Welcome to the latest edition of touchREVIEWS in Ophthalmology, and my first as the journal’s Editor-in-Chief. In this issue, we are delighted to present a series of compelling articles providing insights into some of the cutting-edge developments in this diverse and ever-evolving field.
Dhanashree Ratra and Aashna Ratra open the edition with the first in a series of articles focused on retinal diseases. Dr’s Ratra and Ratra review the clinical data surrounding the investigational intravitreal formulation of bevacizumab, bevacizumab-vikg, for wet age-related macular degeneration, offering their opinion on the impact this treatment could have should it be approved in the future. Dennis Marcus and Luke Qin then present the core principles and contemporary applications of suprachoroidal delivery, highlighting its recent application to axitinib therapy and other investigational small molecules. They also discuss how this innovative approach could alleviate treatment burden, improve compliance, and optimize efficacy across a range of retinal diseases. Alessandro Arrigo, Emanuela Aragona, and Francesco Bandello then finish the section by offering insights into the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in managing retinopathies. The paper emphasizes the potential AI-based technologies have to improve many aspects of care from screening and diagnostics to daily self-monitoring, while also highlighting the crucial need for caution in their deployment and acknowledging the existing unmet needs in their application.
Next, we present an article from Lakshman Mulpuri and Lisa Nijm who ‘peer’ into the dry eye disease pipeline, summarizing phase II and III data from numerous novel innovations and tools currently under investigation offering a look ahead at potential future advancements in managing dry eye disease.
Jalin Jordan and Julius Oatts then join us to examine novel drug delivery devices for pharmacologic mydriasis and cycloplegia, an integral component of comprehensive eye care. This exploration highlights the significant advancements to improve effectiveness and administration, as well as reducing drug waste and the adverse effects often observed with the current standard of care.
We then wrap up the issue with a review from Neslihan Dilruba Koseoglu and TY Alvin Liu investigating predictive deep learning applications in ophthalmology. Concentrating on age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma, the article explores how deep learning holds the potential to revolutionize the field by offering insights that might surpass even the keenest observations of clinicians.
Together, these articles exemplify the wide range of advancements being made in the field. They aim to support ongoing education, foster innovation in treatment and care, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. We hope that you find them informative and engaging.
Jennifer Loh, MD
Jennifer Loh, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist practicing in Miami, Florida with a focus on cataract-refractive surgery and dry eye disease. She is founder and medical director of her practice, Loh Ophthalmology Associates, which she started in 2016. Dr Loh also spends her time as a clinical and surgical attending for the Larkin Hospital Ophthalmology Residency program. She is a graduate of Indiana University School of Medicine, where she completed both medical school and ophthalmology residency. On a personal note, Dr Loh enjoys skiing and traveling the world with her husband and 4-year-old son.
