Woo’s Wisdom Highlights: Dry Eye Disease & Keratoconus Innovations from Woo University
The Woo U community recently gathered for several insightful sessions under Woo’s Wisdom, featuring leading experts who shared their knowledge on dry eye disease (DED) and keratoconus management. These masterclasses combined clinical pearls, real-world case studies, and practical strategies that optometrists can immediately apply in practice.
Rapid Fire: Ask the Dry Experts
A Masterclass in the Management of Dry Eye Disease with Dr. Jim Thimons and Dr. Eric Donnenfeld
They first discussed modern risk factors, common symptoms, as well as diagnostic and management guidelines. They also discussed current treatment to improve ocular surface- aqueous deficiency, including current treatments available, oral nutrition, and demodex. They shared many case studies as well. Their top takeaway? Leaving DED untreated may have consequences.
This session highlighted the importance of early identification and comprehensive management of dry eye disease, emphasizing that untreated ocular surface disease can significantly impact both vision and quality of life.
Dry Eye Therapy for the Primary Care Optometrist
with Dr. Jessilyn Quint
She started by discussing what our patients expect – including wishing they were diagnosed and treated sooner. She also stressed that dry eye often has a multifactor component and some patients may need multiple treatments and realistic expectations. She also spoke about the importance of treating the asymptomatic patient.
She then broke down the top three areas primary care OD’s can tackle, including inflammation, cleaning up lids and lashes and evaporative dry eye.
She also busted the myth that primary care OD’s need special equipment to manage and treat dry eye.
Her talk reinforced that many effective dry eye treatments can be implemented in everyday practice with careful observation, patient education, and consistent management.
The Clinical Guide to the Newest Innovations in Keratoconus
- wfgSL & CTAK with Dr. John Gelles and Dr. Steven Greenstein
They started by talking about surgical and non-surgical vision correction in keratoconus, including the using a wavefront guided scleral lens and CTAK.
Dr. Gelles spoke about the difference in the quality of vision, the process of fitting these lenses in clinical practice, the ideal candidacy, as well as when you would use eccentricity lenses. He also discussed his top tips for success, including setting proper expectations.
Dr. Greenstein discussed CTAK, or corneal tissue addition keratoplasty, including tissue inlay options, patient selection, the procedure and post surgical contact lens fitting.
They shared cases for both procedures as well.
This session offered valuable insight into evolving technologies that are helping clinicians improve visual outcomes and expand treatment options for patients with keratoconus.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom with the Woo U community!
