PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology and clinical features of pediatric blepharokeratoconjunctivitis (BKC), with a focus on elucidating the underlying pathophysiolog...PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology and clinical features of pediatric blepharokeratoconjunctivitis (BKC), with a focus on elucidating the underlying pathophysiology and evaluating new therapeutic strategies. RECENT FINDINGS: Ongoing research continues to refine the management of pediatric BKC. Recent evidence suggests that disease remission can be achieved in approximately 95% of cases through an integrated approach involving topical or systemic antibiotics, corticosteroids, topical immunosuppressants, and lid hygiene. Notably, a significant advancement in the treatment of Demodex blepharitis is the FDA approval of 0.25% lotilaner ophthalmic solution, which has demonstrated safety and efficacy with twice-daily application over six weeks. SUMMARY: Pediatric blepharokeratoconjunctivitis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the eyelids, conjunctiva, and cornea. It is underdiagnosed and associated with significant vision-threatening complications. While there is no established consensus on the most effective therapeutic strategy, management currently includes lid hygiene, topical/systemic antibiotics, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, lubricants, and dietary supplements. Challenges arise from its chronicity, recurrence, and lack of standardized treatment protocols. This underscores the importance of early diagnosis, education, and continued research on treatment methods to prevent severe outcomes.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Ocular surface inflammatory disorders (OSIDs), including allergic conjunctivitis, ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD), and cicatrizing conjunctivitis, present significant clinical challenges due t...PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Ocular surface inflammatory disorders (OSIDs), including allergic conjunctivitis, ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD), and cicatrizing conjunctivitis, present significant clinical challenges due to complex immune modulation. Traditional therapies like corticosteroids have limitations, prompting the need for alternative treatments. This review explores novel, steroid-sparing immunomodulatory options. RECENT FINDINGS: In recent years, immunomodulatory therapies have evolved from corticosteroids and broad-spectrum T-cell inhibitors such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus to more selective pathway-targeting agents like JAK inhibitors (e.g., ruxolitinib). Biologic agents, including dupilumab and upadacitinib, have demonstrated efficacy in severe allergic conjunctivitis. In oGVHD, JAK inhibitors and combination therapies are emerging as promising strategies. For cicatrizing conjunctivitis, rituximab and IVIg have shown encouraging outcomes. Additionally, novel therapeutic targets such as chemokine receptor blockers (e.g., CCL20 locked dimer), T regulatory cell (Treg) modulation, and transcriptional modification via micro-RNA are shaping the future of ocular surface disease management. SUMMARY: The future of immunomodulatory therapy for ocular surface diseases lies in refining current treatment approaches and advancing targeted biologic agents that modulate specific immune pathways, offering improved efficacy and safety for patients with these sight-threatening conditions.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Advances in artificial intelligence have integrated into modern medicine decision making and diagnostics. Artificial intelligence in ophthalmology has become more ingrained in refractive surgery becaus...PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Advances in artificial intelligence have integrated into modern medicine decision making and diagnostics. Artificial intelligence in ophthalmology has become more ingrained in refractive surgery because of extensive use of diagnostic modalities including interpretation of anterior segment imaging used in refractive surgery. The role of artificial intelligence has increased to include biometry for the accurate selection of intraocular lenses (IOLs), detection of pathology such as cornea ectasia and keratoconus, sizing of phakic IOLs, as well as surgical decision making for the surgeon and patient. Artificial intelligence will also play a role in education of future medical professionals who will choose refractive surgery as a career. RECENT FINDINGS: Research regarding artificial intelligence is on the rise. Interest in artificial intelligence for ophthalmology is international with the largest numbers of studies coming from China and the United States of America. During this review, the most common themes encountered included the role of artificial intelligence in the fields of biometry for IOL selection, detection of keratoconus and cornea ectasia, sizing for phakic IOLs and surgical decision making and education. SUMMARY: Artificial intelligence will become increasingly important in the field of refractive surgery. With advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning, the safety and efficacy of refractive surgery will improve due to more accurate detection of pathology and more accurate outcomes in the realm of laser vision correction procedures and (IOL) selection.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Keratoconus is one of the leading indications for corneal transplantation surgery. Although the surgical success rate is high, the long-term outcomes do not match other solid organ transplantation proc...PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Keratoconus is one of the leading indications for corneal transplantation surgery. Although the surgical success rate is high, the long-term outcomes do not match other solid organ transplantation procedures. The availability of minimally invasive techniques has led to a reduction in the number of corneal transplantations in addition to improved visual outcomes in patients with keratoconus. RECENT FINDINGS: Collagen crosslinking slows down or stops disease progression in keratoconus. Customized contact lenses provide patient comfort and excellent visual outcomes. Bowman's layer onlay grafts have demonstrated promising outcomes in keratoconus patients. Corneal regeneration approaches provide hope as the next generation treatment option. SUMMARY: Minimally invasive treatments for keratoconus patients enable alternatives to corneal transplantation. This review summarizes some of the commonly used management approaches with a view into the future.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The rising prevalence of contact lens wear is associated with increased contact lens-related complications, with one of the most serious being contact lens (CL)-associated microbial keratitis (MK). We...PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The rising prevalence of contact lens wear is associated with increased contact lens-related complications, with one of the most serious being contact lens (CL)-associated microbial keratitis (MK). We describe updated prevention and management strategies of this sight-threatening condition. RECENT FINDINGS: Poor contact lens hygiene and practices remain the most common predisposing factors for CL-associated MK. Management currently relies largely on antimicrobial therapy guided by culture data; however, increasing antimicrobial resistance is a worldwide concern. Recent studies show early promise for novel broad-spectrum therapies including cross-linking and rose Bengal-photodynamic therapy, povidone iodine, and antimicrobial peptides. SUMMARY: There has been increased investigation in past years into broad-spectrum nonselective treatments for MK. While these investigations show early promise, prevention of CL-associated MK through education on hygiene practices remains an important healthcare intervention.
Curr Opin Ophthalmol
· 2025 Jul · PMID 40277171
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PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Corneal neurotization, a surgical technique that restores corneal sensation by transferring a healthy sensory nerve to the neurotrophic cornea, has emerged as a treatment of moderate to severe neurotro...PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Corneal neurotization, a surgical technique that restores corneal sensation by transferring a healthy sensory nerve to the neurotrophic cornea, has emerged as a treatment of moderate to severe neurotrophic keratopathy. This review provides an overview of the indications, surgical techniques, and outcomes of corneal neurotization. RECENT FINDINGS: Corneal neurotization can be performed via direct nerve transfer or indirect nerve grafting, with comparable long-term outcomes. Advances such as minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques, nerve allografts, and alternative donor nerves have expanded its accessibility. Studies show significant improvements in corneal sensation, epithelial integrity, and ocular surface health, with younger patients achieving faster and more complete recovery. The procedure has demonstrated efficacy across diverse neurotrophic keratopathy etiologies and is increasingly considered earlier in disease progression. SUMMARY: Corneal neurotization offers a promising, long-term solution for neurotrophic keratopathy by addressing the root cause of corneal anesthesia.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) have gained popularity as an antidiabetic and weight loss agent with protective cardiovascular outcomes, but attention to the potential ocular side e...PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) have gained popularity as an antidiabetic and weight loss agent with protective cardiovascular outcomes, but attention to the potential ocular side effects has grown. This review aims to consolidate the existing evidence on the effects of GLP-1RA on conditions such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), nonarteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), and dry eye disease (DED). RECENT FINDINGS: The effect of GLP-1RA on DR is controversial but likely linked to rapid correction of hemoglobin A1c levels. GLP-1RA may be associated with increased risk of NAION, although the mechanism remains elusive. Protective effects have been shown against glaucoma, AMD, and DED possibly due to its anti-inflammatory properties, and these medications may decrease intracranial pressure in IIH. SUMMARY: As the usage of GLP-1RA increases, further dedicated ocular safety trials are key to determining the risk of eye-related complications. Given the limited prospective evidence available and the proven systemic benefits of the medication, as well as its potential protective effects on certain eye diseases, GLP-1RA use should generally not be discouraged in most patients. Regular ophthalmologic follow up is important in patients considered at higher risk of ocular adverse events.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The role of topical and subconjunctival antibiotics in reducing infection risk in major ocular surgeries remains unclear despite their widespread use. This review discusses the efficacy of both adminis...PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The role of topical and subconjunctival antibiotics in reducing infection risk in major ocular surgeries remains unclear despite their widespread use. This review discusses the efficacy of both administration routes across various forms of surgery, underscoring evidence-based recommendations for quality practice patterns and limitations in current research. RECENT FINDINGS: Although intracameral antibiotics consistently result in low infection rates in phacoemulsification procedures, there may be some role for topical and subconjunctival antibiotic use, also influenced by regional preferences. Topical antibiotics may prove to be more beneficial in cases of pars plana vitrectomy and keratoprosthesis, but subconjunctival may be more beneficial in trabeculotomies. SUMMARY: Despite substantial data on infection incidence in ocular surgeries, gaps remain in the evaluation of specific antibiotic regimens, particularly for lesser studied procedures, such as minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) and ocular surface surgeries. Further research is needed to address these disparities and explore novel antimicrobial approaches.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery has undergone significant investigation over the last 2 years including assessment of novel surgical techniques and regarding the necessity of internal limiting membra...PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery has undergone significant investigation over the last 2 years including assessment of novel surgical techniques and regarding the necessity of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. This review seeks to highlight the latest literature in regards to ERM surgery from unique ERM profiles to clinical trials of surgical approach. RECENT FINDINGS: The summative literature highlight that peeling of ILM may reduce recurrence compared to solely peeling ERM; however, these recurrences tend to be mild and nonvisually significant. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been leveraged preoperatively, intra-operatively, and postoperatively to enrich knowledge regarding risk factors for worse visual outcomes and deep learning models that are able to predict the anatomic outcome of ERM surgery after review of the preoperative OCT. There is no significant difference in outcomes between sequential and concurrent ERM surgery with cataract surgery. In uveitis evaluations related to ERM, posterior and intermediate uveitis were most associated with ERM, while in pediatric ERM, extent of diffuseness of central ERM correlated with surgical visual improvements. SUMMARY: The latest ERM research has richly expanded the literature, allowing surgeons to better predict visual improvements postoperatively. This includes using OCT imaging biomarkers, but there remains a litany of unresolved questions about best surgical practices that are actively undergoing assessment.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Full-thickness macular holes (FTMH) can result in significant visual impairment if untreated. Although conventional treatment achieves high closure rates, FTMH can persist or reopen in some cases. This...PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Full-thickness macular holes (FTMH) can result in significant visual impairment if untreated. Although conventional treatment achieves high closure rates, FTMH can persist or reopen in some cases. This review examines recent advances in surgical approaches for managing refractory FTMH and highlights their effectiveness and limitations. RECENT FINDINGS: Approaches to refractory FTMH aim to relieve traction, encourage glial cell proliferation, improve RPE pump efficiency, increase retinal compliance, and/or provide replacement tissue. A variety of techniques targeting these mechanisms, including various autologous or allogeneic transplants such as internal limiting membrane (ILM) or human amniotic membrane grafts, or surgical manipulations such as macular detachment or relaxing retinotomies, have been proposed. These techniques are reviewed here. SUMMARY: Multiple techniques have shown promise for refractory FTMH. Choice of technique should be guided by characteristics of the FTMH, including size and chronicity, availability of desired tissue or instrumentation, and surgeon familiarity.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review highlights treatment options, both under investigation and currently available, for treating postcataract macular edema. An update on current clinical studies for postcataract macular edema...PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review highlights treatment options, both under investigation and currently available, for treating postcataract macular edema. An update on current clinical studies for postcataract macular edema has been summarized. RECENT FINDINGS: Pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (PCME) is a common complication of cataract surgery leading to decreased visual acuity due to inflammation promoting vascular permeability and macular edema. There is no gold standard protocol for treatment with physicians choosing topical NSAIDs and corticosteroids most commonly. Recent developments in a therapeutic approach to PCME include improved delivery methods via implantation and improved drugs and combinational therapies. SUMMARY: While PCME treatments are poorly studied due to their common sudden resolution without medical intervention, chronic PCME is debilitating for patients. Clinical studies show hope for improved drug delivery methods, practices to prevent potential PCME, and improved therapeutics.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Optic disc pit maculopathy (ODPM) is a rare yet serious condition that can lead to visual impairment. While pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) remains the gold standard for ODPM that requires treatment, there...PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Optic disc pit maculopathy (ODPM) is a rare yet serious condition that can lead to visual impairment. While pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) remains the gold standard for ODPM that requires treatment, there is ongoing debate regarding adjunctive surgical techniques. This review explores the latest surgical advancements and innovations in the management of ODPM from the past few years. RECENT FINDINGS: Vitrectomy remains an effective procedure for ODPM management, achieving high success rates. Adjunctive techniques, including internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, gas tamponade, and juxtapapillary laser photocoagulation, have demonstrated efficacy, though their roles remain debated. Novel approaches using ILM plugging, amniotic membrane grafts, and autologous platelet concentrate offer promise, especially in refractory cases. High-level evidence remains scarce, and most recent publications are relatively small case series. Therefore, it remains unclear whether the additional techniques confer additional benefit beyond vitrectomy alone, although the novel approaches can be effective options for refractory cases. Larger comparative studies are required to provide better evidence. SUMMARY: Vitrectomy with or without additional maneuvers is an effective treatment for ODPM. Emerging adjunctive surgical techniques provide new possibilities, but further research is required to assess for comparative efficacy and optimize outcomes.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Management of diabetic tractional retinal detachments (TRDs) remains technically challenging. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated overview of current surgical techniques and important c...PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Management of diabetic tractional retinal detachments (TRDs) remains technically challenging. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated overview of current surgical techniques and important considerations when treating this condition. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent advances in imaging have provided critical insights into hyaloid status and tractional forces in diabetic TRDs, greatly aiding surgical planning. Updates in vitrectomy instruments have also greatly improved anatomic success rates. However, a comprehensive preoperative evaluation and plan remains key in optimizing visual outcomes for this difficult condition. SUMMARY: The surgical management of diabetic TRDs requires several key elements for successful outcomes. Timely intervention and presurgical planning are crucial, particularly in rapidly progressing cases. The use of advanced imaging and instruments enhances visualization and precision during surgery. Finally, a collaborative multispecialty approach with clear communication with patients about their prognosis is fundamental to effective care. These strategies collectively improve patient outcomes and promote visual recovery in those affected by diabetic TRDs.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To examine the role of the ophthalmologist in screening for ocular candidiasis in patients with Candidemia . RECENT FINDINGS: Recent evidence has shown that previously published incidence rates of endo...PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To examine the role of the ophthalmologist in screening for ocular candidiasis in patients with Candidemia . RECENT FINDINGS: Recent evidence has shown that previously published incidence rates of endophthalmitis in Candidemia were overestimating risk due to nonuniform guidelines. Newer data suggest a very low rate of endophthalmitis in the Candidemia population. There is currently a lack of definitive data proving that retinal findings lead to significant changes in the clinical management of patients with regards to systemic treatment and overall outcomes. SUMMARY: Given the low rates of endophthalmitis, minimal management changes with positive retinal findings, and recently published guidelines from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, we posit that ocular screening of all patients with Candidemia is not warranted. However, more research is required to better delineate high-risk features that could guide which patients would require ophthalmologic examination. Further collaboration between ophthalmology and infectious disease specialists is vital to create new evidence-based guidelines based on the recent data.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an overview of research from recent randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on novel binocular treatments for amblyopia, inherently designed to force binocular integration by simultaneous dichopti...PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an overview of research from recent randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on novel binocular treatments for amblyopia, inherently designed to force binocular integration by simultaneous dichoptic stimulation. Second, to present an update on the most recent research. RECENT FINDINGS: In recent years, binocular treatments as either standalone or adjunct first-line therapies for amblyopia have been gaining acceptance, particularly for older patients and those who are either resistant to or noncompliant with traditional penalization therapy. The findings from a growing body of high-level clinical evidence are highlighted. SUMMARY: Clinically significant improvements in visual acuity and stereopsis can be achieved with binocular therapy. Several of these therapies are commercially available and have consistently shown noninferiority over standard patching treatment or full-time refractive correction. The data suggest binocular treatments should be considered as standalone or adjunct first-line therapy. However, more research is necessary to support some reports of superiority and long-term stability of gains, and to establish specific clinical recommendations with consideration of patient's age and amblyopia etiology.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this review is to summarize emerging clinical trial and real world evidence for faricimab and high dose aflibercept (8 mg), two recently approved treatments for wet age-related macular dege...PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this review is to summarize emerging clinical trial and real world evidence for faricimab and high dose aflibercept (8 mg), two recently approved treatments for wet age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema. RECENT FINDINGS: Faricimab, a bispecific monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietin-2, and high-dose aflibercept have demonstrated significant potential for extending treatment intervals while maintaining efficacy. Pivotal clinical trials such as YOSEMITE, and RHINE established faricimab to be noninferior to standard anti-VEGF therapy with superior durability. Real-world data corroborated these results, demonstrating improved anatomic outcomes with extended treatment intervals, though improvements in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) remains varied. High-dose aflibercept has similarly demonstrated noninferiority in landmark clinical trials such as PHOTON and PULSAR, with extended dosing intervals. However, comprehensive real-world data for high dose aflibercept remains limited and warrants further investigation. SUMMARY: Both faricimab and high-dose aflibercept show promise in reducing treatment burden for wet age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema through extended dosing intervals while maintaining or improving clinical outcomes compared to standard anti-VEGF therapy. Faricimab has demonstrated this both in clinical trials as well as real-world studies, while high-dose aflibercept has demonstrated similar durability in trials but requires additional real-world evidence.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Radiation retinopathy is a vision-threatening complication of radiotherapy involving the eye or surrounding structures. This review aims to summarize recent advances in understanding the incidence, ris...PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Radiation retinopathy is a vision-threatening complication of radiotherapy involving the eye or surrounding structures. This review aims to summarize recent advances in understanding the incidence, risk factors, pathophysiology, and utilization of new diagnostic imaging tools for radiation retinopathy. It will also focus on the current prophylaxis approaches to prevent or delay the development of radiation-related side effects and treatment strategies once radiation retinopathy occurs. RECENT FINDINGS: The incidence of radiation retinopathy is influenced by radiation dose, fractionation schedule, and patient-specific factors such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Advances in imaging techniques, including optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography (UWFA), have enhanced early detection by identifying subclinical retinal changes. Novel insights into pathophysiology suggest a role for endothelial damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress in disease progression. Prophylactic approaches, such as intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents, have shown promise in reducing the onset of retinopathy in high-risk patients. Therapeutic options, including intravitreal anti-VEGF and corticosteroids, have demonstrated efficacy in managing macular edema and preserving vision. However, the outcomes remain variable, necessitating personalized treatment strategies. To address some of these unanswered questions, the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network (DRCR) Protocol AL is currently enrolling patients and preparing to analyze the long-term effects of treating patients prophylactically with intravitreal faricimab or the 0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide implant compared to observation, to identify which patients will benefit from which specific regimen, therefore moving towards a personalized approach for this condition as well. SUMMARY: Radiation retinopathy remains a significant challenge in ophthalmology. Early recognition through advanced imaging and tailored interventions, including prophylaxis and treatment, are crucial for optimizing visual outcomes. Further research into underlying mechanisms and novel therapies is essential to reduce the burden of this condition and improve patient quality of life.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In contrast to current clinically used tamponades including oils and gases, hydrogels offer a vitreous replacement that has the potential to present a niche for vitreous cells and elevate vitreous subs...PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In contrast to current clinically used tamponades including oils and gases, hydrogels offer a vitreous replacement that has the potential to present a niche for vitreous cells and elevate vitreous substitutes to the level of tissue engineering. This article, therefore, highlights and discusses recent hydrogel-based vitreous replacement strategies as well as the latest progress on vitreous cells, towards the development of a cellularized vitreous substitute. RECENT FINDINGS: A variety of different crosslinked hydrogel systems have been recently investigated as preformed and in situ forming vitreous substitutes, based on biopolymers and/or synthetic polymers. In addition, a comprehensive understanding of the precise function and immunological significance of hyalocytes as vitreous macrophages has recently emerged using advanced imaging techniques and high-throughput transcriptional and protein analyses. SUMMARY: Tissue engineering offers transformative potential for vitreous replacement by combining advanced hydrogel systems with hyalocytes as vitreous cells to further replicate the versatile characteristics and functions of the native vitreous.