FR
EN- A-
- A+
13 May · Master class on dry eye and the ocular surface
Half of people over 40 suffer from dry eye
IMO Grupo Miranza Barcelona brings together more than a hundred experts to share advances in the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye.
Barcelona, 12 May 2022. More than a hundred ophthalmologists will meet at IMO Grupo Miranza Barcelona on Friday, 13 May, to discuss the diagnosis and treatment of patients with dry eye. The Ocular Surface Master Class, organised by Laboratoires Théa, together with the international associations EuCORNEA (European Society of Cornea and Ocular Surface Disease Specialists) and EuDES (European Dry Eye Society), will be attended by international experts in this field to discuss clinical cases, based on real patients, and share experiences as well as advice on how to treat and diagnose the disease. During the event’s five workshops, the participants will also be able to learn about the latest equipment and protocols for optimal management of each type of dry eye.
Beyond dry eye
Dry eye is a chronic disease that can occur due to different factors. In fact, "it can occur in an isolated way, or several of them can converge in the same patient", explains the ophthalmologist and scientific coordinator of the meeting, Dr Miriam Barbany, a cornea and refractive surgery specialist at IMO Grupo Miranza and an expert in dry eye.
The event will address, among others, two of the most common types of dry eye: "evaporative" (caused by rapid evaporation of tears) and "hyposecretory" (caused by a deficiency of the aqueous layer that makes up the tear film, which protects the eye). The experts will focus on these two types of the disease, because "we estimate that 60% of the female population and 40% of the male population have symptoms of dry eye related to these two types of dry eye," adds Dr José Luis Güell, also an expert in dry eye at IMO Grupo Miranza and scientific coordinator of the meeting. "This is mainly due to the continuous and sometimes excessive use of computer screens or mobile devices, as well as the application of cosmetics on eyelids and eyelashes, with incorrect or insufficient hygiene of the area. It can also be caused by unhealthy eating habits or certain deficiencies," explains the expert. Dr Güell also stresses that "it is important for patients with dry eye to bear in mind that, in addition to dry eye and other symptoms that accompany the disease, such as irritation or redness of the eye, this pathology also causes poor vision. Moreover, the most serious cases may suffer from infectious problems or ulcers, which, if not treated correctly or in time, may exceptionally lead to the patient having to undergo a corneal transplant".
Cosmetic eyelid surgery and dry eye
The relationship between cosmetic eyelid surgery and dry eye is another of the topics that will capture the attention of the experts attending the meeting. "The mask effect has probably been one of the factors that has boosted the demand for this type of surgery during the pandemic," explains Dr Barbany, who adds that "in our daily practice, we often see patients with dry eye problems after having undergone procedures such as blepharoplasty (correction of bags and excess skin on the eyelids). This surgery has a very good prognosis in expert hands, but if it is not performed correctly, the eye is excessively exposed to the elements, leading to dry eye," warns the expert. Thus, the ophthalmologist recommends that, "when considering this type of treatment, the patient should see a specialist who is familiar with the anatomy and specific features of the eye and the area around it to minimise the risk of postoperative complications and avoid unwanted consequences, such as dry eye".
Contact lenses
Another aspect that is highlighted by the dry eye experts at IMO Grupo Miranza is the often misdiagnosis of dry eye in contact lens wearers. In this regard, "it is common for us to visit young patients, aged 20 to 40, with symptoms that could be dry eye, but are actually associated with inflammation of the conjunctiva (the membrane that covers the red part of the eye)," explains Dr Güell. However, the ophthalmologist elucidates that, "in many cases, it is not dry eye, but another type of disease or alteration related to the use of contact lenses. The main consequence of this incorrect diagnosis is a poor therapeutic approach to the patient, which has an impact on their vision and can lead to serious eye complications".
Thus, "professional meetings, such as this master class on dry eye, are so important, as they allow us to update and share knowledge, advances and diagnostic protocols, as well as the therapies we can offer patients who come to our consulting rooms with symptoms or signs of dry eye", Dr Barbany concludes.
About IMO
Established in the 1990s, IMO is an international reference clinic in ophthalmology, head of the Miranza Group. Committed to clinical excellence, it boasts a medical team specialising in every part of the eye, as well as the most advanced technology and spacious, modern facilities. Teaching and research are the other cornerstones of the Institute, which are channelled through the IMO Foundation, an entity created in 2010.
In 2019, it joined the Miranza Group and expanded its activity with the opening of a consultation centre in Terrassa (Barcelona). In 2020, it continued its expansion in Catalonia with a small clinic in Manresa and reaches Madrid with its new headquarters in Mirasierra. In 2022, IMO has left Spain with the addition of a clinic in Andorra.
About Miranza
Miranza is the leading group of ophthalmology centres of excellence in Spain. With a network of centres with high quality standards and homogeneous protocols that provide national coverage to local and foreign patients, the Group boasts more than 1,000 professionals and around thirty centres, including clinics and consultation centres, spread throughout most of Spain and Andorra.
Miranza's activity focuses on medium and high complexity surgery, as well as research, prevention and treatment of ophthalmological pathologies with the most advanced technologies. The Clinical Leaders Forum (CLF) is the group's collegiate management body, a unique ophthalmology model in Spain, made up of professionals of national and international renown, who ensure excellence in care and leadership in ophthalmological innovation and research.
About Laboratoires Théa
Théa is the leading independent European pharmaceutical group in ophthalmology. It is 100% dedicated to eye care and a pioneer in the development of preservative-free treatments, Théa is an ophthalmologist’s partner on a daily basis thanks to its innovative and modern range of products, covering all therapeutic lines. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand (France), it features 35 branches and offices in Europe, North and South America, North Africa and the Middle East. At present, its network includes more than 1,500 employees, whereas its products are available in 75 countries. This family-owned group, founded by Henri Chibret from a Research and Development company, has been chaired by Jean-Frédéric Chibret, his nephew, since 2008.
About EuDES
The European Dry Eye Society was established on 3 November 2020. It brings together most European dry eye specialists and is the platform for structuring a European-wide task force to further expand knowledge and promote education through congresses, webinars and newsletters. Sharing cutting-edge scientific knowledge and practical skills with other experts aims to bridge the gap between basic science, clinical practice and patient wellbeing.
About EUCORNEA
The European Society of Cornea and Ocular Surface Disease Specialists is a European non-profit scientific organisation. Its main goals are to promote personal relationships and the exchange of scientific knowledge and practical skills among corneal specialists in Europe, to encourage, support and register scientific research in the field of corneal and ocular surface diseases in Europe, to promote the dissemination of the highest level of knowledge in the field of ophthalmology and, specifically, in corneal and ocular surface diseases among ophthalmologists and the public, as well as effective collaboration with similar organisations worldwide that contribute to progress in the field of corneal and ocular surface diseases.
For more information, please contact
Miranza Press Office
Olga Llano / Mireya Belmonte
629 560 731
