ESCRS 2025: Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Determination of Osmotic Proteins in Lens Capsules of Patients with Diabetes Mellitus.
Presenter: José Alberto Icazbalceta
This exploratory study at Asociación Para Evitar la Ceguera en México investigated the expression of osmotic proteins Kir4.1, TRPV4, and LRRC8A in lens capsules from 50 cataract patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM) using immunofluorescence. All proteins were expressed in both groups, but quantitative analysis showed significantly lower expression of TRPV4 and LRRC8A, and a trend toward reduced Kir4.1, in diabetic patients.
Non-diabetics exhibited heterogeneous Kir4.1 and TRPV4 expression and more pronounced LRRC8A fluorescence compared to diabetics. These findings suggest that high intracellular glucose in DM may disrupt lens ion and water homeostasis by altering osmotic protein expression, contributing to cataract formation. This novel insight could guide future therapeutic targets for diabetic cataracts.
A Nationwide Initiative Empowering 868 Medical Students Across the UK on Tackling Ophthalmic Emergencies
Presenter: Ayesha Karimi
An initiative over two years offered a one-day ophthalmology course to UK medical students, addressing the widespread inadequacy in ophthalmology education, reported by 75% of students, despite ophthalmic cases constituting 10% of hospital visits and 6% of A&E attendances. Created by ophthalmology professionals and promoted to all 45 UK medical schools, the course attracted 868 delegates in 2021-2022.
Significant improvements were seen in students’ confidence across history-taking, examination, recognition, and management of 14 eye conditions (p<0.05). Feedback praised the course as superior to prior teaching and recommended its mandatory inclusion. Enhancing ophthalmic training can reduce delayed treatment, unnecessary referrals, litigation, and healthcare costs, ultimately improving patient outcomes and job satisfaction.
European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) Congress 2025, September 12-16, Denmark
