Renowned Australian researcher Professor Fiona Stapleton AO will be the guest presenter at a Cornea and Contact Lens Society of Australia (CCLSA) seminar event exploring the issue of neuropathic corneal pain.
The presentation, an in-person event to be held in Melbourne on Wednesday 20 November, will discuss how to recognise, diagnose, and manage ocular surface disease cases where symptoms are disproportionate to the signs which can indicate forms of neurogenic disease.
This can include ‘stain without pain’ or neurotrophic keratitis or ‘pain without stain’ or neuropathic corneal pain.
Therapeutic and other management considerations, including approaches used in chronic pain, will be discussed in the context of the nerve changes, with cases.
Professor Stapleton will review the current understanding of the relevant neural anatomy and nerve function. Tips for diagnosis and for differentiating between nociceptive (surface) pain and neuropathic (more centralised) corneal pain include:
- Exploring possible associations, including prior refractive or ocular surgery, ultraviolet light exposure, body pain syndromes, autoimmune disease and isotretinoin use;
- Assessment of ocular and non-ocular symptoms, their chronicity, triggering events, impact;
- Functional diagnostic testing, including ocular surface sensitivity, topical hypertonic saline and anaesthetic challenges;
- Corneal confocal microscopy.
Therapeutic and other management considerations, including approaches used in chronic pain, will be discussed in the context of the nerve changes, with cases.
About the Speaker
Professor Stapleton is a clinical scientist with expertise in basic and translational research in the fields of dry eye, corneal infection and contact lens related disease. Her research aims to improve understanding of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of ocular diseases and to improve treatment outcomes for patients. She has participated as chair and steering committee member in 5 of the last TFOS workshops including DEWS II, Lifestyle and DEWS III.
Registration
The evening event will be held in Melbourne.
Date: Wednesday 20 November 2024
Time: 6:30pm (for 7pm start) – 9:30pm (AEDT)
Venue: Roccella Restaurant
158 Clarendon Street
East Melbourne VIC 3002 Australia
Registrations are open online. The event is accredited for CPD points.
