Medications and Substances That May Increase Macular Degeneration Risk
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that occurs when the macula — the central part of the retina that controls sharp, straight-ahead vision — is damaged. While AMD is primarily linked to aging, genetics, and smoking, some research suggests that certain medications and habits can contribute to its development.
EyeCon 2025: The latest on treating ocular surface and cornea disease
Rahul Tonk, MD, MBA a cornea, cataract, and refractive surgeon from Princeton Eye Group and faculty at Wills Eye Hospital, shared insights on recent advancements in ocular surface disease (OSD) for the EyeCon 2025 conference in Hollywood, Florida. Tonk and Joseph Allen, OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO, gave their talk "Tour of the Eye -- Stop 1: Treating Ocular Surface/Cornea Disease" during the conference, which ran from September 26-27.
The #1 Step to Preserve Your Vision With Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can cause central vision loss but not complete blindness. Early diagnosis through regular eye exams can slow the progression of AMD.
A soft micron accuracy robot design and clinical validation for retinal surgery
Retinal surgery is one of the most delicate and complex operations, which is close to or even beyond the physiological limitation of the human hand. Robots have demonstrated the ability to filter hand tremors and motion scaling which has a promising output in microsurgery. Here, we present a novel soft micron accuracy robot (SMAR) for retinal surgery and achieve a more precise and safer operation.
PERSPECTIVE Trial Launches in Europe
The PERSPECTIVE trial has commenced in Europe to evaluate the Smaller-Incision New-Generation Implantable Miniature Telescope (SING IMT) in pseudophakic patients with late-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Conducted across France, Germany, and Italy, the multicenter, randomized study aims to assess safety, visual outcomes, and rehabilitation strategies in this previously underserved patient group. The trial's findings may support future label expansion, potentially broadening access to the SING IMT in CE-referenced countries.
FDA Clears Gene Therapy Trial for GA
The FDA has approved the initiation of the Opti-GAIN phase 1/2 clinical trial for CTx001, an adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy targeting geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Developed by Complement Therapeutics, CTx001 delivers a truncated version of complement receptor 1 (mini-CR1) to modulate both the classical and alternative complement pathways. The trial aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of this novel therapy.
Navigating MacTel From Diagnosis to Therapy
Macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel) is a chronic, progressive, bilateral macular dystrophy that primarily affects individuals in midlife. Characterized by insidious central vision loss and retinal degeneration, it often goes undiagnosed until advanced stages. Recent advancements, such as the approval of revakinagene taroretcel (Encelto), offer new hope for treatment. Early detection and informed patient counseling are crucial to optimizing therapeutic outcomes.
Navigating Optogenetics in the IRD Pipeline
Optogenetics is emerging as a promising gene therapy for advanced inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) like retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease, and Leber congenital amaurosis. By introducing light-sensitive opsins into surviving retinal cells, this approach aims to restore visual function even in the absence of functional rods and cones. Notably, optogenetic therapies are mutation-agnostic, offering potential benefits across various IRD subtypes. The field is advancing rapidly, with several clinical trials underway to assess the efficacy and safety of optogenetic interventions in patients with late-stage retinal degeneration.
AI Without Borders
The Global RETFound initiative is a groundbreaking international collaboration aimed at addressing health inequities in ophthalmology. Spearheaded by researchers from institutions such as Moorfields Eye Hospital and University College London, the project seeks to create the world’s first globally representative retinal AI model. By training on over 100 million eye images from 65 countries, RETFound aims to enhance AI's diagnostic capabilities across diverse populations, ensuring equitable access to advanced eye care worldwide.
Study maps intricate muscle patterns behind blinking and eyelid movement
A blink of an eye seems natural and instantaneous, but is it? Without a functioning eyelid, the eye can become dry, irritated and eventually lose the ability to see clearly. Now, a team of UCLA biomechanical engineers and ophthalmologists has uncovered new details about the muscle that controls blinking, offering a pathway toward developing blink-assisting prostheses.