Instructional Courses

The ESCRS is pleased to announce that all Instructional Courses at Milan Congress will be Free of Charge.
It is not necessary to register for these courses.
Course handouts will be available online prior to the congress.

• Saturday
• Sunday
• Monday
• Tuesday

Course Handouts

• Saturday 8 September
  08:30-09:30

• IC 1
• Basic microsurgical suturing techniques for beginners No handouts are available for this course

  Leader: B. Frueh | Course Level: Basic

• Faculty:    K. Mikek   S. Prasad   J. Butcher        

  This is a pre-requisite course for the wetlab(s) Basic Suturing Techniques

  Course Objectives:
  
  To teach beginners the basic principles of suturing and preparing them for their wetlab training / their very first case of suturing.
  
  Course Description:
  
  It emphasises basic microsurgical suturing techniques in open globe injuries, extracapsular cataract extraction and trabeculectomies.
  
  Single Product Course: No
  
  Financial Disclosure: None
  

• Saturday 8 September
  10:30-11:30

• IC 2
• AlphaCor: clinical and surgical management No handouts are available for this course

  Leader: N. Jiraskova | Course Level: Basic

• Faculty:    N/A               

  Course Objectives:
  
  The presenter will share her own experiences with AlphaCor and management of challenging cases (phacoemulsification in AlphaCor patients, etc).
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  TBA
  
  Course Description:
  
  AlphaCor in an artificial cornea for patients whose corneal blindness is unlikely to be managed successfully by means of standard penetrating keratoplasty. Course will provide basic and fundamental information about history of keratoprosthesis research, AlphaCor design and functions, handling and implantation techniques, patient selection, pre- and post-operative care, management of complications, and maximising refractive outcomes with this device.
  The background information will be provided in handouts for each participant of the course.
  
  Single Product Course: N/A
  
  Financial Disclosure: None
  

• Saturday 8 September
  10:30-12:30

• IC 3
• Basic phacoemulsification (Part 1) EBO Accredited

  Leader: K. Tjia | Course Level: Basic

• Faculty:    A. Chakrabarti   N. Reus           

  This is a pre-requisite course for the wetlab(s) Basic Phacoemulsification

  Course Objectives:
  
  The beginning phaco surgeon should finish this course with an insight into the fundamentals of phacoemulsification, and be in a position to perform the surgery in a more structured and safe fashion.
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  Basic Ultrasound and Fluidics: 45 min Tjia
  Anaesthesia and potential for posterior vitreous pressure: 20 min Reus
  Capsulorhexis and risk for tear out and management: 20 min Chakrabarti
  Hydrodissection, soft nucleus management: 20 min Tjia
  Presentations should include enough time to answer questions
  
  Course Description:
  
  This is a wetlab pre-requisite course. These courses are designed for the beginning phaco surgeon. The faculty have a wealth of experience of both phaco and teaching principles. An insight will be offered into what phaco machines do and how, as well as technical details of how to set about safe removal of cataractous lens.
  
  Single Product Course: N/A
  
  Financial Disclosure: None
  

• IC 4
• Glaucoma surgery: modern perspectives

  Leader: K. Barton | Course Level: Basic/Advanced

• Faculty:    N. Anand   S. Lim           

  Course Objectives:
  
  The purpose of this course is to describe best practice in trabeculectomy, non-penetrating filtration surgery and aqueous shunt implantation with emphasis on the steps that are essential for success.
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  Surgical technique - key steps and pitfall avoidance:
  - Trabeculectomy - Keith Barton
  - Non-penetrating surgery - Nitin Anand
  - Aqueous Shunt Implantation - Sheng Lim
  Minimally invasive surgery - a foretaste - Keith Barton
  
  Course Description:
  
  This course will deal with trabeculectomy, non-penetrating filtration surgery and aqueous shunt implantation, with an introduction to newer forms of minimally invasive surgery that are on the horizon.
  
  Single Product Course: N/A
  
  Financial Disclosure: None
  

• IC 6
• The management of complications during cataract surgery No handouts are available for this course

  Leader: R. Osher | Course Level: Intermediate

• Faculty:    G. Barrett              

  Course Objectives:
  
  To help the surgeon identify the early warning signs of a complication and then arm the surgeon with the best techniques and options for managing the problem successfully.
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  TBA
  
  Course Description:
  
  This perennial course reviews the diagnosis and management of a wide range of complications that are encountered by the cataract surgeon. These include torn anterior and posterior capsules, dropped nuclei, intraocular hemorrhage, zonular dialysis, iris prolapse, thermal injury, constricting pupil, nuclear chips, positive pressure, Descemet’s detachment, and other less common complications.
  
  Single Product Course: No
  
  Financial Disclosure: None
  

• IC 7
• Slicing and dicing - explanting and implanting secondary IOL's: video course No handouts are available for this course

  Leader: C. Mehta | Course Level: Advanced

• Faculty:    S. Bhattacharjee   B. Malyugin   K. Mehta   R. Packard   J. Bovet   

  Course Objectives:
  
  1. How to explant an IOL safely and atraumatically by either cutting it in the anterior chamber or folding it in the anterior chamber.
  2. Secondary IOL implantation techniques: this includes glued fixation, scleral haptic fixation, bag fixation and anterior chamber and spiral fixation lenses.
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  1. Explanting PMMA and foldable lenses: personal technique - Boris Malyugin (15 min)
  2. Cutting lenses in the eye, suturing lenses through the bag - Dr Cyres Mehta (15 min)
  3. Transiridial IOL fixation - Dr Keiki Mehta (15 min)
  4. Hoffman scleral pocket fixation - Dr Jerome Bovet (15 min)
  5. To glue or not to glue - Dr Robert Osher (15 min)
  6. My experience with secondary IOL‘s - Dr Richard Packard (15 min)
  7. IOL explanting a video - Dr Jerome Bovet (15 min)
  8. Discussion
  
  Course Description:
  
  Oops, the capsules ripped, the IOL fell in! IOL power calculation went wrong! This patient’s aphakic in one eye and the IOL is on the ciliary body. We can safely implant and explant secondary lenses through a small incision using new IOL cutters to explant and glue through the bag sutures and modified phakic lenses to implant the right lens. New forceps and cutters safely slice the lens into 2 or 3 parts. The adventurous can even fold the lens in the eye for removal. Inserting a secondary IOL is simplified with fibrin glues, transcapsular sutures and newer fastening techniques like the hammock and other lens suspension systems. Also we can see the new spiral IOL where the haptics are in the anterior chamber and the optic is in the posterior chamber. All these techniques only in video.
  
  Single Product Course: No
  
  Financial Disclosure: None

• IC 8
• Corneal collagen cross-linking: new techniques and biomechanics

  Leader: R. Stulting | Course Level: Intermediate

• Faculty:    W. Dupps Jr   K. Maia Rocha   C. Roberts   E. Stagni   P. Vinciguerra   G. Waring IV

  Course Objectives:
  
  To familiarize the user with the results of current prospective, controlled, clinical trials, biomechanical principles and theories of action, and new methods of treatment delivery.
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  Authors will present US FDA clinical trial results for corneal collagen cross-linking as well as European cross-linking data. Techniques and preliminary results with transepithelial corneal collagen cross-linking as well as crosslinking experience with various age ranges will also be discussed. An in depth discussion of biomechanical properties of the cornea will occur, describing how modeling can improve our understanding of how cross-linking affects corneal shape and how it can be manipulated. New techniques in riboflavin delivery such as Iontophoresis will be discussed. Advances in corneal imaging to better understand the effects of collagen cross-linking, including Fourier domain OCT analysis of corneal collagen cross-linking will be reviewed.
  
  Course Description:
  
  Results of FDA clinical tials, biomechacal studies, new treatment techniques, and indications will be discussed.
  
  Single Product Course: No
  
  Financial Disclosure: One or more of the authors receives consulting fees, retainer, or contract payments from a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented, One or more of the authors research is funded, fully or partially, by a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented
  

• IC 9
• Strategies and techniques for IOL exchange

  Leader: M.J. Tassignon | Course Level: Advanced

• Faculty:    G. Auffarth   N. Mamalis   S. Masket   M. Tetz     

  Course Objectives:
  
  The aim of this course is to show different surgical approaches for IOL exchange.
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  The difficulty to exchange an IOL after YAG laser capsulotomy will be addressed.
  The final message of all faculty members is to be sure patient's complaints are related to the capsular bag opacification and is not secondary to misalignment of the IOL causing glare, reduced quality of vision and decreased contrast sensitivity.
  
  Course Description:
  
  The number of IOL exchanges is increasing lately because of postoperative complications after premium IOL implantation available for the last 10 years.
  
  Single Product Course: No
  
  Financial Disclosure: None
  

• Saturday 8 September
  11:00-13:00

• IC 5
• Corneal cross-linking therapy No handouts are available for this course

  Leader: K. Mikek | Course Level: Intermediate

• Faculty:    C. Koppen   Z. Nagy   D. O Brart   T. Seiler     

  This is a pre-requisite course for the wetlab(s) Corneal Cross-Linking Therapy

  Course Objectives:
  
  This instructional course is a pre-requisite for the ""hands-on"" wetlab training session in the surgical skills transfer programme. The practical session will include:
  • All delegates will given an opportunity to practice on the different types of cross-linking systems on the market
  • ""Hands-on"" training with pig eyes and operating microscope for each station
  • Two delegates per station
  • Preoperative assessment protocols,
  • Corneal anesthesia, instrumentation, steps of de-epithelization and riboflavin instillation (dosage, how many times, for how long, etc).
  • Equipment - different types of cross-linking systems and physical properties of the irradiating laser machine
  • Handling and storage of Riboflavin.
  • Postoperative care and treatment, follow-ups (how often, what to measure), management of complications to be discussed as a group.
  • Discussions on the results of cross linking treatments.
  
  
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  
  1. Introduction: aim of the instructional course together with the wetlab and introduction of the presented speakers. Kristina Mikek, Slovenia – 5 min
  2. Corneal ectasias and corneal biomechanics: corneal ectasias - epidemiology, genetics, pathophysiology, clinical features, and overview of management options. Corneal biomechanics - corneal structure, possible measurement techniques in-vitro and in-vivo, limitations of current knowledge. Carina Koppen, Belgium – 25 min
  
  3. Principles of corneal collagen cross-linkage: principles of corneal collagen cross-linkage with the review of initial laboratory studies in relation to efficacy and safety. Zoltan Nagy, Hungary – 20 min
  4. Review of published clinical studies: Update on RCT in London, efficacy, safety, complications, and limitations of current knowledge. David O Brart, UK – 30 min
  5. Operative techniques: Pre-operative assessment, patient counseling, the role of epithelial removal, transepithelial cross-linking, riboflavin dosage regimens, UVA exposure regimens, UV lamps and calibration, post-operative care and follow-up, complications. Kristina Mikek, Slovenia – 20 min
  6. Corneal cross-linking and refractive surgery. Theo Seiler, Switzerland – 20 min
  7.Open discussion – 10 min
  
  
  
  
  Course Description:
  
  This course will provide principles of corneal cross-linking treatment. The course will cover the history and concept behind cross-linking, laboratory studies, pharmaceutical properties of riboflavin and the role of ultraviolet irradiation. Epidemiological data, aetiology, pathogenesis and diagnosis of keratoconus and other corneal ectasias will be discussed. The indications and contraindications for cross-linking therapy including details of different treatment protocols, dosage of riboflavin, and postoperative care will be covered. The result from different centers of corneal cross-linking treatment on its own and when combined with other corneal procedures will be presented. The complications of treatment, theories of corneal wound healing, secondary ultraviolet exposure and new processes such as flash linking etc., and finally new trends in the use of this technology will be discussed. An overview of the different technologies will be given.
  
  Corneal cross-linking therapy – wetlab. This course will allow participants to become familiar with cross-linking treatment. During the course the detailed information about the treatment procedure will be covered: how to make de-epithelization in different ways, installation of the riboflavin eye drops - particularly dosage, handling and testing of different UV radiation systems.
  
  
  
  Single Product Course: No

• Saturday 8 September
  14:30-16:30

• IC 10
• Solving the high myopia problem with phakic IOLs

  Leader: D. Dementiev | Course Level: Advanced

• Faculty:    G. Baikoff   D. Hardten   M. Knorz   M. Piovella   S. Slade  

  Course Objectives:
  
  Participants will be able to assess phakic IOLs as a valuable tool in refractive surgery. Experience, imaging, and long-term follow-up will provide a safer approach to phakic IOLs.
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  I. How to evaluate the best IOL.
  II. Patient Selection:
  a) A surgery for all highly myopic patients?
  b) Psychological and occupational selection criteria
  III. Eye selection:
  a) High myopia
  b) Hyperopia
  c) Astigmatism
  d) Anatomical considerations
  e) Preoperative evaluation
  IV. Factors in selecting Phakic IOLs:
  a) Anterior Chamber:
  - Artisan
  - Artiflex
  - Cachet
  - Toric
  - Toric Verysize flexible
  b) Posterior Chamber:
  - PRL
  - ICL
  - Long-term results and complications
  V. Phakic IOL Follow Up: a life commitment for patient and physician?
  a) Follow-up in the first five years
  b) Angle-fixated IOLs: endothelial damage
  c) Angle-fixated IOLs: explantation technique and concommitant clear-lens exchange
  d) AC OCT
  e) Future developments
  VI. OCT: a new diagnostic device for evaluation and follow-up
  a) Anterior Chamber OCT: principles and practice
  b) OCT and anterior chamber IOLs
  c) OCT and posterior chamber IOLs
  d) Detection of complications with OCT
  e) Future developments
  
  Course Description:
  
  This course will present a review of state-of-the-art knowledge on anterior and posterior chamber phakic IOLs, with information on patient, eye, and IOL selection, surgical techniques, and management of intra and postoperative complications. Special interest will be dedicated to diagnostic instruments for patient selection and follow-up.
  
  Single Product Course: No
  
  Financial Disclosure: One or more of the authors receives consulting fees, retainer, or contract payments from a competing company
  

• IC 11
• Basic phacoemulsification (Part 2) EBO Accredited

  Leader: N. Reus | Course Level: Basic

• Faculty:    A. Chakrabarti   K. Tjia           

  This is a pre-requisite course for the wetlab(s) Basic Phacoemulsification

  Course Objectives:
  
  The beginning phaco surgeon should finish this course with an insight into the fundamentals of phacoemulsification, and be in a position to perform the surgery in a more structured and safe fashion.
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  Nucleus management, medium cataract, crack techniques: 20 min Reus
  Nucleus management, hard cataracts, chop techniques: 40 min Chakrabarti, Reus and Tjia
  Small pupil management: 20 min Chakrabarti
  Posterior capsule rupture potential causes: 20 min Reus
  Posterior capsule rupture management: 20 min Tjia
  
  Course Description:
  
  These courses are designed for the beginning phaco surgeon. The faculty have a wealth of experience of both phaco and teaching principles. An insight will be offered into what phaco machines do and how, as well as technical details of how to set about safe removal of cataractous lens.
  
  Single Product Course: N/A
  
  Financial Disclosure: None
  

• IC 12
• LASIK: update with surgical tips in primary and secondary cases - basic comparison with surface ablation technique

  Leader: D. Elies Amat | Course Level: Basic

• Faculty:    J. Gaytan Melicoff   T. Kohnen   F. Malecaze   A. Marinho   C.W. Von Mohrenfels  

  This is a pre-requisite course for the wetlab(s) LASIK

  TBA
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  Daniel Elies Introduction: Outline and main goals of the course
  1. Thomas Kohnen - Preoperative evaluation: “What are the critical evaluations and considerations before the surgery?”
  2. Francois Malecaze - LASIK surgical technique: basics “step by step” tricks
  3. Javier Gaytan - Main surgical tips with the different approaches for LASIK reoperations)
  4. C.W. von Mohrenfels - Basic comparison (advantages-disadvantages) between LASIK and surface ablation techniques
  5. Daniel Elies - How to handle the main and most common peroperative complications including his own tips for basic LASIK surgery
  6. Antonio Marinho - The limits on corneal ablation techniques: main concepts in anatomical and refractive data
  All: Guided discussion. Question and answers from the audience.
  
  Single Product Course: N/A
  
  Financial Disclosure: None
  

• IC 13
• Phaco-emulsification: overcoming fears and tears No handouts are available for this course

  Leader: G. Luthra | Course Level: Intermediate

• Faculty:    A. Agarwal   I. Ahmed   R. Packard   R. Sachdev   C. Khurana  

  Course Objectives:
  
  At the end of this course, the attendee will become familiar with various new techniques of handling phaco complications. This will include use of fibrin glue to fixate a posterior chamber IOL by tucking the haptics in scleral tunnels in cases with inadequate capsular support or capsular tears. The faculty will also demonstrate use of iris hooks and Malyugin rings for small pupils and endo-capsular rings and Cionni's rings for varying degrees of subluxation. Techniques of handling various kinds of hard cataracts including brown-black cataracts will also be shown enabling the attendee to manage all these tough situations with ease and confidence and improve the post-operative results.
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  Video based case discussions will include various scenarios of phaco-complication such as intra-op posterior capsular tears, nucleus drops, subluxated and dislocated lenses and IOLs, small pupils, hard cataract and other phaco-nightmares.
  
  Course Description:
  
  This course aims at suggesting ways and techniques to tackle the entire gamut of intra-operative complications seen in phaco-emulsification. The video-based case discussions will highlight various challenging cases including subluxated and dislocated lenses, intra-operative posterior capsular tears, zonular dialysis, small pupil with hard cataract and corneal opacities, floppy iris syndrome and many more. The expert panel of surgeons will demonstrate the use of various techniques and devices to handle such unforeseen complications and suggest the best possible ways to get out of these sticky situations.
  
  Single Product Course: No
  
  Financial Disclosure: None
  

• IC 14
• PRK, LASEK & Epi-LASIK EBO Accredited

  Leader: D. Epstein | Course Level: Basic

• Faculty:    D. Durrie   I. Pallikaris           

  This is a pre-requisite course for the wetlab(s) PRK, LASEK & Epi-LASIK

  Course Objectives:
  
  The course will cover the indications and patient selection criteria for these three procedures, and discuss in detail the advantages of modern surface ablation as compared to LASIK.
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  D. Epstein: Basic principles
  D. Epstein: PRK
  D. Durrie: Advanced surface ablation
  I. Pallikaris: Epi-LASIK
  D. Epstein: Complications
  D. Durrie / D. Epstein: Wavefront guided ablations and other advanced techniques
  
  Course Description:
  
  The special characteristics of PRK, LASEK and Epi-LASIK as well as the use or non-use of ethanol will be elucidated. The role of wavefront-guided strategies with respect to excimer-induced higher-order aberrations will be demonstrated. Outcomes achievable with cutting-edge technology will also be presented. A range of complications will be identified, and compared with adverse events associated with LASIK. Brief videos of the surgical techniques will be shown.
  
  Single Product Course: N/A
  
  Financial Disclosure: None

• IC 15
• How to avoid the mistakes we made in starting Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK)

  Leader: F. Badala | Course Level: Intermediate

• Faculty:    J. Guell   S. Hannush   C. Macaluso   L. Menabuoni   D. Tan  

  Course Objectives:
  
  To enable participants to learn from our mistakes and avoid complications while shortening their learning curve for DSAEK.
  
  Course Description:
  
  This course will discuss the process of starting Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and will illustrate how to avoid the most common pitfalls. The authors will point out their own mistakes and provide techniques for a smooth transition for the surgeon, whether you are just starting or are an experienced corneal specialist unfamiliar with DSAEK techniques. Clinical examples will illustrate points where simple steps might help you avoid common pitfalls both in typical and complex settings (aphakia, aniridia, anterior chamber IOL’s, glaucoma shunts, etc.). The instructors will show different graft insertion techniques, supplemented by short videos to emphasize surgical challenges and how to overcome them. The handout outline will include 25 steps with references, that will lead to fewer complications and a greatly shortened learning curve.
  
  Single Product Course: No
  
  Financial Disclosure: One or more of the authors gains financially from product or procedure presented
  

• IC 16
• IOL calculation after refractive surgery EBO Accredited

  Leader: W. Haigis | Course Level: Basic

• Faculty:    J. Aramberri   D. Koch   N. Rosa   J. Stevens     

  Course Objectives:
  
  To enable attendees to select the proper IOL power calculation method after refractive surgery based on the clinical and measurement data available.
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  Douglas D. Koch, MD: IOL calculation after refractive surgery: overview
  Jaime Aramberri, MD: IOL calculation after refractive surgery: error sources
  Wolfgang Haigis, PhD: IOL calculation after refractive surgery: Haigis- L formula
  Nicola Rosa, MD: IOL calculation after refractive surgery: ALMA approach
  Julian Stevens, MD: IOL calculation after refractive surgery: BESSt formula
  
  
  Course Description:
  
  IOL calculation after corneo-refractive surgery is affected by erroneous radius measurements, invalid corneal power formulas and specific ELP prediction algorithms in IOL formulas. Consequently, considerable refractive errors may be created after refractive surgery depending on the refractive procedure itself, the type of ablation, the optical zone diameter, the amount of refractive correction and the measurement instruments applied.
  The course will explain error sources in detail and will offer solutions. Currently available formulas and procedures for the different conditions will be presented by leading experts and backed-up with clinical results.
  
  Single Product Course: No
  
  Financial Disclosure: None

• IC 17
• Clinical applications of elevation based tomography EBO Accredited

  Leader: M. Belin | Course Level: Intermediate

• Faculty:    R. Ambrosio   S. Grewal   S. Khachikian        

  Course Objectives:
  
  To understand the differences between elevation tomography and curvature analysis and to demonstrate the clinical applications of the technology.
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  M. Belin – Basics of elevation topography
  R. Ambrosio Jr. – Pachymetric analysis
  S. Khachikian – Normal values
  M. Belin – Enhanced reference surface and the Belin/Ambrosio ectasia display
  S. Grewal – Elevation tomography in lens evaluation
  
  
  Course Description:
  
  The course will start with the basics of elevation based corneal tomography and explain how elevation data is displayed and the clinical differences between elevation tomography and curvature topography. The course will concentrate on how the technology is put into clinical practice with emphasis on screening for refractive surgery and its applications in a cataract practice.
  
  Single Product Course: No
  
  Financial Disclosure: One or more of the authors receives consulting fees, retainer, or contract payments from a competing company
  

• Saturday 8 September
  17:00-18:00

• IC 18
• Toric intraocular lenses: easy done No handouts are available for this course

  Leader: J. Wolff | Course Level: Advanced

• Faculty:    W. Huetz              

  
  Course Objectives:
  
  Toric IOL.
  Toric marker.
  Pre-op diagnostics.
  Markerless alignment.
  Re-alignment.
  Induced astigmatism.
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  J. Wolff – Introduction and pre-op diagnostics (10 min).
  W. Huetz – Demographics; IOL calculation incl. Raytracing and available online calculators (10 min).
  W. Huetz – Toric markers; overview and tips and tricks (10 min).
  J. Wolff, W. Huetz– Tips and tricks for the surgery (how to handle surgically induced astigmatism; dialing the lens into position; OVD removal; final positioning) (20 min).
  J. Wolff – New methods for IOL alignment; re-alignment: how to do and how to avoid (10 min).
  
  Course Description:
  
  Cataract surgery is moving more and more into the direction of refractive surgery due to the recent developments in lens surgery. The course will focus on the various options to treat low and high astigmatism depending on the indication and individual demands. Various procedures and toric IOL types (monofocal, multifocal) will be discussed with major focus on pre-op diagnostics, IOL calculation, marking and IOL positioning. Thereby, participants will be familiarized with the current diagnostic and surgical techniques that could be “easy done” to achieve success with toric IOLs.
  
  Single Product Course: No
  
  Financial Disclosure: None
  

• IC 19
• Intracorneal rings for keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia No handouts are available for this course

  Leader: J. Colin | Course Level: Intermediate

• Faculty:    D. Touboul              

  This is a pre-requisite course for the wetlab(s) Ferrara Rings, Kerarings and Intacs

  Course Objectives:
  
  The attendees will be able to learn the principles, when to indicate the technique and how to diagnose and solve complications in patients with intracorneal rings. At the end of the course, the attendees will be able to participate in a surgical lab and learn how to implant the intracorneal rings.
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  - How rings work?
  - Indications, contraindications
  - Surgical procedures
  - Nomograms
  - Results
  - rings for post LASIK ectasia
  - rings and cross-linking
  
  Course Description:
  
  Several studies have demonstrated that intracorneal rings are able to improve the corneal shape and visual acuity of contact lens intolerant keratoconic patients with central clear cornea.
  Different models are currently available.
  The rings may be implanted into the stroma with a conventional manual dissection, or with the help of femtosecond laser technology. They are implanted at the periphery of the cornea at two-third depth. The goals of the rings are to improve vision acuity, to prevent or delay corneal grafts and to make contact lens intolerant patients become tolerant.
  More than 100,000 Intacs have been implanted worldwide, with an improvement of the vision in about 80% of cases.
  The procedure may be used in primary corneal ectasia, keratoconus, or in cases of post -LASIK ectasia.
  The procedure is reversible: the rings may be removed if needed.
  The course will include the discussion of sequential or simultaneous rings implantation and corneal collagen cross-linking.
  
  Single Product Course: No
  
  Financial Disclosure: One or more of the authors receives consulting fees, retainer, or contract payments from a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented
  

• IC 20
• Boston KPro type I keratoprosthesis: from indications to innovations

  Leader: J. De la Cruz | Course Level: Intermediate

• Faculty:    F. Badala   S. Cortina   J. Guell   S. Hannush   V. Perez  

  Course Objectives:
  
  The video and case vignette based course aims to instruct the surgeon in understanding the basic concepts of Boston KPro type I surgery and management. The course will also present established as well as novel methods on how to successfully approach surgery of the KPro type I in clinical practice.
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  I. Preoperative evaluation
  II. Which Boston KPro Type I model to implant
  III. Surgical approach
  IV. When Boston Kpro I is not an option
  V. Postoperative management
  VI. Complications and how to avoid them
  VII. Innovations in the Boston Kpro
  
  Course Description:
  
  With the emerging success of the Boston KPro type I keratoprosthesis as an alternative to multiple failed corneal transplant, there is a renewed interest in adequate patient selection, implantation techniques, as well as proper postoperative management. Successful keratoprosthesis surgery and retention requires a unique interaction between the corneal prosthesis and its surrounding environment.
  
  Single Product Course: No
  
  Financial Disclosure: None
  

• IC 21
• Non-infectious peripheral ulcerative keratitis and secondary corneal perforations: clinical and surgical management

  Leader: M. Wilkins | Course Level: Intermediate

• Faculty:    L. De Benito-Llopis   J. Pérez-Santonja           

  Course Objectives:
  
  To obtain knowledge regarding the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic management of PUK. At the conclusion of this course, the attendee will be able to plan a diagnostic approach when faced with a PUK, to establish an adequate therapeutic regime, including immunosuppression protocols, and will discern the best surgical approach for a perforated PUK.
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  Speaker 1: Juan José Pérez-Santonja: Etiology and diagnostic approach:
  a) Infectious causes to be ruled out when faced with a PUK
  b) Non-infectious causes to remember when faced with a PUK:
  - Other ocular and systemic manifestations that will help orientate the diagnosis
  c) Diagnostic tests
  - Blood tests: serology
  - X-rays
  - Biopsy
  Speaker 2: Laura de Benito-Llopis: non-surgical management:
  a) Topical treatment: role of topical steroids and immunosuppressants
  b) Systemic treatment:
  - Steroids: oral, iv
  - Immunosuppressants: indications, doses, monitoring, adverse effects
  Speaker 3: Mark Wilkins: surgical management:
  a) Surgical approach to a non-perforated PUK
  - AMT
  b) Surgical approach to a perforated PUK:
  - AMT
  - Glue
  - Lamellar surgery
  - Penetrating surgery
  - Circular vs banana grafts
  - Conjunctival flap
  c) Associated surgery
  - Lid surgery
  
  Course Description:
  
  Review of the causes leading to peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK), focusing on the non-infectious causes, its clinical manifestation and diagnostic protocol. Explanation of its pharmacological management, including immunosuppression regime (indications, drugs, doses, monitoring protocol, adverse effects), and review of the surgical approach of a PUK and the possible secondary perforation.
  
  Single Product Course: No
  
  Financial Disclosure: None
  

• IC 22
• Meibomian gland dysfunction and chronic blepharitis

  Leader: J. McCulley | Course Level: Intermediate

• Faculty:    N/A               

  Course Objectives:
  
  Familiarize ophthalmologists with the place of MGD amongst the chronic blepharitides and its pathophysiological mechanisms. Optimal acute phase therapies and chronic therapies to maintain control will be presented.
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  Dr. McCulley will present all elements of the course.
  
  Course Description:
  
  The understanding of the role of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in chronic blepharitis and ocular surface disease is rapidly evolving. MGD can be considered one of the chronic blepharitides and is increasingly being recognized as a cause of dry eyes and ocular surface disease. Its place among the blepharitides as well as the sub groups of MGD will be discussed in detail along with the presumed pathophysiological mechanisms involved in each of the sub groups including the role of bacteria and their lipolytic exoenzymes, meibum/lipid biochemical changes, and aqueous tear evaporation. Acute phase therapy to bring the conditions under control will be presented as well as optimal long term therapy to maintain control. The role of topical therapies as well as systemic therapies will be discussed as they relate to both lid and ocular surface abnormalities.
  
  Single Product Course: No
  
  Financial Disclosure: One or more of the authors receives consulting fees, retainer, or contract payments from a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented
  

• IC 23
• Surgical correction of astigmatism

  Leader: B. Wallace | Course Level: Intermediate

• Faculty:    J. Febbraro   H. Khan           

  Course Objectives:
  
  Attendees will be able to discuss the management of astigmatism, select equipment, nomograms, use incisional technique or toric IOLs, and optimize the correction of astigmatism in cataract patients.
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  Fundamentals and prevalence of astigmatism; Astigmatic effects of cataract incisions: (15') Dr. JL Febbraro.
  Incorporation of incisional techniques in cataract patients (15').
  Dr B. Wallace - Use of toric IOLs to target moderate and high astigmatism (15').
  Dr. H. Khan.
  
  Course Description:
  
  Course will review incisional techniques and toric IOLs to correct astigmatism in cataract patients. Topics will include fundamentals of astigmatism and principles of incisional astigmatic correction. Instrumentation and surgical techniques will be detailed. Preoperative evaluation and surgical technique to implant toric IOL will be discussed and illustrated with videos.
  
  Single Product Course: No
  
  Financial Disclosure: One or more of the authors receives consulting fees, retainer, or contract payments from a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented, One or more of the authors travel has been funded, fully or partially, by a competing company, One or more of the authors travel has been funded, fully or partially, by a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented, One or more of the authors receives consulting fees, retainer, or contract payments from a competing company
  

• IC 24
• Cliffhanger: vitrectomy by the anterior segment surgeon for the broken posterior capsule, the sinking nucleus and the dangling IOL

  Leader: A. Agarwal | Course Level: Intermediate

• Faculty:    I. Ahmed   S. Jacob   A. Agarwal         

  Course Objectives:
  
  The delegate will know how to manage dropped IOL's and also perform vitrectomy. An anterior segment surgeon needs to know how to manage various complications and unsteady bags in cataract surgery.
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  0.00- Introduction;
  0.02- Drop IOL and glued IOL: Amar Agarwal;
  0.15- Vitrectomy in PC ruptures: A. Agarwal;
  0.30- Sinking nuclei: Ike Ahmed;
  0.45- Drop nuclei: Soosan Jacob;
  1.00- Close
  
  Course Description:
  
  Every anterior segment surgeon has a problem at some time or other of a broken posterior capsule and should know how to perform vitrectomy. Also one should know how to manage a dropped nucleus or sinking fragments. Various techniques like the PAL technique and others will be taught, including how to perform bimanual vitrectomy. The dangling IOL and fixation of a posterior chamber IOL in eyes without capsule using the glued IOL technique will also be taught. The management of various challenges will be explained through videos.
  
  Single Product Course: No
  
  Financial Disclosure: None

• IC 25
• Endothelial keratoplasty in challenging cases EBO Accredited

  Leader: J. Beltz | Course Level: Advanced

• Faculty:    M. Busin   A. Patel   V. Scorcia        

  Course Objectives:
  
  Attendees will broaden their indications for DSAEK, and will be able to apply various techniques to avoid unnecessary PK, and improve their DSAEK results.
  
  Course Schedule:
  
  1. Jacqueline Beltz - Introduction of faculty and outline of course
  2. Massimo Busin - Important concepts for endothelial keratoplasty
  3. Vincenzo Scorcia - Surgical steps
  4. Jacqueline Beltz - Complicated cases part 1
  5. Amit Patel - Complicated cases part 2
  
  Course Description:
  
  This lecture and video based course will discuss the broadening indications for DSAEK, and explain potential modifications to the surgical technique that may be beneficial in each case. Detailed surgical instructions, as well as results and management of complications will be presented.
  
  Single Product Course: No
  
  Financial Disclosure: One or more of the authors travel has been funded, fully or partially, by a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented