The Global Keratoconus Congress, which took place from Jan. 26th to 28th, was better than we'd ever hoped for with 400 registrants from 30 countries and a strong supportive cast of exhibitors. I'm pleased to tell you that we're already planning the second GKC for Jan. 25th to 27th, 2008, and it will once again take place in Las Vegas.

The meeting started with Jay Krachmer, MD, presenting his arguments for eye rubbing and the increased rigidity of the cornea with age as factors in the development and stabilization of keratoconus, respectively. Later Yaron Rabinowitz, MD, presented evidence for the genetic etiology of keratoconus, while Chris Kenney, PhD, explained its pathophysiology. There was an excellent review of surgical options by David Schanzlin, MD, and Dr. Rabinowitz reviewed indications for and good results with Intacs for Keratoconus (Addition Technology, Inc.).

Numerous clinicians offered insight on the fitting of scleral and semiscleral lenses, and the Collaborative Longitudinal Evaluation of Keratoconus (CLEK) Study data was reviewed in numerous reports. A number of participants discussed the benefits, when indicated, of the off-label use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents and cyclosporine in keratoconus patients for associated allergy and dry eye symptoms, respectively.

Cathy Warren, RN, reviewed the many services available from the National Keratoconus Foundation, from billing to support groups.

Our international participants explained how riboflavin and ultraviolet radiation are being used to stabilize keratoconus and shared their many insights on scleral and other special lens designs for keratoconus.

More information on the GKC is available at www.healthcareconferencegroup.com as well as in this month's News Spectrum, and additional reports and articles detailing the educational program and what new information about keratoconus the GKC unveiled will appear in future issues.

JOSEPH T. BARR, OD, MS, FAAO, EDITOR