Five Days at ESCRS 2026: The Clinical and Educational Insights We Are Bringing to Ukraine

Ocular surface is becoming part of the surgical outcome

Dry eye was discussed not simply as a separate condition, but as a factor that can affect visual outcomes and patient satisfaction after surgery. In one recent series on premium lenses presented at the congress, dry eye was the second most common reason for dissatisfaction after residual refractive error.

This is pushing ocular surface assessment further into the perioperative pathway, including for patients who do not report symptoms.

Preservative-free treatment is gaining importance

The impact of preservatives on the ocular surface came up across several areas of ophthalmology, particularly where long-term topical therapy is required.

Reducing preservative exposure is increasingly part of the discussion around tolerability, ocular surface health and adherence.

Glaucoma care is moving towards earlier intervention

Laser as a first-line option and new procedural approaches were prominent topics at ESCRS.

Their adoption, however, will depend on access to equipment, trained teams, reimbursement and local healthcare systems. Topical therapy will therefore remain central for many patients, keeping long-term tolerability and adherence high on the clinical agenda.

Medical education is becoming more practical