females and one case was male. 12 cases (20%) had unilateral amblyopia. Total incidence of unilateral and bilateral amblyopia was 25%. 10 cases (8 cases with unilateral amblyopia and 2 cases with bilateral amblyopia) had visual acuity less than 6/60 which accounts for 16.67% cases of amblyopia. Unilateral or Bilateral amblyopia was not found to be statistically different in males and females in pediatric age group. In this study the incidence, of associated amblyopia was 25% cases (unilateral amblyopia-20% and bilateral-5%). In this study, the incidence of amblyopia was found to be 25% and it was not found significantly different by age in males and females.

Biography:

Frank Sandi is an eye doctor with passion of serving pediatric eye health in Tanzania. After his residence in Ophthalmology at KCMC, now he is the head of Ophthalmology services at the new University of Dodoma where he has a major role of establishing eye care services. Despite all the setbacks in health systems in developing countries, he is setting up eye care services for the central zone which is inhabited by 8 million people but with no pediatric eye care services. So he knows the global pediatric ophthalmology challenges better as is in the process of establishing eye care services in Tanzania.

Abstract:

Of recently, Pediatric Ophthalmology is a growing field as new advances and techniques are progressively discovered with regard to childhood blindness and its management. Most developed countries are at better position of offering comprehensive pediatric eye care services but in most of the developing countries this field is lagging behind and is given less attention despite the significant impact of blind years in children. Most of the blindness and visual impairment in children in developing countries are either preventable or treatable such as vitamin A deficiency, congenital cataract, corneal opacities, Retinoblastoma, trauma, congenital glaucoma etc. These are the majority of cases seen in developing countries. Despite these challenges in provisional of quality pediatric eye care there is a huge opportunity for government of developing countries to wake up and take pediatric blindness seriously by having a strategic document to increase human resource and develop pediatric eye care centers within each province/region and later on to trickle down to community level. This can be done in collaboration with development partners and other stakeholders in eye care industry such as sight savers, HKI and others. In Tanzania for example there are only three centers which offer pediatric eye care services which are not evenly distributed. This is very few for a country of approximately 50 million populations. This is an unacceptable ratio of pediatric eye care facilities. This will need advocacy and political will to change the current situation given the high demand of pediatric eye care services within the country.

Biography:

Ahmed Fahmi completed his MD at University of Khartoum in Sudan. He joined London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine where he got an MSc in Community Eye Health. He goes certified in Pediatric Ophthalmology training at CCBRT - Tanzania with Richard Bowman. He established the pediatric ophthalmology unit of the main ophthalmic service provider in Khartoum -Sudan. The unit provided medical and surgical training for residents and young ophthalmologists in pediatric ophthalmology.

Abstract:

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of surgery and the factors affecting it in children with primary childhood glaucoma attending Makka Eye Complex in Riyadh, Khartoum in the period from January 2011 to June 2012. Methodology: This is a prospective, descriptive, hospital based study. A total of 32 patients were involved after confirming the diagnosis of PCG. Preoperative data including IOP, corneal diameter and clarity, CD ratio and refraction were considered. The eyes were classified as having mild, moderate or severe disease based on intraocular pressure, corneal diameter and corneal clarity. Main outcome measures were postoperative intraocular pressures, corneal diameter, corneal clarity, bleb characteristics, surgical success, and complications. Complete surgical success was defined as a postoperative intraocular pressure of ≤21 mm Hg without additional medical or surgical therapy, and with stabilization of corneal diameter and CD ratio. Success was considered qualified when anti-glaucoma drugs were needed to maintain these criteria. Failure was defined as IOP greater than 21 mmHg or the occurrence of sight-threatening complications, or the need for additional surgery. Results: A total of 60 eyes of 32 patients were included in the study. Twenty one (65.6%) of the patients was males. Mean age at presentation was 17.7±30.6 months (range 0.25-120 months). Mean duration of the disease was 14±24.7 months (range 0.25–96 months). Twenty nine infants (91%) had bilateral disease. Mean duration of follow-up was 9.48 ±3.7 months (range 6–21months). Surgeries performed were combined trabeulotomy-trabeculectomy, augmented trabeculectomy and goniotomy. Mean preoperative and postoperative IOP were 23.1 and 14.9 mmHg respectively, with a mean reduction of 8.2 mmHg (P-value 0.00). The mean preoperative horizontal corneal diameter was 12.7±1.2 mm. Corneal-oedema was present in 93.3% of eyes preoperatively. Postoperatively no oedema was found in 68% of eyes. Complete success was obtained in 60% of the study population and qualified success in 18%, while 22% of the study population was considered as failures. Six eyes required secondary surgical intervention and 22 were on antiglaucoma medication at the last follow-up. There were no major postoperative complications apart from phthisis bulbi which developed in one eye. Risk factors of surgical failure were early age of presentation, short duration of disease, severe disease and severe corneal oedema. Conclusion: The overall surgical success of primary congenital glaucoma was 78%. Age of presentation, duration of disease, severity and corneal clarity significantly affect the surgical outcome.

Biography:

Gustavo Amorim Novais is a cornea specialist in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and has pursuit the highest level of training in the world’s best ophthalmology hospitals such as Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (Miami, USA), Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary- Harvard (Boston, USA), McGill University (Montreal, Canada). He is now in-charge of the cornea and external disease at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro State- UNI-RIO and is also a board member of the PanCornea and Brazilian Ophthalmology societies.

Abstract:

Ocular allergic disease is very frequent among pediatric population worldwide and can vary from simple and mild seasonal to sight threatening vernal disease. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment is crucial to prevent more severe complications related, specially, from vernal and atopic variants. This presentation is intended to cover basic and advance aspects of allergic eye disease, management of complications and new treatment options.

Biography:

Abstract:

Introduction: Resilience of the amblyopia to its treatment in children with astigmatism necessitates a further study of the features of this disease. The purpose of the investigation is to study the specificity of the responseof the cerebral cortex and the mechanisms of the perceiving disorders in children with astigmatism. Methods: We used VEP generated in response to a reversion of black and white stripes with rectangular illumination profile to study cerebral cortex response. The size of rectangular stripes corresponded to maximally corrected visual acuity under the condition of full optical correction. The peculiarity of this technique is that the stripes are dimensionally oriented in the direction of the main astigmatism meridians of the amblyopic eye. Amplitude P100, which was obtained in main meridians, was investigated and compared. Visual acuity was investigated in main meridians. Correlation between amplitude P100 and visual acuity in similar meridians was analyzed. Results: We noted a significant difference in amplitude P100 when the reversible stripes were localized in main meridians. This meridional asymmetry correlates with different visual acuity, obtained in different meridians. The difference in amplitude P100 in meridians doesn't depend on the type and the extent of astigmatism. Discussion: We have obtained a particular response from the cerebral cortex in patients with astigmatism. This allows to suggest that amblyopia in patients with astigmatism develops in a specific manner - afferent signals from retina cells, sending information about dimensional localization, are perceived by the cortex unequally. So, information coming from the receptive field of the meridian which has preferred optics (with focus located closer to retina) is perceived better. We have also discovered that the type of astigmatism significantly influences the mechanism and the extent of amblyopia development. It was also noted that meridional asymmetry appears in patients even with insignificant level of astigmatism (1.5 dptr and more). Conclusion: Information obtained allows for more in-depth appreciation of the mechanism of the amblyopia development in patients with astigmatism. This circumstance makes possible to develop new, more effective ways of amblyopia treatment in patients with astigmatism. It also allows identifying a new criterion for the successful amblyopia treatment in patients with astigmatism - an absence of meridional asymmetry when conducting VEP using method described above.

Biography:

Rakshya Panta Sitoula completed MD Ophthalmology from Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu, Nepal in 2008. She did two years long “Anterior Segment Fellowship” from Biratnagar Eye Hospital, Nepal (2010 - 2012) and ICO fellowship in Glaucoma from New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, USA (2013). Presently, she is Head of Department of Glaucoma at Biratnagar Eye Hospital, Nepal and is actively involved in clinical work. She has surgeries nearing 25,000 to her credit. She is also an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at National Academy of Medical Sciences and is involved in teaching and training the residents and the fellows. She is actively involved in research. She was awarded “Travel Grant” to present her paper titled “Lens induced glaucoma: A hospital based clinico-epidemiological study” at World Glaucoma Congress 2015 (Hong Kong). She also has a number of papers published in peer-reviewed journals.

Abstract:

Primary congenital glaucoma is a specific term referring to eyes that have isolated mal-development of trabecular meshwork without other ocular anomalies or diseases that can raise IOP. It has an incidence of approximately 1 in 10,000 live births. Though a rare entity it poses a major challenge in management in developing countries. We prospectively looked at case series of 11 patients with primary congenital glaucoma that presented to Biratnagar Eye Hospital (Nepal) from November 2014 to October 2015. All patients underwent examination under anesthesia. On the basis of corneal diameter, IOP, CDR who met the criteria, were subjected to combined trabeculotomy with trabeculectomy (19 eyes of 11 patients). We operated these patients in as low cost as NPR 1200 which is equivalent to approximately 10 Euro. There were 11 patients (6 males and 5 females); mean age of first consultation was 10.73.8 months. Eight patients had bilateral involvement and 3 had unilateral involvement. Mean vertical corneal diameter was 12.8 1mm and horizontal corneal diameter 13.51 mm. The mean IOP was 45  8 mm of Hg. The surgical intervention led to clearance of corneal haziness, symptomatically relieved children and enhanced functional results; however the most important challenges in our scenario were late presentation with advanced disease. The reason for so being the financial constrains, geographic barrier and lack of awareness about the treatment.

Biography:

Ahmed A K El-Massry, MD, is the Professor of Ophthalmology at Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt and Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University Baltimore Maryland. He served as the Technical Director of Ophthalmology Department, Alexandria University from 2006-2010. He is the Vice Manager of Alex Eye Center from 2011 till present. He is the Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, (AAO) for 30 years, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, (ASCRS) for 25 years, international Society of Refractive Surgery (ISRS), Egyptian Society of Ophthalmology (ESO) for 30 years. He is the member of the board Delta Ophthalmology Society (DOS) (25 years), member of the Board of (ESOIRS) Egyptian Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and performing life surgery for 29 years in the ESOIRS meetings. He is the Reviewer of the Journal of Refractive Surgery, Sudanese Journal of Ophthalmology and the Continuous Committee for promotion of Assistant Professors and Professors in Egypt. He published more than 30 papers in reputable journals.

Abstract:

Anisometropic Amblyopia is one of the frequent causes of lifelong unilateral visual impairment in children. It is well known that Anisometropic Hyperopia is the most common type of Amblypia followed by aniso- astigmatism followed by anisometropic Myopia. Since 1992 LVC (laser Vision Correction) was done to anisometropic Myopic children with long term follow up of Regression, decentration and Ectasia proving it was not the optimum treatment for this situation. Phakic IOLs were studied since 2002 with fair results at that time. The aim of this prospective, non-randomized, non-comparative interventional study is to assess the two years follow up of Insertion of Collamar Co-Polymer intraocular lenses (ICL) in Anisometropic Myopic Children. Twelve eyes of 12 children with myopic anisometropia more than five diopters in children aged 4-14 years, with myopic anisometropia, had ICL implantation in the posterior chamber after full preoperative assessment, Visual acuity, anterior segment OCT, endothelial cell count and posterior segment evaluation were done. Improvement of visual acuity with more than three Snellen’s lines, Occlusion therapy was done to all cases after surgery.

Biography:

Elvan Yalçın has completed her Ph.D. at the age of 25 years from Hacettepe University and Postdoctoral studies from Ankara University School of Medicine. İnternational scholar certificate From Wills eye hospital in 2013. She is the Director of World eye hospital-Etiler branch which is an eye hospital. She has published more 21 papers in reputed and national journals.

Abstract:

I attempted to evaluate the efficacy of perceptual vision (neural vision) therapy in enhancing best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and contrast sensitivity function (CSF) in amblyopic patients.Amblyopia is the most frequent cause of reduced vision (unilateral or bilateral) in children, and is demonstrated by deficiencies such as loss of Snellen and grating acuity.The perceptual learning therapy program (RevitalVision LLC, Lawrence, KS, USA) is a noninvasive, software-based, patient-specific, interactive perceptual learning tool based on visual stimulation. It facilitates neural connections at the cortical level through a computerized visual training regimen using Gabor patches to improve contrast sensitivity and visual acuity.14,16–19 This treatment approach aims to reduce the noise activity of single cells, thereby increasing the signal strength and readapting the cortex to higher contrast sensitivity and visual acuity levels. The term “perceptual learning” describes a process whereby practicing certain visual tasks leads to an improvement in visual performance. Visual performance can be improved with repetitive practice on specific controlled visual tasks. These repetitive tasks initiate neural modifications that can lead to improvement in neuronal efficiency. Such neural modifications indicate the presence of brain plasticity.

Biography:

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Abstract:

Purpose: Post-traumatic endophthalmitis is a rare but serious complication of open global injury (OGI), representing a major turning point for the children’s visual prognosis. We aim to identify the epidemiology, etiology, culture results; anatomic outcomes and to report the experiences and skills of 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in pediatric post-traumatic endophthalmitis in rural China over a 6-year period. Methods: One hundred and seven eyes of 107 consecutive patients aged below 15 who were diagnosed as post-traumatic endophthalmitis between September 2009 and October 2015 were included in this retrospective study. All patients were undergone combined PPV and silicone oil tamponade. We extracted the following parameters: age, gender, wound anatomy, intraocular foreign body (IOFB) characteristics, initial and final best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anatomically reattachment. The VA were predicted using the ocular trauma score (OTS), and the predictions were compared with the BCVA using Fisher’s tests (SPSS version 17.0). Results: Seventy patients (65.42%) were male while thirty-seven (34.58%) were female, average age was 7.84 ±2.31 years, and mean follow-up was 13.31±3.15 months. The top three causes of injuries were: metallic substances (22.43%), scissors (16.82%) and firework (15.89%). Zone 1 injuries presented 14.02% (15/107) of the cases, and zone 2 and 3 presented 64.49% (69/107) and 21.50% (23/107), respectively. Lens trauma was noted in 53 (49.53%) eyes. An overall significant difference was observed among groups OST-1 (P=0.001) and OST-2 (P=0.012). Total retinal attachment was achieved in 99 of 107 eyes (92.52%) undergoing repair. Conclusions: If endophthalmitis is associated, surgery is urgent. The use of PPV combined silicone oil tamponade dramatically improved the prognosis of VA. However, prevention is always better than cure. Increasing awareness of the serious nature of endophthalmitis will help to develop a comprehensive plan for educating both parents and children to minimize preventable pediatric OGI.