Retina/Vitreous

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2024 meeting in Chicago showcased many advancements in retinal research that show promise for the future.

We have seen plenty of innovation in ophthalmology, with researchers and clinicians making significant strides in how eye conditions are treated and managed. From improving drug delivery methods to harnessing the potential of gene and stem cell therapies, 2024 has been a year of promising progress across multiple areas. As we edge closer to 2025, we are eager to see what advancements will further improve vision and eye care. To envision what lies ahead, we turn to our expert editorial board to share their insights on the developments shaping the future of ophthalmology:

In this interview, Dr SriniVas Sadda, Director of Artificial Intelligence & Imaging Research at the Doheny Eye Institute, and Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA) Geffen School of Medicine, and President of ARVO (2024-2025), discusses the pressing challenges and emerging opportunities in treating retinal diseases. Despite progress, many conditions, such as inherited retinal disorders, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, still lack effective treatments. Dr Sadda shares the latest advancements in diagnostic tools like imaging, which provide a deeper understanding of these diseases at the cellular level and emphasizes the need to expand access to eye care, particularly as the aging population and conditions like diabetes drive up demand. Dr Sadda also highlights ARVO’s role in uniting researchers, clinicians and engineers worldwide to foster collaboration and accelerate progress in addressing these critical issues in vision health.

The EURETINA 2024 Congress, held in Barcelona from September 19-22, brought together leading experts in ophthalmology to share the latest research and innovative treatments for retinal diseases. Among the highlights were several late-breaking abstracts that showcased promising advances in therapeutics for conditions such as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), diabetic retinopathy (DR) and  age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These studies not only demonstrated the efficacy and safety of novel treatment options but also addressed critical unmet needs in reducing patient burden and improving long-term outcomes.