- news
March 23, 2021
TFOS Workshop Update
The next TFOS Workshop is entitled "A Lifestyle Epidemic: Ocular Surface Disease."
Chair: Jennifer P. Craig (New Zealand)
Vice-Chair: Monica Alves (Brazil)
Organizer: David A. Sullivan (USA)
This TFOS Workshop will focus on the consequences of the lifestyle choices we make, directly or indirectly, on the ocular surface. More specifically, the Subcommittee topics will include:
• Digital environment (Chair: James Wolffsohn, UK) – the impact of digital device use on the ocular surface
• Cosmetics (Chair: David A. Sullivan, USA) – the impact of cosmetic products and procedures on the ocular surface and adnexa
• Nutrition (Chair: Maria Markoulli, Australia) – the impact of what we eat and drink on the ocular surface and adnexa (note: includes the impact of nutritionally-influenced systemic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and inflammatory bowel disease, as well as alterations in the gut microbiome)
• Elective Medications and Procedures (Chair: José Gomes, Brazil) - Iatrogenic impacts of self- or elective medicating (e.g. OTC medications, multivitamins, oral contraceptives, acne medications, anti-androgens for benign prostatic hypertrophy), or elective surgical procedures (e.g. refractive) on our eyes
• Environmental conditions (Chair: Monica Alves, Brazil) - how the general and local environment may have adverse effects on the ocular surface and adnexa (e.g. geographical location, pollution, humidity, altitude, sunlight, UV light, allergies, air conditioning, sick building syndrome, mold and dust)
• Lifestyle challenges (Chair: Anat Galor, USA) - how personal lifestyle challenges can impact our ocular surface and adnexa (e.g. stress, sleep disorders, depression, physical inactivity, body mass index, psychosocial factors, smoking, eye rubbing)
• Contact lens wear (Chair: Lyndon Jones, Canada) - how choices around contact lens wear may lead to adverse effects for our eyes (e.g. materials, wear modality, care regime)
• Societal challenges (Chair: Fiona Stapleton, Australia) – societal and cultural impacts on the ocular surface and adnexa (e.g. health disparities associated with indigenous peoples, migrant camps, pandemic responses, acid attacks, driving accidents, occupational hazards, physical abuse, fireworks displays, sports involvement, etc)
• Public awareness (Chair: Christopher Starr, USA) – the mission will be to disseminate the conclusions and recommendations of the TFOS Workshop Subcommittees, to educate people throughout the world (e.g. through social media platforms, events, presentations, etc)
• Industry Liaison Subcommittee (Chair: Amy Gallant Sullivan, UK), will also be included and will provide constructive critiques of Subcommittee draft reports. These will be forwarded to the Subcommittees for their consideration.
We anticipate that the first eight Subcommittees above will have up to 10 members each, and that the evidence-based Workshop process may be completed within 18 months. We hope, COVID-19 permitting, that Subcommittees will be able meet in person at least once in person. TFOS will cover the travel and lodging expenses associated with this Workshop. TFOS will submit the final Workshop report for publication in The Ocular Surface, and Workshop participants will be the authors.
The Steering Committee will be responsible for developing the specific aims and mission, along with the strategy, tactics, structure, communication methods, timeline, milestones and conflict of interest policy of this TFOS Workshop. The Steering Committee will also select Subcommittee members and propose guidelines for determining the acceptable levels of evidence and methods of documentation to support such evidence. In addition, the Steering Committee will be committed to an evidence-based approach and a process of open communication, dialogue and transparency, in order to achieve a consensus concerning multiple aspects of Workshop topics.
The Steering Committee members include Jennifer Craig (Chair; New Zealand), Monica Alves (Vice-Chair; Brazil), David A Sullivan (Organizer; USA), Anat Galor (USA), José Gomes (Brazil), Lyndon Jones (Canada), Maria Markoulli (Australia), Fiona Stapleton (Australia), Christopher Starr (USA), Amy Gallant Sullivan (UK), Mark DP Willcox (Australia) and James Wolffsohn (UK).
Application for candidates is closed. Subcommittee members will be announced in April.