Top five stories we have been keeping an eye on
This week in ophthalmology: a new ranibizumab biosimilar approval, smartphone-based artificial intelligence (AI) for ocular surface malignancy detection, an update on corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segments in keratoconus, diabetic eye disease data from ADA 2026 and FDA designations for a potential neurotrophic keratitis therapy. Here are five stories to catch up on this week.
Don’t miss out on hearing about our latest peer-reviewed articles, expert opinions, conference news, podcasts and more.
1. Ranluspec approved as ranibizumab biosimilar in vial and prefilled syringe presentations
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ranluspecâ„¢ (ranibizumab-hkdz), a ranibizumab biosimilar developed by Lupin Pharmaceuticals, for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and myopic choroidal neovascularization.
The approval includes vial and 0.3 mg/0.5 mg prefilled syringe presentations, with interchangeable biosimilar designation status. For retina specialists, the approval adds another anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) option across several high-volume retinal indications.
The wider clinical relevance is access. Biosimilars may help reduce treatment costs and support flexibility across different practice settings, while multiple presentation formats may better fit varied clinic workflows.
→ Read the press release here
2. Smartphone-based AI may support earlier detection of ocular surface malignancies
A nonrandomized clinical trial published in JAMA Ophthalmology has evaluated a smartphone-based AI screening system for ocular surface malignancies, including ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) and conjunctival melanoma.
The system uses smartphone-captured images to help identify suspicious ocular surface lesions before patients reach specialist care. For ocular oncologists, cornea specialists and general ophthalmologists, the potential value lies in earlier recognition and more timely referral of lesions that may otherwise be missed or present late.
This is particularly relevant in settings where access to subspecialty care is limited. However, as with other AI screening tools, real-world impact will depend on image quality, referral pathways, clinician oversight and how the technology is integrated into existing services.
→ Read the full article here or our key takeaways here
Reference: Wang R, Bi S, Lin D, et al. Smartphone-based proactive self-screening for ocular surface malignancies: a nonrandomized clinical trial. JAMA Ophthalmol. Published online June 4, 2026. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2026.1609
3. ECO-CAIRS explored as a developing approach in keratoconus management
A new touchOPHTHALMOLOGY article discusses the development of endothelial corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segments (ECO-CAIRS) and their potential role in keratoconus management.
Early clinical experience suggests that ECO-CAIRS may simplify insertion because of increased stiffness and resistance to re-swelling during the ring insertion phase. The technique is being explored as part of the wider evolution of corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segment approaches for visual rehabilitation in patients with keratoconus.
For corneal specialists, the article adds to the ongoing discussion around how surgical techniques can be refined to improve procedural efficiency while maintaining visual and biomechanical outcomes.
→ Read the full article here
4. ADA 2026 highlights diabetic eye disease risk, screening and retinal vascular care
New data presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2026 Scientific Sessions included several updates relevant to ophthalmologists managing diabetic eye disease.
The topics included diabetic retinopathy risk, incretin therapy safety, AI-based screening, real-world DME outcomes and a potential new oral approach to retinal vascular disease. One practical theme was the role of AI screening in connecting primary care and ophthalmology.
A Phase 1 implementation study at Emory Healthcare evaluated AEYE Health across primary care sites, with ophthalmology verification using Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) criteria. The study highlighted both the potential and the limitations of AI screening, including photography dependence, imaging staff learning curves, technical issues and the need to manage incidental findings.
For ophthalmology services, the message is pragmatic: AI screening may improve access and referral pathways, but it still needs careful workflow design and human oversight.
→ Read our key diabetic eye takeaways from ADA 2026
5. Lacripep receives FDA orphan drug and fast track designations in neurotrophic keratitis
TearSolutions’ lacripep has received FDA orphan drug designation and fast track status for neurotrophic keratitis, a rare degenerative corneal disease associated with impaired corneal innervation, reduced corneal sensitivity and poor epithelial healing.
The designations are intended to support development of therapies for serious conditions with unmet need. For neurotrophic keratitis, where persistent epithelial defects, ulceration and vision-threatening complications can occur, new pharmacologic approaches remain clinically important.
The next key step will be clinical data. As phase 2 evaluation progresses, ophthalmologists will be watching for evidence on efficacy, safety and where lacripep could fit within the current management pathway for neurotrophic keratitis.
→ Read the press release here or our key takeaway here
Cite: This week in ophthalmology | June 12, 2026. touchOPHTHALMOLOGY. 12th June 2026.
Acknowledgment: This content was created by the touchOPHTHALMOLOGY team utilizing AI as an editorial tool (ChatGPT (GPT-5.4) [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.
Editor: Nicola Cartridge, Director of Content
