ASCRS 2026: Corneal and ocular surface updates

As we’ve come to expect, the ASCRS 2026 Annual Meeting delivered a strong mix of practical insights and emerging innovation across corneal and ocular surface disease.

This year’s programme highlighted clear progress in regenerative therapies, improved recognition and management of ocular surface pain, and a rapidly evolving dry eye landscape driven by novel mechanisms and faster-acting treatments.

Cell therapy for endothelial disease

A shift toward regenerative, less invasive alternatives to keratoplasty is gaining momentum, with early clinical data supporting the potential of cell-based approaches.

Abstract highlight: Injectable endothelial cell therapy shows clinically meaningful visual improvement at 12 months
A Phase 1/2 study of AURN001 (human corneal endothelial cells combined with a rho-kinase inhibitor) showed that 65% of patients in the high-dose group achieved a ≥15-letter gain in best-corrected visual acuity at 12 months, compared with 0% in controls (p<0.0001). This was accompanied by a mean reduction in central corneal thickness of 23.2 µm and dose-dependent improvements in quality of life. The treatment was well tolerated, with no graft rejection or treatment-related serious adverse events reported. See the full abstract here.

These findings suggest that cell-based therapies may offer a viable, less invasive alternative to keratoplasty in the future, although further studies are needed to define optimal dosing and durability.

Ocular surface pain and neurotrophic disease

Emerging therapies are beginning to address the significant unmet need in neuropathic corneal pain, with both pharmacological and device-based approaches showing durable benefit.

Abstract highlight: Novel topical therapy delivers rapid and substantial reductions in neuropathic corneal pain
In a Phase 2 study, urcosimod 0.05% achieved a mean pain reduction of 5.5 points at Week 12 compared with 2.75 for placebo, with 75% of patients experiencing >80% improvement in pain scores. Treatment effects were evident by Week 4, with no serious adverse events reported, highlighting its potential as a non-opioid therapeutic option in a space with no approved treatments. See the full abstract here.

Abstract highlight: Non-pharmacological cooling device provides sustained pain relief with high patient satisfaction
A novel ocular surface cooling device demonstrated a 2.1-unit reduction in pain scores from baseline at one year, with the majority of patients reporting symptomatic improvement and willingness to recommend the treatment. No safety concerns were observed, including no increases in intraocular pressure or corneal complications, supporting its role as a durable adjunct or alternative therapy. See the full abstract here.

Session highlight: Growing focus on complex ocular surface disease
Dedicated sessions on persistent epithelial defects, neurotrophic keratitis and limbal stem cell deficiency reinforced the importance of early identification and multimodal management strategies in patients with severe ocular surface disease.

Advancing dry eye management and diagnostics

Dry eye disease continues to be a major focus, with innovation spanning rapid-acting therapeutics, novel mechanisms of action and more accessible diagnostic tools.

Abstract highlight: Acoltremon 0.003% (TRPM8 agonist) – Phase 3 and mechanistic studies
Across multiple studies, acoltremon demonstrated rapid and sustained improvements in natural tear production. Tear volume and total lipid concentration increased within 3 minutes of administration, indicating a fast onset of action through stimulation of natural tear and meibomian gland activity. In pooled Phase 3 data, between 80.6% and 82.2% of treated patients achieved a ≥3 mm improvement in Schirmer test scores compared with 48.4% to 54.7% with vehicle (p<0.0001). Importantly, 71.1% to 76.7% achieved ≥5 mm improvements versus 31.6% to 39.0% with vehicle, with effects evident from Day 1 and sustained through 90 days. See the full abstract here.

Abstract highlight: Reproxalap – pooled dry eye chamber trials
This novel RASP modulator demonstrated statistically significant reductions in conjunctival redness (LS mean difference –0.15; p=0.005), with effects observed as early as 10 minutes after administration. The treatment was well tolerated, with only mild to moderate instillation site irritation reported. See the full abstract here.

Abstract highlight: Novel keratoconus screening device
A handheld screening device using Placido ring illumination achieved a 99.3% successful image capture rate with a median scan time of 3.9 seconds. If validated in further studies, this technology could expand access to keratoconus screening in non-specialist settings. See the full abstract here.

Together, these developments highlight a shift toward faster-acting therapies, improved tear film targeting, and more scalable diagnostic solutions aligned with evolving clinical algorithms.

Other abstracts that caught our eye

DFL24498 in atopic keratoconjunctivitis (Phase II)
A dual TRPML2 and calcineurin inhibitor demonstrated significant reductions in ocular itching and clinical signs with QID dosing, with a favourable safety profile. This represents a potential new therapeutic approach for managing chronic immune-mediated ocular surface disease. See the full abstract here.