Welcome to the latest edition of touchREVIEWS in Ophthalmology. In this edition, we feature a range of reviews and editorials on various diseases, including glaucoma and ocular surface disease, to name but a few, discussing improvements in our understanding and novel treatment options for ophthalmological conditions. We begin this issue with an expert interview with Timothy Corson on the topic of diabetic retinopathy. There are currently limited treatment options to stop the progression of retinopathy and loss of vision, but APX3330, which is under clinical development represents a potential novel therapy. Prof. Corson answers key questions on the mechanism of action of APX3330, clinical findings thus far and future directions for the development of this promising treatment.
Next, we move on to the topic of glaucoma treatment. Patient adherence to existing regimens can be challenging due to complex dosing regimens, difficulties with eyedrop administration and side effects. In an editorial, Ichhpujani and Thakur discuss these challenges, in addition to possible solutions, with a particular focus on the potential impact of the dose TR sustained-release travoprost titanium implant.
On the topic of diabetic macular oedema and neovascular age-related macular degeneration, Sean Adrean provides an update on the latest clinical data for aflibercept. Following this, we move on to the topic of minimally invasive surgery for the management of glaucoma. In a review article, Shalaby and Moster examine the efficacy and safety of trabecular meshwork bypass stents for treating this major cause of irreversible blindness. Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy is the most common hereditary mitochondrial optic neuropathy, and most commonly presents in young males. Although treatment options are currently limited, Davila-Siliezar et al. review the evidence to date for emerging pharmacological and gene therapy options.
Suprachoroidal injections represent a minimally invasive procedure for drug delivery to the posterior segment of the eye, while minimizing drug concentration in the anterior segment. In a review article by Mohammad Jourieh, the efficacy and safety of triamcinolone acetonide delivered via the suprachoroidal injection route of administration to treat a range of ocular conditions from macular oedema to serous choroidal detachment is outlined.
Moving on, we next feature three reviews on novel treatment options for ocular surface conditions. The first article, by Tracy Schroeder Swartz and Whitney Powell discusses reproxalap, which is currently undergoing FDA review for the treatment of dry eye disease. The next review article, by Uma L Balakrishnan et al. explores the treatment landscape for neurotrophic keratitis, a complex condition for which early recognition and treatment are key to positive patient outcomes.
Finally, this issue finishes with a case study from Jacob S Duker et al., on submacular choroidal granuloma from sarcoidosis, a rare condition that can lead to vision loss. Although the condition generally responds to corticosteroid treatment, prompt treatment is necessary for vision preservation and the prevention of systemic complications.
The editors of touchREVIEWS in Ophthalmology would like to thank all those who contributed the insightful and informative articles included in this edition. As ever, we are also grateful to all organizations and society partners for their ongoing support, and for the continued involvement and advice of our editorial board. We hope that you will find this edition informative and interesting. ❑
Elizabeth Yeu, MD
Dr Yeu earned her medical degree through the combined undergraduate/medical school programme at the University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA. She completed her ophthalmology residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, where she served as Chief Resident (2006–2007). Dr Yeu continued to complete a fellowship in cornea, anterior segment and refractive surgery at the Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA (2007–2008), where she served as an assistant professor. Dr Yeu joined Virginia Eye Consultants in 2013 and is an assistant professor at the Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA. She is the Medical Director of CVP Mid-Atlantic Surgery Center, and also sits on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Eye Foundation. Dr Yeu is an examiner for the American Board of Ophthalmology, President of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), the Chair of the Cataract Section of Ophthalmic News & Education (ONE) Network for the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the Chair of the AAO Annual Meeting Refractive Surgery sub-committee. Dr Yeu has authored numerous articles and is a frequent lecturer in the areas of refractive cataract surgery, anterior segment reconstruction, ocular surface disease management and surgical management of astigmatism.
