Mary Ann Stepp Delivers Keynote at International Ocular Surface Society Meeting

Each year, the International Ocular Surface Society invites a noted researcher in the field of ocular surface disease to deliver the Keynote Award Lecture at its annual meeting. This year, the honor went to Mary Ann Stepp, PhD, professor of anatomy and cell biology and of ophthalmology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

The International Ocular Surface Society is dedicated to the exchange of research and clinical information regarding tear and ocular surface anatomy and physiology and disease. The society met in Hawaii this year to address gain new knowledge and skills for treating ocular surface disorders and to promote interaction and networking among participants.

“It’s an exciting time to be studying the ocular surface,” Stepp said during her lecture, titled “Intraepithelial Corneal Nerves and Dry Eye: Too Many, Too Few, or Too Depolarized?”

“Pharmacy shelves are overflowing with over the counter topical treatments for dry eyes and vitamins for the eyes,” she explained. “The public is reminded of the importance of having comfortable eyes every time they turn on their radios and televisions.”

Stepp’s lecture focused on the relationship between intraepithelial corneal nerves and sensory axons in the eye when it comes to dry eye, allergies, and aging, and how the ocular surface community will play a role in leading efforts in research.

“It was an honor to deliver the award lecture this year,” said Stepp. “I have long admired the science done by many of those who attended, who asked questions, and who gave presentations.”

The 21st Annual International Ocular Surface Society Meeting was held at the Dole Cannery in Honolulu. As is tradition, the meeting was held the Saturday before the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.