Woo U Wisdom: What We Learned from Recent Events
Treating Demodex Blepharitis: Look and Feel Better with Dr. Tracy Doll
Photo: www.healio.com
Dr. Tracy Doll recently shared important insights into the treatment of Demodex blepharitis, starting with a discussion on the underlying issues caused by Demodex and the resulting inflammation.
She outlined the clinical consequences of demodicosis, including:
Loss of lashes
Chalazia
Conjunctival injection
Corneal findings
Lid margin changes
In addition to these signs, Dr. Doll emphasized that patient symptoms can also indicate the presence of Demodex blepharitis. These symptoms include:
Itching
Dryness
Discharge
Eye redness
Burning
Tearing
Foreign body sensation
Pain
Blurred or fluctuating vision
Did you know there's a new way to detect Demodex?
Photo: www.ungexau.com
Dr. Doll introduced the Periman Apeglow sign as an additional method for identifying Demodex on the surface of the skin. To conclude, she reviewed current treatment options, which include:
Xdemvy
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)
Blue/red light photobiomodulation
Tea tree oil
Okra (yes, really!)
Ivermectin
Hypochlorous acid
These options were supported with numerous case studies, giving attendees a comprehensive overview of how to approach treatment for improved patient comfort and outcomes.
Corneal Meltdowns to Retinal Blowouts: A Survival Guide Ocular Emergencies with Dr. Cecelia Koetting
Photo: www.mdpi.com
Presented as part of the Ocular Emergencies Summit
This engaging session began with a clear breakdown of the differences between routine, semi-urgent, urgent, and immediate/emergency exams. Emphasis was placed on best practices for triaging patients according to the urgency of their condition.
A helpful framework was introduced using the “5 W’s” to guide clinicians in classifying a patient’s signs and symptoms by severity and urgency. The 5 W’s are: Who, What, When, Where, Why.
The presentation included a wide range of cases that covered patient presentations, triage decisions, management strategies, treatment protocols, and appropriate times to refer.
Top takeaway tips?
No matter the emergency: you’ve got this.
Take the time to evaluate the situation thoroughly and determine what’s needed. Refer out when necessary—or don’t hesitate to phone a friend.
Woo’s Wisdom for Urgency of Emergency: 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 7th Nerve Palsies with Dr. Tamara Petrosyan
Dr. Tamara Petrosyan delivered an insightful presentation focused on cranial nerve palsies and how to manage them in an urgent or emergent setting.
She began with a thorough review of cranial nerve anatomy and function, followed by a discussion on the various presentations, etiologies, and causes of nerve palsies. Dr. Petrosyan also covered how to take an accurate patient history and how to effectively triage patients based on urgency.
What are her top clinical pearls?
Etiologies are general guidelines.
Always consider the patient’s current and past medical histories, signs, and symptoms.
Determine whether the palsy is isolated or complicated.
New onset palsies are either an urgency or an emergency.
The most critical factor with acute onset cranial nerve palsy is identifying the cause as quickly as possible.
This session was a valuable reminder that careful evaluation, informed decision-making, and prompt action are key when managing cranial nerve palsies in clinical practice.
Woo’s Wisdom - Ocular Emergencies with Dr. Jessilin Quin and Dr. Lindsey Bull
Photo: medscape.com
Dr. Jessilin Quin and Dr. Lindsey Bull delivered a practical and case-rich presentation focused on managing ocular emergencies with confidence and clarity.
They began by defining what truly constitutes an emergency, and how to distinguish between an urgency and a true emergency in clinical practice. From there, they emphasized how to set up effective office protocols for emergencies, including staff triage training and the critical role of proper documentation.
The session featured a variety of real-world cases, including:
Foreign bodies
Corneal ulcers
Chemical burns
Migraines
Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)
With each case, they shared their top tips on triaging, history taking, diagnosis, and treatment, helping equip clinicians with practical tools to manage urgent situations effectively and confidently.
Woo’s Wisdom for Ocular Emergency and Trauma Grand Rounds with Dr. Carolyn Majcher
Photo: Mayo Clinic
Dr. Carolyn Majcher presented a compelling session filled with real-world emergency and trauma cases seen in eye care settings.
In this presentation, she shared several cases, including:
Retrobulbar hematoma
Metallic foreign body
Purtscher Retinopathy
Blunt trauma (both blunt and acute)
Traumatic optic neuropathy
Horner syndrome
Papilledema
Hypertensive retinopathy
For each case, Dr. Majcher reviewed the diagnosis, management, and treatment strategies, along with clear guidance on how and when to refer.
This session was an excellent guide for clinicians looking to sharpen their emergency response skills and make sound, confident decisions in urgent ocular trauma scenarios.
