4 | EYEWORLD DAILY NEWS | MAY 5, 2019
ASCRS NEWS
ASCRS ASOA ANNUAL MEETING
non-invasive methods provide
kinetic analysis of smoothness/
spacing of reflected Placido rings.
Non-invasive methods may also
identify/locate destabilizing cor-
nea/ocular surface pathology, he
noted.
Tear instability can be caused
by a variety of factors, Dr. Pflug-
felder said, including neuropathy,
systemic medications, cosmet-
ic surgery, diet, environment,
LASIK, eye drops, and aging.
Conjunctival chalasis is a com-
mon cause, particularly in age-re-
lated tear instability.
Tear dysfunction is also recog-
nized as a major cause for multifo-
cal IOL dissatisfaction.
Tear instability has a number
of consequences for the ocular
surface including inflammation,
increased blink rate, decreased
functional vision, and irritation/
pain. It is also recognized to im-
pact vision.
On the "road to tear stabili-
ty," Dr. Pflugfelder said to iden-
tify the root causes, modify the
environment (increase humidity
and minimize air drafts), correct
lid and conjunctival abnormalities,
and direct therapy to deficient tear
components. When conventional
therapies fail, consider scleral lens-
es to protect vulnerable corneas.
In summary, Dr. Pflugfelder
said that tear instability is a shared
feature of all tear disorders.
Many factors contribute, and
tear instability causes altered tear
composition, visual fluctuation,
inflammation, increased nocicep-
tion, and increased blinking. It
may also cause dissatisfaction with
vision correcting surgeries. Dr.
Pflugfelder suggested targeting
therapies to the underlying causes
of tear dysfunction.
Editors' note: Dr. Pflugfelder has no
relevant financial interests.
continued from page 1
ASCRS Executive Director
Steve Speares
Editorial
Editorial Director
Amy Goldenberg
Senior Staff Writer/
Meetings Editor
Ellen Stodola
Senior Staff Writer
Liz Hillman
Contributing Writers
Stefanie Petrou Binder, MD
Vanessa Caceres
Rich Daly
Lauren Lipuma
Production
Managing Editor
Stacy Jablonski
Graphic Designer
Julio Guerrero
Graphic Designer
Susan Steury
ASCRS
Production Manager
Cathy Stern
Editorial Production
Assistant/
Social Media Coordinator
Taylor Wise
Sales, Sponsorships,
and Special Events
Jessica Donohoe
Shelly Dixon
Molly Phillips
Joe Dooley
Cathy Stern
Anne Le
FACEBOOK
EyeWorldMagazine
TWITTER
EyeWorldMag
INSTAGRAM
eyeworldmagazine
Dr. Pflugfelder delivers the Binkhorst Lecture during the Opening General Session.
