The World Cornea Congress 2025 (WCC 2025) in Washington, DC, provided a platform for presenting new findings and advancements in keratoconus treatment. Representing the ELZA Institute, Dr. Emilio A. Torres-Netto delivered a series of presentations and electronic posters focused on evolving approaches to corneal cross-linking and structural modification.
During the session titled “What’s New in the Surgical Treatment of Keratoconus” on March 21, Dr. Torres-Netto presented “Novel Crosslinking Protocols for Keratoconus” from 2:12 PM to 2:22 PM. His presentation centered on the ELZA-PACE-CXL protocol, a customized cross-linking approach aimed at enhancing keratoconus management without requiring tissue removal or addition.
Additionally, Dr. Torres-Netto contributed two electronic posters at WCC 2025:
“Long-Term Follow-Up on the sub400 CXL Protocol for Thin Corneas: 5-Year Follow-Up Data.” This poster detailed the safety and efficacy outcomes of the ELZA-sub400 protocol over five years, with a focus on its application for patients with thin corneas.
“Unveiling the Biomechanics of Femto-CAIRS Using High-Resolution OCT Elastography.” This study employed high-resolution OCT elastography to assess the biomechanical characteristics of Femto-CAIRS, providing insights into its therapeutic effects.
The presentations and posters were well-received, attracting interest from attendees seeking to understand the implications of these approaches for keratoconus management. The WCC 2025 meeting offered a valuable opportunity to discuss ongoing developments in cross-linking protocols and their potential clinical applications.
About Dr. Emilio A. Torres-Netto
Dr. Emilio A. Torres-Netto, MD, PhD, FWCRS, is a cornea, cataract, and refractive surgeon at the ELZA Institute in Zurich, Switzerland. His education spans esteemed institutions across Brazil, the United States, France, and Switzerland. Dr. Torres-Netto earned his medical degree from the Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil, and completed advanced training at Stanford University, Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild in Paris, and the University of Zurich. In 2021, he obtained his PhD from the University of Zurich, focusing on keratoconus, corneal cross-linking, and corneal biomechanics.
Dr. Torres-Netto has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters. His research contributions have been recognized with multiple awards, including the International Council of Ophthalmology Award in 2018 and the José Barraquer Medal in 2022. In 2023, he received the Waring Memorial Award from the International Society of Refractive Surgery. He serves as a reviewer for several international journals and holds editorial positions, including Associate Editor for the European Journal of Ophthalmology. Fluent in German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and English, Dr. Torres-Netto continues to advance the field of ophthalmology through his clinical practice and research endeavors.
