2021 year in review: Industry conquers pandemic again
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Nine years ago, it started at the Hawaiian Eye meeting, where the Healio/Ocular Surgery News editors paved the way for me to write this Premium Channel column. This is now my 94th column, and I will hit my 100th submission mid-year.
Despite the highs and lows of 2021 for both me personally and the industry, the pandemic once again failed to stop the progress of eye care and innovation as we know it. As I look to 2022, I want to reflect on my top 10 2021 events as they related to me personally and this great eye industry.
No. 10: In 2021, Tarsus continued to evaluate TP-03 to treat Demodex blepharitis. In 2022, the company is expected to complete enrollment in a second pivotal phase 3 trial investigating the therapeutic.
No. 9: Oyster Point received FDA approval for a nasal spray (yes, not an eye drop) to treat dry eyes. Tyrvaya, a nasal spray formulation of the drug varenicline, also used in Pfizer’s smoking cessation medicine Chantix, has a fast onset of action and an impressive safety and tolerability profile. I have found this product to be great in those patients who cannot put drops in easily and for bedtime use for those who hate gels and ointments.
No. 8: Johnson & Johnson Vision received FDA approval in May 2021 for its Tecnis Synergy IOL, the newest player to the premium IOL arena, giving multifocal and extended range of vision. The big advantage in my patients has been the superb near vision, especially in dim illumination.
No. 7: Healio/Ocular Surgery News led the charge in getting our industry back to live meetings with the Hawaiian Eye meeting in May 2021. This paved the way for the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, American Academy of Ophthalmology and other meetings to take place live, knowing the pandemic can once again take a seat and not prevent progress and innovation.
No. 6: Although it does not take the top spot this year, my oldest son is a professional esports gamer in Smite, and his new team overcame many challenges with losing players during the pandemic. His team still made it all the way to the finals of the Smite World Championships; despite losing and not repeating his 2018 championship, I am proud to see him overcome the pandemic and make it this far.
No. 5: RxSight led the charge with innovation by adding ActivShield to its Light Adjustable Lens technology, which I prefer to call “invisible man” technology, which opens up for the Light Delivery Device adjustment and lock-in treatments and closes up to prevent accidental UV exposure. I still recommend patients wear their UV protective glasses as much as possible, especially when outside.
No. 4: Zeiss microscope technology with the 3D Artevo has been a tremendous innovation for me in both cataract surgery and MIGS cases. In MIGS cases, I feel like I can operate in the angle like a true glaucoma specialist with this technology advantage. Having spinal fusion on my lower back in 2013 has added a lot of wear and tear, and this technology already has made an impact and will most likely extend my surgical career.
No. 3: Allergan/AbbVie received FDA approval of its presbyopia drop Vuity (pilocarpine HCl ophthalmic solution 1.25%), a true game changer for our industry. We will finally have a solution for the 128 million presbyopes in the United States who are not bad enough for surgery yet and definitely do not want to wear glasses in this age of aesthetic appeal. I look forward to getting this drop to the masses in my practice that have presbyopia.
No. 2: I want to recognize my colleagues and industry partners who I call my second family. I am part of many eye organizations that have made such an impact on me professionally and personally — I am a better person because of all you premium folks who follow my premium channel. A heartfelt thank you.
No. 1: Dreams do come true, and for me to be able to play on the main stage of the No. 1 nightclub in Chicago as DJMJ (my other passion) was a highlight of 2021. Now I have a professional DJ manager with many shows lined up for 2022, and I invite all of you to come see me in action whenever you are in my town.
In summary, there is so much to look forward to in 2022. I apologize if I have missed any of you in this column, but believe me, you will not be missed in 2022. Thanks to all the folks at Healio/OSN for making my column flourish for this long. Have a blessed, safe 2022, and may all your dreams come true.
Editor’s note: On Feb. 3, 2022, a paragraph of this column was corrected to clarify the status of the Tarsus study. The editors regret the error.
- For more information:
- Mitchell A. Jackson, MD, can be reached at Jacksoneye, 300 N. Milwaukee Ave., Suite L, Lake Villa, IL 60046; email: mjlaserdoc@msn.com.
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