CORNEAL DISEASE
EDEMA : Epithelial, Stromal, Endothelial. Normal hydration is 78%. The cleavage plain in epithelial bullae is between epithelium and the Bowman's membrne. Main causes are Trauma, hereditory endothelial dystrophies, and raised IOP. Treatment is by treating the cause hypertonic solutions, conjunctival flaps, cautery of the Bowman's membrane or corneal grafts.

VASCULARISATION : Superficial and deep. Superior pannus is characteristic of Trachoma, inferior is seen in exposure keratitis and rosacea keratitis and diffuse pannus is seen in Pemphigoid, Steven-Johnson's syndrome, and chemical burns.

NORMAL VARIANTS : Arcus senilis and arcus juvenilis. Corneal Pigmentations.

Diabetic Retinopathy
This is another common eye disease of elderly diabetic patients that can affect the vision, in addition to Cataract, Glaucoma and ARMD. Very often it is difficult for an Ophthalmologist to see the retina in the presence of cataract. Presence of Diabetic retinopathy is also one of the common reasons for a disappointing result after successful Cataract Surgery. Hence it is crucial not only to diagnose but also to counsel the patient about the possibility of less than satisfactory visual result if retinopathy is present. In addition Diabetics are more prone for infection and inflammation after cataract surgery and hence good diabetic control is advised before undergoing cataract surgery.

Glaucoma Expert Column Series
Glaucoma refers to a group of diseases with a characteristic optic neuropathy for which elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and other currently unknown factors contribute to damage.[1] Glaucoma can be classified as open- or closed-angle, depending on whether the site of outflow of aqueous humor, the angle or more specifically the trabecular meshwork, is occluded by the iris or other structures, and as primary or secondary, depending on whether there is an underlying abnormality identified as the cause of increased IOP. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most common type of glaucoma

Paradigm shifts in the management of retinal diseases
As the day’s program switched focus to retinal disease management, Susan B. Bressler, M.D., the Julia G. Levy, Ph.D., Professor of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, addressed three common questions on reducing the risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Which vitamins and minerals to take?; Do sunglasses help?; and Do green leafy vegetables help? Dr. Bressler said that many patients want to know if they can substitute recommended vitamins with alternatives that may be easier to swallow, cheaper or have fewer doses. Drawing from data gathered by the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS), she said that the specific formulation tested in the study showed a risk reduction, but that it was small. A slightly inferior formulation to the one tested, consequently might lead to no benefit at all, she said. She recommended adherence to the actual supplement included in the AREDS and to check the label of any alternate vitamins taken by patients to ensure the formulations match identically with the studied supplement.