^{18th Global Ophthalmology, Optometry and Glaucoma Conference} October 18-19, 2018 Helsinki, Finland

The retina is a thin layer of tissue on the inside back wall of eye. It contains millions of light-sensitive cells and other nerve cells that receive and organize visual information. Retina sends this information to brain through optic nerve, enabling one to see. The main area of retina contains a high density of color-sensitive photoreceptor cells called cones which are responsible for color vision and hence any defect and alteration in the main area of the retina will lead to Color vision defects.

Eye consists of terribly sensitive and fragile tissues and each part of this serves its own function to keep up its general vision. The cornea is the front part of the eye which is transparent and covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. The cornea, with the anterior chamber and lens, refracts light, accounting for roughly two-third portions of the eye's total optical power.

There are many disorders associated with eye, principally with retina and cornea. These includes Acanthamoeba Keratitis, Amblyopia, Astigmatism, Bell's Palsy, Bionic Eye Impulse, Blepharitis, Blurry Vision, Chalazion, CMV Retinitis, Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye), Corneal Abrasion (Scratched Eye), Corneal Collagen Crosslinking, Corneal Ulcer, Detached Retina, Diabetic Retinopathy, Double Vision (Diplopia), Dry Eye Infographic, Eye Herpes, Eye Occlusions (Eye Strokes), Fuchs' Corneal Dystrophy, Glaucoma, Hyperopia (Farsightedness), Hyphema, Keratoconus, Macular Dystrophy, Macular Hole, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, Milia (Eyelid Cysts), Myopia (Nearsightedness), Nystagmus, Ocular Hypertension, Ocular Migraine, Ocular Rosacea, Optic Neuritis and Optic Neuropathy, Photophobia (Light Sensitivity), Pterygium, Ptosis (Drooping Eyelid) etc.

Microorganisms such as bacteria, virus, fungi, parasites can enter the human body and are capable enough to spread to attack the interior surface of an eye thus spreading the infection. The interior of the eye lacks lymph vessels but is highly vascularized, and many immune cells reside in the uvea, mostly macrophages, dendritic cells, and mast cells. These cells fight off intraocular infections, and intraocular inflammation can manifest as uveitis (including iritis) or retinitis. The cornea of the eye is immunologically a very special tissue as it is vulnerable to a wide range of microorganisms while its moist mucosal surface makes the cornea particularly susceptible to attack. It additionally provides a big portion of the eye’s refractive power, which means it should not only keep remarkable transparency, but must also work as a barrier to stay away from pathogens as they cannot reach at the rest of the eye.

Ocular oncology is a multidisciplinary service which provides the information about eye malignancy by the general oncologists, pediatric oncologists, specialist nurses, clinical scientists and plenty of others. The most common malignancies include uveal and conjunctival melanoma, uveal metastasis, intraocular and conjunctival lymphoma and conjunctival carcinoma. The commonest cancer of eye occurs in kids which is known as ‘Retinoblastoma’. The second most common intra-ocular malignancy is Choroidal Melanoma occurs among adults. ocular oncologists receive an oversized range of referrals of patients with suspected malignant tumors. Diagnosis relies on biomicroscopy, angiography, optical coherence tomography, ultrasonography, biopsy and autofluorescence imaging. The most common benign tumors include naevi, chorodal haemangiomas, vasoproliferative tumours, and retinal haemangioblastomas. Many of these lesions require treatment and/or long-term surveillance.

The eye is a delicate organ, and requires extraordinary care some time recently, amid and after a surgical methodology. Clinical Ophthalmology improves idea into normal visual illnesses, ophthalmic surgical and laser methodology, clinical life structures and visual therapeutics. Patients with eye diseases get examined by ophthalmologists and optometrists. Clinical or Surgical Ophthalmology is a sub-specialty of Ophthalmology, where surgeries like cataract surgery and laser eye surgery are done. Oculoplastic surgery involves the organization of the eyelids, tear channels and re-gainful surgery. Refractive surgery is a process where progression of the vision is done. The most performed kind of refractive surgery is LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis), where the cornea tissue layer is reshaped employing a optical laser therapy. Glaucoma surgery may be a laser or non-laser, is the procedure for achieving main results like decreasing the production of intraocular fluid (aqueous humor) or increasing the drainage of this same fluid. Visual surgery or Ophthalmic surgery is the surgery performed on the adnexa, frequently by an associate specialist.

Eye surgery is a much common and easy way to recover any eye disease because the surgery does not give any pain. It can be treated with ultrasound, B-scan ultrasonography, Magnetic resonance imaging etc. Intraocular Lens Implantation (IOL) is a lens implanted in the eye used to treat Cataracts or Astigmatism. Main types are Toric IOLs, Monovision with Intraocular Lenses, Aspheric IOLs, Blue Light-Filtering IOLs, Light-Adjustable Lenses (LALs), "Piggyback" IOLs. Main methodologies of eye surgery for cataract include Phacoemulsification, Manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS), Extra capsular cataract extraction (ECCE), Intracapsular cataract extraction (ICCE), Cryoextraction, Use of Intra ocular antibiotics to prevent infection in cataract surgeries. Other surgical procedures include Wavefront LASIK, LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis), PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), AK or RLI (astigmatic keratotomy) and RK (radial keratotomy), CK (conductive keratoplasty), Intact corneal rings, RLE (refractive lens exchange) and PRELEX (presbyopic lens exchange) and EpiLasik.

Pediatric ophthalmology is a specialization of eye maladies, visual advancement and vision mind in children which is a sub-claim to fame of ophthalmology. Pediatric Ophthalmology conjointly focuses on problems which have an effect on the pediatric vision likewise pediatric uveitis, developmental abnormalities, genetic eye diseases and more. It is a vision development disorder which is also known as lazy eye. Amblyopia is an eye problem which emerges in kids can also be present in adults. Children with obvious vision problems, head turns, head tilts, squinting of the eyes, or preferred head postures (torticollis) are typically referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist for evaluation. Pediatric ophthalmologists generally manage adults with eye movement disorders (like strabismus or nystagmus) also due to their common issues with strabismus conditions.

Neuro-ophthalmology includes the merging field of neurology and ophthalmology, oftentimes managing complex complicated problems associated with the visual framework. The visual impairments caused by run-down of the retrochiasmatic visual pathways by injury to the anterior visual pathways or any major ocular disorder is known as Cerebral Visual Impairment(CVI). Another disease caused by a breakdown at intervals between nerves and muscles that ends up in visual defect called diplopia, drooping eyelids and muscles weakness is called as Myasthenia gravis which gives impact on the both vision and neuromuscular activity. Besides, the involuntary eye movement (nystagmus) which is gained in infancy or later in life may result in reduced or restricted vision. Factors like cerebral macular degeneration and chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia also the major effecting part of neuro-ophthalmology. Demonstrative instruments in Neuro-ophthalmology are utilized to explore and to treat the different state of Neuro-ophthalmology as Neonatal visual examination are basically performed to screen the vicinity and movement of Retinopathy of Prematurity.

Ophthalmic imaging can be extremely specialized kind of medical imaging dedicated to the study and treatment of disorders of vision science. It covers an immense extent of photographic administrations, various specialists and organizations that combining numerous kinds of business and medicinal photography.

International Markets (HLC083B) from BCC Analysis, the worldwide business sector was valued at regarding $16.9 billion in 2012, up from concerning $15.3 billion in 2010 (As indicated by Ophthalmic Medical Devices, Diagnostics, and Surgical Equipment). It was a necessity of the business sector to reach $20.2 billion in 2017, a growth of virtually $3.4 billion between the estimate amount of time and a yearly development rate (CAGR) of 3.7% from 2012 to 2017 at a compound rate. Key markets in Asia Pacific incorporate Australia and India, where contact lens markets are entrenched. Open doors for development stay in several districts and the lion's share of Eastern Australia. By 2017, the Australian contact lens business sector is anticipated to reach $2.8 billion, developing at a rate of 3% every year.

Tonometer, Perimeter, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), Fundus Fluorescein Angiography (FFA), Direct and Indirect ophthalmoscopy, OCT Angiograghy, Color fundus (retinal) photography (CFP), Fundus Auto Fluorescence (FAF), Rigid gas permeable (RGP), Phoropter, RPS InflammaDry, TearScan MicroAssay, Meibography Plus, Autorefractors, Vision testers, Digital pd meters, Corneal topographers, Lensometers, Keratometers are some instruments and methods used in ophthalmology.

Visual medical speciality in Pharmacology and medicine is the principle multidisciplinary supplying crucial and basic clinical research about biopharmaceuticals and different techniques which can possibly treat, anticipate, and/or analyze visual maladies and disarranges. Some of the breakthrough in ophthalmic research and advance drug delivery system can be Punctal Plugs, Ocular Therapeutics, Mati therapeutics (QLT) and gel-forming drops to widen the therapeutic effect of a specific drug. Topical combination of corticosteroid & anti-infective agents, Drugs used in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, Oral & topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) and Retinoblastoma chemotherapy are few developed formulations to treat ophthalmic diseases. The use of drug-loaded contact lenses and ocular inserts allows drugs to be better placed where they are needed for more direct delivery. Developments in ocular implants provides a method to beat the physical barriers that conventionally prevented efficacious treatment. Implant technologies area are beneath development permitting everlasting drug delivery from one procedure, these devices permitted posterior chamber diseases to be completely treated. Future developments might come with artificial corneas to abolish the necessity for donor tissue and occurrence of implantable drug depots remaining the patient's duration of life. Drugs, that are used, are the types of Phenylephrine, Cyclopentolate, Antihistamines and Decongestants.

Allergan, Pfizer, Bausch + Lomb, Merck & Co. and Regeneron like companies are vigorously involving in ophthalmic research and drug development. According to Visiongain (Ophthalmic Drugs: World Market Prospects - 2013-2023; October 2013), the worldwide ophthalmic market was $17.5 billion in 2011 and is expected to grow to $34.7 billion by 2023, representing a 5.9% compounded annual growth rate.

Optometry is nothing but the profession of inspecting the eyes for imperfection in vision and eye disorders by means of worthy appliances or instruments in order to recommend corrective lenses or other proper treatment.

Special instruments are used by the Doctors of optometry to assess defects in eye and recommend contact lenses or eyeglasses to improve deficiencies. Minor surgeries can also be performed to eliminate foreign bodies from an eye and they also suggest exercises to boost the eyes work.

Patients are also referred to medical doctors and specialists by an optometrist for other injuries or diseases that eventually damage vision. The doctor evaluates the patient’s peripheral vision and observes at the structure of the retina during a clinical optometry examination. Astigmatism can be diagnosed then by them which might be caused by deflection of the retina and they prescribe corrective lenses to upgrade vision. The doctor can typically counsel the patients if they prefer contact lenses on their use to stave off infection.

A cataract, that lies behind the iris and the pupil, is a clouding of the eye's natural lens. The most prevalent cause of vision loss in people over age 40 is cataract and this is the main cause of blindness in the earth. Surprisingly, more cataract cases are there than glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration combined in worldwide, according to Prevent Blindness America (PBA). There are more than 22 million Americans having cataract today at age 40 and older. PBA says that more than 30 million Americans are supposed to have cataracts by the year 2020.

Surgical procedures which cure common eyesight problems (astigmatism, presbyopia, nearsightedness and farsightedness) to diminish the dependency on prescribed eyeglasses and/or contact lenses are known as Refractive surgery. LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is the most common surgery now a day where a laser is used to reshape the cornea. But there are also other laser procedures and intraocular lens procedures to correct the vision by reshaping the cornea or clear, round dome at the front portion of the eye. Implanting a lens inside the eye may be another procedure to correct the vision.

Glaucoma, called as the silent thief of sight, is an eye disease that is often associated with elevated intraocular pressure, in which damage to the eye (optic) nerve can lead to loss of vision and even blindness. Intraocular pressure increases when either too much fluid is produced in the eye or the drainage or outflow channels (trabecular meshwork) of the eye become blocked.

The accurate causes of optic nerve damage, which comes from glaucoma, includes mechanical compression and/or attenuate blood flow of the optic nerve. Visual information is carried by this optic nerve from the eye to the brain, which is the part of the central nervous system. The nerve fiber extensions of the retinal ganglion cells have made axons and this cranial nerve is built over one million nerve axons. The optic nerve becomes damaged when the eye pressure is increased, and/or other stimulating factors exist there and a process namely Apoptosis happens where the retinal ganglion cells undergo a leisurely procedure of cell death. The death of the retinal cells and degeneration of the nerve fibers results in permanent vision loss.

In addition to eye problems, secondary systemic (body) symptoms may occur. These secondary symptoms are especially common with acute glaucoma. Examples include irritability, loss of appetite, and vomiting. 

Glaucoma treatment is based on the nature and severity of each case. Normally it cannot be cured, however it can be managed. Pills, laser procedures, eye drops and surgical operations are used to stop or control further harm from occurring. Regular eye examinations are much important to recognize progression and to stop vision loss. As glaucoma can get at worst without being aware of it, to achieve a lower "target eye pressure", treatment will probably need to be changed at time to time.

Several innovative approaches to glaucoma surgery show promise for better safety. As with all new procedures, time and much follow-up study are required to see which ones will remain useful for helping glaucoma patients long-term. 

Glaucoma is usually treated with eye drops taken often many times each day, whenever needed in combination with pills. Circulation of eye fluid can be altered, and eye pressure can be lowered by these medications, either by increasing the flow leaving the drainage angle, or by decreasing the production of fluid within the eye.

Several medications are currently in use to treat glaucoma. Eye drops used in managing glaucoma decrease eye pressure by helping the eye’s fluid to drain better and/or decreasing the amount of fluid made by the eye. Drugs to treat glaucoma are arranged by their dynamic fixing. These include: prostaglandin analogs, beta blockers, alpha agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. Blend drugs are accessible for patients who require more than one sort of prescription.

Globalization and cross movement of people across countries have led to adoption of traditional health practices, once indigenous to a sect of population or country, by other populations outside its indigenous culture. If utilized properly, traditional medicine and health practices can be a source of income as has already been described in countries like India and China, where traditional health practices have evolved and developed over the years and are accepted the world over as established modes of alternative therapies. By the report “Traditional Medicine in Oman: Its Role in Ophthalmology”, three patients who were examined in the Ophthalmic department of a tertiary care teaching hospital in the Sultanate of Oman between 2003 and 2004, have been cured fully or partially.

Also, the traditional medicinal systems of various civilizations are well known to use herbal remedies for various ocular conditions. Plant derived compounds came to ocular use in the last century in which cocaine, physostigmine, pilocarpine and atropine are still holding a place in modern ophthalmology practice. The traditional knowledge available at different populations are of current interest among researchers throughout the world for finding new therapeutic modalities for ocular disorders like glaucoma, uveitis, cataract and neovascular conditions etc.