Diabetic Macular Edema

Each month, our editorial staff compiles a recap of the top news in ophthalmology. Our January 2024 month-in-review features crucial research on social determinants of health, updates on the latest ophthalmic pipeline developments, and a look at how the local environment affects eye health.

Pivotal clinical trials associated with FDA ophthalmic drug approval were found to underreport and conflate sex and gender in analysis.

Autonomous AI increases diabetic eye exam completion rates in a diverse population of youth with diabetes.

A meta-analysis of RCTs revealed significant advantages with faricimab treatment in improving CST and reducing injection frequency among eyes with AMD or DME.

A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests the dual pathway-targeting faricimab provides some greater benefit in outcomes like CST at fewer injections and without compromise of safety to anti-VEGF monotherapies.

Firework-related eye injuries were more likely in areas where fireworks were legal, compared to banned areas.

Reports of eye infection and enucleation related to OTC eye drops concerned the eye care community in 2023 and drove increased vigilance towards ensuring safer ophthalmic products.

A headline year for retina disease drug development concurrently brought about research and discussion into the safety outcomes of these new agents.

Patients with retinal diseases found intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy and disease management challenging, but most expressed high levels of satisfaction with their treatment.

Based on the special protocol assessment submission, the company expects to begin the non-inferiority trial for the ophthalmic bevacizumab in the first quarter of 2024.

The latest episode of New Insight features a conversation with Ocuphire Pharma’s CEO on the company’s flagship retinal product and leading a small, but high-powered research team.

Announced by Glaukos on December 14, 2023, the prostaglandin analog approval is indicated for the reduction of intraocular pressure among patients with ocular hypertension or open-angle glaucoma.

Significant increases in macular and choroidal thickness were observed in the fovea and perifovea at all postoperative visits in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Positive topline results from the phase 2 trial indicate EYP-1901 exhibited statistical non-inferiority in BCVA to aflibercept, with a favorable safety profile.

Retina specialists discuss treatment and adherence strategies for patients with nAMD and DME. They also comment on the future of nAMD and DME management.

Retina specialists discuss factors to consider when selecting a therapy for patients with neovascular AMD and DME as well as loading-dose recommendations for select patients.

After years 1, 3, and 5, patients with diabetic retinopathy patients had increased odds of depression and suicide, patients with glaucoma had increased odds for all mental health conditions with higher odds for suicide or suicide ideation, and patients with AMD had increased odds for depression.

Rishi P. Singh, MD, and M. Ali Khan, MD, FACS, FASRS, discuss the need for extending treatment durability for neovascular age-related macular degeneration [nAMD] and diabetic macular edema [DME], as well as approaches to applying treat-and-extend strategies.

Retina specialists evaluate the effectiveness of the two new therapies for neovascular AMD and DME by analyzing their respective clinical trial methodologies and outcomes.

Michael A. Klufas, MD, discusses issues with off-label bevacizumab use, focusing on compounding issues and decreases in clinical efficacy due to repackaging.

Expert retina specialists review the impact of biosimilars in clinical ophthalmology practice, highlighting the potential decrease of financial burden to the patient.

Expert retina specialists discuss the latest therapies that could reduce the treatment burden and provide superior clinical outcomes in retinal diseases.

Presented at AAO 2023, new data show dual Ang-2/VEGF-A inhibition with faricimab improved pigment epithelial detachment outcomes versus aflibercept.

Presented at AAO 2023, a retrospective study found no statistically significant difference in retinopathy worsening between GLP-1 RAs and SGLT2 inhibitors.

Consumers should avoid Dr. Ergin’s SugarMD Advanced Glucose Support due to an increased risk of adverse events including hypoglycemia.