Climate change, as a result of global warming, has caused several extreme climatic events in recent years including heatwaves and wildfires. The ocular surface is vulnerable to the ambient environment and to any severe changes in climate, meteorological or air quality variables. This presentation will discuss the types of ocular signs, symptoms and diagnoses to expect in relation to changing climate, meteorological and air quality parameters. Consensus and evidence-based guidelines on how to protect the ocular surface and manage the ocular surface disease will also be discussed.
Learning Objectives:
- Explain how climate variables and environmental conditions can affect ocular surface health and function
- Apply consensus-based guidelines to protect the ocular surface during extreme climate events
- Proactively manage populations which are at greater risk of ocular surface disease during extreme climate events
