To mark OSN’s 40th anniversary in publishing, we decided to take a look back at some of the major news and innovations in ophthalmology over the past 40 years with the following interactive timeline. This is a living timeline, so we welcome reader submissions of any events you think we should cover that are not listed here. Please send any suggestions to osnanniversary@healio.com.
Targeted therapies shaping dry eye disease treatment
In dry eye care, 2023 was a year of substantial changes, and ophthalmologists and their patients have welcomed more treatment options that bring relief.
AI in retina moving toward real world practice
Retinal diseases are a major cause of severe vision loss, with numbers constantly increasing due to the aging of the population, the diabetes epidemic and the growing prevalence of high myopia.
Project has moonshot goal of curing blindness through whole eye transplantation
WAILEA, Hawaii — The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health has launched a program to restore vision through the transplantation of whole human eyes, according to a speaker.
Practice model may evolve with upcoming ophthalmologist shortage
Rather than discussing the diagnosis and management of the cases in this issue’s cover story, I thought I would use this space to focus on workforce issues in eye care.
Ophthalmologists weigh pros cons of live surgery events potential alternatives
For a long time, live surgery sessions have been an important part and distinctive feature of the scientific program of many major ophthalmology meetings worldwide.
Treatment for thyroid eye disease enters new era, shows potential for brighter future
Until recently, patients with active thyroid eye disease had limited options for treatment of their condition besides observation.
Geographic atrophy treatment options ignite debate on concerns, expectations
The FDA approval of Izervay has provided a second welcomed treatment option for geographic atrophy, with good efficacy and a favorable safety profile.
Eye drop could provide noninvasive approach to DME treatment
SAN FRANCISCO — An eye drop improved visual acuity in patients with diabetic macular edema, according to a study presented at Retina Subspecialty Day at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting.
Pharmaceuticals, implants account for majority of ophthalmic market in 2023
SAN FRANCISCO —The global ophthalmic market was worth an estimated $48.5 billion in 2023, according to Market Scope data.
Bausch + Lomb launches enVista Aspire monofocal, toric IOLs
Bausch + Lomb launched the enVista Aspire monofocal and toric IOLs with intermediate optimized optics in the U.S., according to a press release.
ChatGPT may help improve access to health information
ChatGPT showed the potential to generate high-readability health education materials in both English and Spanish, possibly improving access to health care and health information for Spanish-speaking populations.
Despite training challenges, trabeculectomy remains crucial
For more than 50 years, trabeculectomy has been the gold standard in the management of severe glaucoma.
FDA approves Eylea HD
The FDA approved Eylea HD, an 8 mg aflibercept injection, to treat wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema and diabetic retinopathy, according to a press release from Regeneron.
Izervay receives FDA approval for geographic atrophy
The FDA approved Izervay, a complement C5 inhibitor, for the treatment of geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration, according to a press release from Astellas Pharma.
Neuro-ophthalmology enters new era of treatment
Neuro-ophthalmologists have a lighthearted attitude about the perception of their specialty because, for many years, neuro-ophthalmology was strictly a diagnosing specialty.
Today’s LASIK candidates better targeted
With more than 20 million procedures performed to date in the U.S., LASIK is still the most popular and most performed laser vision correction method, according to the Refractive Surgery Council.
Address myopia early to avoid problems later
Myopia, which affects more than 1 billion people worldwide, has become a major global vision concern, and the problem is only getting worse.
MIGS evolution augurs earlier intervention, stand-alone procedures
The volume of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery has increased significantly in recent years, providing an alternative to traditional glaucoma surgeries.
Autonomous AI exams linked with higher adherence to annual diabetic eye disease testing
NEW ORLEANS —The implementation of autonomous artificial intelligence eye exams was associated with a higher adherence to annual diabetic eye disease testing, according to a poster.
Azithromycin shows equal efficacy to doxycycline in meibomian gland dysfunction treatment
Azithromycin showed equivalent efficacy to doxycycline in treating moderate to severe meibomian gland dysfunction, with reduced dosing and potentially fewer gastrointestinal adverse events, a study found.
Premium cataract surgery evolving toward personalized care
A premium cataract surgery experience is much more than just choosing a lens. It is a personalized patient journey in which excellence is infused in every step, from first contact through to surgery and aftercare.
Neurostimulation, neuromodulation offer exciting new approaches for dry eye
Artificial tears have long been the first option for patients with dry eye disease, but they only offer a partial solution.
FDA accepts new drug application for presbyopia treatment
The FDA has accepted a new drug application for CSF-1 for the treatment of presbyopia, according to a press release from Orasis Pharmaceuticals.
Genetic testing gains traction, opens new horizons in eye care
Over the past 2 decades, a large body of research has shed light on the molecular determinants of many human disorders, including eye diseases.
Specialists look positively at complex, dynamic landscape of wet AMD
With emerging treatment options and technological advances that make detection and monitoring more precise, timely and easier, wet age-related macular degeneration continues to be a vibrant area of research and innovation.
Temporary, permanent solutions expand choices for presbyopia correction
Few visual impairments have as far a reach as presbyopia.
Consistent positive trends in refractive surgery revamp motivation to innovation
From the start of the pandemic in March 2020, laser vision correction procedure volume grew steadily, topping 833,000 in 2021.
Cross-linking advancements continue in US, Europe
Not every hot ophthalmology innovation is built to stand the test of time.
Alcon completes Aerie acquisition
Alcon has completed the acquisition of Aerie Pharmaceuticals, according to a press release.
Zimura receives breakthrough therapy designation for geographic atrophy
The FDA has granted breakthrough therapy designation to Zimura for the treatment of geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration, according to a press release from Iveric Bio.
Lessons learned from pandemic will have long-term impact on ophthalmology
COVID-19 has challenged ophthalmology, like every other sector of health care, to rapidly develop strategies to respond to the crisis.
Industry has increasing role in ophthalmology research funding
A study highlighted the growing role of industry funding in ophthalmology research, with a 203% increase between 2014 and 2020.
Ophthalmology takes the plunge into the metaverse
The 2022 Digital Ophthalmic Society meeting was the first ever eye care conference to be held in a space station, or at least that is what it looked like.
Rolling review of Zimura new drug application for geographic atrophy underway
Iveric Bio has submitted the first part of a new drug application to the FDA for a rolling review of Zimura for the treatment of geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration.
Q&A: J. Stuart Cumming reflects on past, current IOL development
Expert: Future of interventional glaucoma offers radical change in attitude
FDA accepts new drug application for NOV03 dry eye treatment
The FDA accepted a new drug application for NOV03, an investigational treatment for the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease, according to a press release from Bausch + Lomb and Novaliq.
Q&A: Richard L. Lindstrom, MD, reflects on a career in ophthalmology
In his 50 years of ophthalmology, Richard L. Lindstrom, MD, has seen it all.
FDA approves IC-8 Apthera IOL
AcuFocus received FDA approval for its IC-8 Apthera small-aperture IOL for cataract surgery, according to a press release.
Progress needed to improve underrepresentation in retina
Underrepresented populations are not a new phenomenon in ophthalmology, specifically in the retina subspecialty.
Cataract surgery prior authorization an unnecessary burden for practices
It happened overnight, and all it took was a shift in policy at one insurance company.
Lindstrom celebrates 40 years with Healio/Ocular Surgery News
WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — Richard L. Lindstrom, MD, presented an introspective look at his time in the ophthalmology field, as well as his work with Healio/Ocular Surgery News, at Hawaiian Eye 2022.
Ocular Surgery News kicks off yearlong anniversary celebration
The team at Healio/Ocular Surgery News is delighted to announce our 40th year in publication and our 40th year of Richard L. Lindstrom, MD’s, collaboration on the editorial board.
Private equity ensures strong succession peace of mind for some practices
In the last 10 years, private equity has grown to become a larger part of ophthalmology.
Ocular Surgery News staff writer Michela Cimberle wins APEX Award for News writing
Ophthalmology groups urge reversal of Aetnas cataract surgery prior authorization policy
Deep learning algorithms prediction of RNFL thickness gauges risk for glaucoma conversion
An OCT-trained deep learning algorithm’s predictions of retinal nerve fiber layer thicknesses from fundus photographs effectively predicted future development of visual field defects in eyes of glaucoma suspects.
SLT as primary glaucoma treatment may offer reduced cost better efficacy than eye drops
Selective laser trabeculoplasty may be more effective and cheaper than eye drops when used as primary glaucoma management, Nathan Radcliffe, MD, said at the virtual OSN New York meeting.
Healio enhances user experience with reengineered website
Healio has launched a new, fully reengineered version of its website, delivering personalized news and education in an enhanced user experience to specialty health care professionals, the company announced.
IOL technology enters new age
As bifocal IOLs become less popular in the United States and practically nonexistent overseas, trifocal and extended depth of focus lenses are becoming the go-to technology for refractive cataract surgery, with new lenses in development that will allow surgeons to improve on already impressive refractive target goals.
Light Adjustable Lens a disruptive technology in cataract surgery
Since its commercial rollout in July, the Light Adjustable Lens has been implanted in 18 sites across the country, offering surgeons simplified preoperative messaging and decision-making and delivering better vision for patients, according to a speaker.
Raindrop near vision inlay recalled
Mix-and-match approach expands uses for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery
Combining minimally invasive glaucoma surgery procedures is a feasible, versatile alternative for lowering IOP and minimizing the side effects of a surgical approach to glaucoma, according to one specialist.
Caffeine may be ally in preventing or retarding cataract
Despite Plaquenil dosing recommendations, retinal toxicity remains
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has published several dosing and screening recommendations for hydroxychloroquine to avoid potential retinal toxicity, yet some patients still experience permanent vision loss resulting from hydroxychloroquine retinopathy due to improper dosing of the drug and improper screening.
Surgeons hold strong opinions for and against FLACS vs. manual cataract surgery
Since its FDA approval in 2010, femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery has been an option for surgeons, a new method in their armamentarium along with the traditional manual phaco technique.
Lindstrom is appointed president of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Study shows advantages of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery
BELGRADE, Serbia — Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery with the Femto LDV Z8 laser from Ziemer offers the advantages of repeatable and precise outcomes, best placement of the capsulotomy and optimized surgical planning with the patient in one position from the beginning to end of surgery, according to one speaker.
Opinions differ on private equity in ophthalmology
WAILEA, Hawaii — As part of a panel moderated by Candace S. Simerson, FASOA, COE, CMPE, Richard L. Lindstrom, MD, and Kevin Corcoran, COE, CPC, CPMA, FNAO, presented evidence as to whether private equity is a proper fit for ophthalmology.
The dos and don'ts of DMEK
Surgeons share helpful tips for making the transition to Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty.
Consider patient perception of pain when planning cataract procedures
Cataract surgery is thought to be painless for most patients, but for the few who report discomfort during surgery, ophthalmologists can take precautions to limit pain.
Should I choose distance vision in both eyes, monovision, EDOFs or multifocals?
Jack T. Holladay, MD, MSEE, FACS, discusses how to help the cataract surgery patient choose the best IOL.
Overcoming the PRK mindset: Incorporating LASIK, SMILE into the military
The reason for undergoing refractive surgery as a member of the U.S. military is not necessarily a medical one.
OSN New York celebrates its 25th anniversary
Dry eye disease is an area that 10 years ago was largely ignored. Now it is one of the most explosive areas in ophthalmology, according to Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD.
Advances in optical coherence tomography expand clinical applications
DRCR.net Protocol T: At 2 years, Eylea, Avastin, Lucentis all reduce need for injections, improve visual acuity
Excessive blinking may indicate ocular surface disease in children
Allergic eye disease and evaporative dry eye disease are the two main causes of pediatric ocular surface problems.
Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery represents new frontier
Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, or FLACS, represents a new frontier in cataract surgery. This technology is relatively new, and therefore “teething problems” are inevitable. Since its introduction in 2008, a lot of enhancements have been achieved.
FDA approves Iluvien for treatment of DME
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Iluvien for the treatment of diabetic macular edema in patients previously treated with corticosteroids who did not have a significant increase in IOP, Alimera Sciences announced in a press release.
Overwhelming changes to ICD codes pending, implementation deadline delayed
Implementation of ICD-10 will be a significant and daunting change for ophthalmology, according to several experts in the field.