The 8th International Conference on the Tear Film & Ocular Surface: Basic Science and Clinical Relevance took place from September 7-10, 2016, at the Corum in Montpellier, France.
This Conference was sponsored by TFOS (www.TearFilm.org) and was designed to assess the current knowledge and 'state of the art' research on the structure and function of the tear film and ocular surface in health and disease. The TFOS Conference will also promote an international exchange of information that will be of value to basic scientists involved in eye research, to clinicians in the eye care community, and to companies with an interest in the diagnosis and/or treatment of tear film and ocular surface disorders.
Importance of the tear film & ocular surface:
A significant, international research effort is being directed towards understanding the composition, function and regulation of the preocular tear film. This effort is motivated by the recognition that the tear film plays a critical role in maintaining corneal and conjunctival integrity, protecting against microbial challenge and preserving visual acuity.
In addition, research is stimulated by the knowledge that tear film deficiency, which occurs in countless individuals throughout the world, may lead to ocular surface desiccation, corneal ulceration, an increased incidence of infectious disease, and potentially pronounced visual disability.
read all about it on tfos2016.org