Best Paper of Session at 2008 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery - Stage 4 Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis and Central Toxic Keratopathy - Causes, Pathophysiology and Management

Will Vision and Laser Centers is pleased to announce that Dr. Will has been recognized with the honor of having his presentation entitled been recognized with the honor of having his presentation entitled “Stage 4 Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis and Central Toxic Keratopathy – Causes, Pathophysiology and Management” selected as Best Paper of Session at the April, 2008 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) in Chicago, Illinois.

Papers are recognized for their scientific merit, innovation and the significance of their contribution to the field of refractive surgery. Of the thousands of papers from around the world, only a select number of papers presented at the ASCRS achieve Best Paper status.

Prior to Dr. Will’s discoveries, eye surgeons believed that severe cases of disorders such as Stage 4 Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis could lead to blindness or the need for corneal transplantation.  This achievement recognizes Dr. Will’s pioneering contributions to the field of refractive surgery and complication management.  Contrary to conventional thought that Stage 4 DLK is caused by tissue necrosis, Dr. Will’s paper demonstrates that Stage 4 DLK is a rapidly reversible biomechanical event in the cornea modulated by inflammatory cytokines and “outside-in” trans-membrane signaling.  Through the use of sophisticated imaging technologies, including Scheimphlug tomography and Optical Coherence Tomography, Dr. Will was able to document characteristics of corneal tissue response to laser surgery.

The result is a highly innovative perspective on the causation and management of Diffuse Lamellar Keratitis and Central Toxic Keratopathy.  Dr Will’s paper redefined the effects of inflammatory cytokines, toxins, thermal and mechanical injury on the physiological, physical and biomechanical properties of the cornea.  His paper and its ideas will revolutionize the science of corneal biomechanics, allowing surgeons to provide superior post-operative visual acuities and fewer intraoperative complications for their patients.  The Best Paper of Session award is given in recognition of this scientific leadership, systematic logic and scientific discipline.