The Education Committee of the World Glaucoma has highlighted the following WGC-2017 sessions from the Educational Portal. From among the many high quality videos online, the committee selects for these highlights that are of broad interest and significantly advance knowledge or provide new concepts or approaches that extend our understanding.
See also
- Selections by Harsha Rao
- Selections by Olusola Olawoye
- Selections by Ingrida Januleviciene
- Selections by Monisha Nongpiur
- Selections by Maria Carassco
- Selections by Tanuj Dada
- Selections by Marcelo Hatanaka
- Selections by Ronnie George
- Selections by Gustavo De Moraes
- Selections by Parul Ichhpujani
- Selections by Eytan Blumenthal
Presidential Symposium: Exfoliation Syndrome – The first century
This Symposium addressed the 100th anniversary of the discovery of Exfoliation Syndrome (XFS) by John Lindberg.
Robert Ritch, in the first talk, gave an excellent perspective of the evolution of knowledge about exfoliation syndrome and its current understanding as an ocular manifestation of a systemic disease. He also presented XFS as a potential preventable or curable disorder with many scientists from different areas doing research related to XFS.
Ahti Tarkkanen gave a wonderful portrait of John Lindberg and his research on XFS. He also remarked the growing interest on XFS in the medical literature, and the challenges we face with exfoliation syndrome and exfoliation glaucoma.
Tin Aung talked about the genetics of XFS, the discovery of LOXL1, and some new discoveries, including rare variants with protective effects in some populations. He described his collaborative studies with Japanese colleagues and the Worldwide XFS Consortium that lead to the discovery of the CACNA1A gene. Dr. Aung also described his latest discoveries including 5 new loci for XFS with samples for all around the world, and talked about the possibility of using this knowledge to develop new treatments for XFS.
Louis Pasquale talked about environmental determinants of XFS. He described latitude possibly being a risk factor for the development of XFS, and climatic factors and time spent outdoors, may be important as well. Dr. Pasquale gave a fascinating explanation about UV exposure to the eyes in different parts of the world. He also mentioned other factors, including cold, low folate, coffee consumption and others.
Ursula Schlötzer-Schrehardt addressed the etiology and pathophysiology of XFS. She talked about the exfoliation material, how is formed, and aggregates. Molecular mechanisms are yet not fully developed. She described this syndrome as a stress-induced fibrosis, with inflammatory and other processes. The genomics era was marked by the discovery of 7 genes involved in XFS. The role of LOXL1 and other genes in forming or aggregating the exfoliation material, as well as in other mechanisms, was also discussed.
Naj Sharif talked about the current and future approaches to treatment of XFS. He discussed targeting genes or gene products in treatment. For example using TGFbeta receptor antagonists, as well as autophagy stimulators. He also talked about the need for cell lines and animal models of the disease.
Ike Ahmed talked about avoiding trouble in cataract surgery in XFS. He talked about intra and post-operative complications that may occur. How to predict zonular instability and the use of capsular tension rings and capsular retractors. The manage of late in-the-bag IOL dislocations. His presentation was illustrated with many outstanding videos.
Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony of the 2017 WGC began with a welcome and introduction by Rob Fechtner, Executive VP of the WGA.
Tin Aung, President of the WGA, also welcomed the more than 3200 attendees to the meeting and acknowledge the work of several committees such as the local organizing and program planning committees; the work of Rob Fechtner, and the MCI team.
Hannu Uusitalo welcomed everybody on behalf of the Finish Glaucoma Society.
Minister Pirkko Mattila spoke on behalf of the Finish government.
WGA Awards were then offered. The Laureate Award was given to Roger Hitchings. The WGA Founders Award was given to Jeffrey Liebmann. Special Recognition Awards were to Jonathan Crowston, Chandra Sekhar Garudadri and Subhabrata Chakrabarti.
Neeru Gupta presented a Spotlight on Africa as part of the Global Outreach Committee, and introduced the Fellowship Program in collaboration with the ICO.
Rob Fechtner announced new societies members of the WGA, and thanked the Industry members of WGA.
Jonathan Crowston presented some of the highlights of the meeting. He also announced the Film Festival Winners.
Finally the Keynote lecture was on “The Success Story of Finish Education”, by Pirjo Hiidenmaa.
