Keynote Lecture Thursday

As in past years, our Keynote Lectures will eluci­date specific focal points in the program. In each of these half-hour lectures, an outstanding expert will comprehensively present an important topic.

While dependent on visible light, the eye can be damaged by these and the contiguous ultraviolet (UV) and infrared wavelengths. Professor Minas Coroneo has studied the pathophysiology of ocular epithelia and the ocular effects of sunlight for many years. In the first keynote lecture of the congress, he presents his latest findings.

Professor Minas Coroneo is Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of New South Wales in Sydney. His translational research projects resulted in the development of trypan blue (VisionBlue) as an ocular dye, glaucoma shunts (CyPass) and next generation intraocular lenses. Coroneo has held appointments on local and international advisory groups and was an international consultant for the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Keynote Speaker:
Minas Coroneo (Sydney, AUS)

While dependent on visible light, the eye can be damaged by these and the contiguous ultraviolet (UV) and infrared wavelengths. The ophthalmohelioses pose a significant problem to the eye health of many communities and have a large impact on patients’ quality of life. Evidence that peripheral light focusing by the anterior eye to the sites of usual locations of pterygium and cortical cataract plays a role in the pathogenesis of these conditions will be reviewed. Recognition of the light pathways involved with foci at stem cell niches has directed our investigations into inflammatory and matrix metalloproteinase-related pathophysiologic mechanisms. An understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved has provided some insight into how medical treatments have been developed for the effective management of ocular surface squamous neoplasia. Peripheral light focusing has also provided direction in disease prevention with improved sunglass design and the further development of UV-blocking contact lenses. We developed UV fluorescence photography to demonstrate preclinical ocular surface solar damage and as an objective biomarker of ocular sun exposure – an inverse relationship with myopia has been demonstrated. The conundrum of the public health message about solar exposure and vitamin D deficiency will be reviewed. While the role of UV light in retinal pathology is less certain, evidence for its involvement will be discussed. The eye may play a role in the development of individualized assessment techniques of solar damage, perhaps allowing us to provide better advice to both individuals and populations.