The first months of 2026 have already seen a number of interesting studies and reviews published across the ophthalmology literature, setting the stage for another year of progress in the field. Below, we highlight a selection of recent papers from major journals that we found particularly notable over the past few weeks.
Ischaemic optic neuropathy associated with semaglutide
This pharmacovigilance analysis recently publishing in the British Journal of Ophthalmology evaluated reports of ischaemic optic neuropathy (ION) associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, with a focus on semaglutide formulations. Using more than 30 million reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System between 2017 and 2024, the analysis included 31,774 cases involving semaglutide.
Wegovy demonstrated the strongest association with ION (reporting odds ratio [ROR] 74.89) compared with Ozempic (ROR 18.81). Sex-stratified analysis showed higher odds in men (ROR 116.37). Multivariable regression confirmed a higher risk with Wegovy compared with Ozempic (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 4.74) and higher risk in men compared with women (AOR 3.33). These findings suggest a potential dose-dependent association between semaglutide and ION that requires further prospective investigation. Read the full article here
Subretinal photovoltaic implant to restore vision in geographic atrophy due to AMD
>This prospective, open-label multicentre study published in NEJM evaluated the PRIMA subretinal photovoltaic implant for restoring central vision in patients with geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration. A total of 38 participants underwent implantation of the device, which works with near-infrared light delivered through specialised glasses to stimulate retinal cells.
At 12 months, 32 participants were evaluable, and 26 (81%) achieved a clinically meaningful improvement in prosthetic visual acuity of at least 0.2 logMAR. Multiple imputation analysis estimated that approximately 80% of participants would reach this outcome. A total of 26 serious adverse events occurred in 19 participants, most within the first two months following surgery, and the majority resolved within two months. Peripheral natural visual acuity remained unchanged following implantation. Read the full article here
Bilateral conversion risk in unilateral retinoblastoma using age and genetic testing
This retrospective cohort study published in JAMA Ophthalmology investigated the risk of developing bilateral disease among children initially diagnosed with unilateral retinoblastoma. The study included 1,108 patients and assessed the role of RB1 genetic testing and age at diagnosis in predicting metachronous bilateral conversion.
Overall, 24 patients developed bilateral retinoblastoma during follow-up. The 24-month cumulative incidence of bilateral conversion was significantly higher among patients with RB1 pathogenic variants compared with those without a detected variant. Among RB1-positive patients diagnosed after 9 months of age, no bilateral conversion was observed, while the small number of conversions in RB1-negative patients occurred in children diagnosed later in infancy. Read the full article here
The role of feedback in amblyopia treatment
This multicentre randomised controlled trial published in Eye assessed whether providing feedback from electronic treatment monitors could improve adherence to amblyopia therapy. The study included 102 children aged 3 to 8 years with monocular amblyopia receiving patching and spectacle treatment.
The results showed that providing feedback from electronic monitors did not significantly increase adherence to patching or spectacle wear compared with standard care over the 12-week study period. Overall adherence levels were relatively high across both groups. Younger age, better adherence to treatment and less previous patching therapy were associated with greater improvements in visual outcomes. Read the full article here
European Delphi consensus study reviews evidence gaps and unmet needs in childhood myopia
This modified Delphi study published in BMJ Open Ophthalmology explored evidence gaps and unmet needs in the management of childhood myopia from the perspectives of eye care professionals and healthcare payers. The panel included 25 participants, made up of 12 clinicians and 13 payers, from seven European countries.
Consensus was reached on 37 statements relating to disease burden, treatment options and research priorities. Key areas identified included the need for long-term evidence on the efficacy and safety of myopia control interventions, improved data on whether treatments reduce the risk of later ocular complications, better epidemiological data for Europe and the availability of regulatory-approved pharmacological treatments for myopia control. Read the full article here
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Citation: Literature highlights – March 2026. touchOPHTHALMOLOGY. 13 March 2026.
Disclosure: This article was created by the touchOPHTHALMOLOGY team utilizing AI as an editorial tool (ChatGPT (GPT-4o) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat.) The content was developed and edited by human editors. No funding was received in the publication of this article.
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