Knowledge within the field of ophthalmology, as within other medical subspecialties, is evolving at a rapid pace. This makes it difficult for the typical clinician or researcher to keep up with emerging trends, diagnoses, and therapies within one’s own subspecialty, let alone to keep abreast of important developments in realms beyond his or her area of expertise. Nevertheless, it is important for the ophthalmologist to be aware of systemic conditions and their treatment, particularly as they relate to the eye. A better understanding of systemic conditions which affect the eye can offer further insights into our understanding of ocular disease and visual conditions in general. Additionally, the study of ophthalmologic conditions can offer significant insight into the understanding and treatment of a variety of systemic diseases. Pharmacotherapies for both non-ocular and ocular conditions are ever-evolving, and it is important for clinicians to be up-to-date with the uses of important medications and the potential for side effects both from systemic medications on the eye, and from ocular medications systemically.
The aim of this program is to provide an update on the understanding, diagnosis, and management of both common and important uncommon ocular conditions that result from systemic diseases or as a consequence of their treatment, as well as to discuss how research of ophthalmologic conditions can potentially lead to further understanding of various systemic illnesses.
This educational activity is designed for eye care providers seeking the latest information on advances in the diagnosis and management of ophthalmologic conditions related to systemic diseases and systemic therapies.