At the 2024 American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting, held October 18 to 21 in Chicago, Illinois, ophthalmologists and researchers from around the world convened to share groundbreaking insights on the latest advancements in eye care. From novel approaches to treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to advancements in cataract surgery and ocular gene therapies, this year’s presentations covered a wide range of transformative developments.
The Eye Care Network of Ophthalmology Times, Modern Retina, and Ophthalmology Times Europe covered myriad innovative studies, new treatment strategies, and emerging technologies aimed at improving patient outcomes across various subspecialties in ophthalmology.
Here are the top 10 highlights covering the latest ophthalmic advancements from this year’s AAO.
1. Promising Treatment for Corneal Neovascularization
- Mitomycin intravascular chemoembolization is being used to treat corneal neovascularization. In the procedure, mitomycin seed is injected directly into some of the feeder vessels. This treatment was highlighted as a new and promising procedure in treating a common and serious eye condition, making it a significant breakthrough. However, proper patient selection is key, with the MICE procedure most effective with specific vessel types and conditions that are amenable to canulization.
AAO 2024: New study shows promise for mice procedure in treating corneal neovascularization
2. Advances in Epigenetic Reprogramming for Vision Restoration
- The concept of restoring visual function through epigenetic reprogramming is cutting-edge and presents a novel avenue in treating age-related vision loss. ER-100, a novel gene therapy utilizing partial epigenetic reprogramming with the transcription factors Oct-4, Sox-2, and Klf-4 (OSK), was delivered via a single intravitreal injection in combination with daily systemic doxycycline to non-human primates (NHPs) with an induced NAION-like injury. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the expression of these transcription factors (Oct-4, Sox-2, and Klf-4) in distinct perifoveal cells in the ER-100-treated group compared to the vehicle-treated controls.
Life Biosciences reports advances in nonhuman primate studies on partial epigenetic reprogramming for restoring visual function
3. Dual-Optic IOL System for Presbyopia
- This IOL system could revolutionize the treatment of presbyopia and cataracts, which are prevalent in the aging population. The two-year clinical outcomes are significant. Data show how the next generation of accommodating lenses are performing, including safety and efficacy profiles. Researchers have found the lenses are maintaining refractive stability over 24 months. The system features a modular, exchangeable anterior optic and a fluid-filled, shape changing base that provides accommodation.
AAO 2024: Two-year clinical feasibility trial outcomes for a dual-optic IOL system for the treatment of presbyopia and cataract
4. Dry AMD Treatment Breakthrough
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss, and this drug is one of the first to show promise in protecting vision, making it a highly important development. In a study, patients receiving monthly treatment with the investigational drug ANX007 reduced their risk of vision loss by 72 percent. The data also show that significant areas of the retina essential for maintaining good vision were preserved.
AAO 2024: New drug shows promise as first to protect vision in patients with dry AMD
5. Early Cataract Extraction for Angle Closure Glaucoma
- Cataracts are a common issue in glaucoma patients, and the ability to prevent or reduce complications through early extraction is a significant clinical advancement. Early cataract extraction may offer better outcomes for angle closure glaucoma compared to laser iridotomy and medications, as shown in the EAGLE trial. Moreover, cataract surgery also alleviates pupillary blocks, opens angles, and relaxes the ciliary body, leading to long-term benefits and reduced medication dependency.
AAO 2024: Early cataract extraction for angle closure glaucoma
6. Prevalence and Incidence of Uveitis in the U.S.
- Understanding the epidemiology of uveitis and its complications is critical for clinical management, which is why this data from the U.S. TriNetX database is highly valuable. A study used the TriNetX database, which has more than 120 million subjects with de-identified data, to assess uveitis incidence and prevalence in the US from 2013 to 2023.
AAO 2024: Incidence and prevalence of uveitis and associated ocular complications in the US TriNetX database
7. Travoprost Clinical Trials
- Travoprost is a widely used glaucoma medication, and its continued trial results confirm its efficacy, making it a key point for ongoing glaucoma management. Clinical trials have found Travoprost’s intracamral delivery in iDose trials effectively lowered IOP in patients with prior failed SLT, offering a promising treatment alternative. Moreover, direct delivery to the trabecular meshwork reduced the ocular surface side effects, improving patient comfort and treatment adherence.
AAO 2024: Clinical trials of travoprost
8. New Oral Therapy for Stargardt Disease
- Stargardt disease is an inherited retinal disorder, and gene therapy represents a future-forward treatment option, with this research indicating progress in this field. Gildeuretinol, a modified vitamin-A, reduces atrophic lesion growth in Stargardt disease by 21% compared to placebo, without affecting the visual cycle. The potential of gildeuretinol was highlighted in the TEASE program, the first randomized, controlled study to show efficacy in Stargardt disease.
AAO 2024: Gildeuretinol and Stargardt disease: the tease program
9. Teleretinal Screening for Diabetic Eye Disease
- Teleretinal screening is crucial for underserved populations, particularly in diabetic retinopathy management, highlighting the growing importance of remote screening. An assessment found teleretinal screening enhances diabetic retinopathy detection, boosting compliance and access, particularly for those underserved groups. The assessment also found teleretinal screening has acceptable sensitivity and specificity for diabetic retinopathy, but is less effective for diabetic macular edema.
AAO 2024: Teleretinal screening for diabetic eye disease
10. 3D-Printed Eyeglasses for Children
- This initiative addresses the challenge of vision care access for children in remote and underserved areas, using innovative 3D printing technology to produce eyeglasses that address their complex eye needs. A study, in Ensenada, Mexico, demonstrated significant improvement in refractive errors among children with amblyopia or strabismus. The 3D-printed glasses were developed for children with facial abnormalities.
AAO 2024: 3D-printed eyeglasses bring vision care to children in underserved remote communities
Each of these themes represents key innovations or significant clinical updates relevant to the broader ophthalmology community, making them standout takeaways from the meeting.