Wrapping up another year in eye care: 2024 in review from Ophthalmology Times Europe

(Image created with Canva AI)

Another year is coming to its end. We spent 2024 celebrating the 20th anniversary of Ophthalmology Times Europe. That milestone wouldn’t be possible without readers like you, who refer back to our print magazine, digital edition, eNewsletters and video interviews day after day. Throughout the year, our industry has experienced major victories. We’ve navigated challenges and changes as a community. And now, we look back on the year in eye care alongside our colleagues.

Trending topic: semaglutide

As glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) have become more prolific, research about the long-term effects of semaglutide use has gained attention. In July, we addressed new findings from researchers which indicate that there is a potential risk of the development of non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) associated with prescriptions for semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, Novo Nordisk).

Semaglutide is approved to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes, and its use has been rapidly increasing. In a a retrospective matched-cohort study, investigators sought out to determine if the association between semaglutide and NAION was valid. Among the 1,689 patients in this study, 710 had type 2 diabetes, and 979 were overweight or obese. Of those with type 2 diabetes, 194 had been treated with semaglutide and 516 with non–GLP-1 RA antidiabetic medications.Of those who were overweight or obese, 361 had been treated with semaglutide and 618 with non–GLP-1 RA weight-loss medications.

In the patients with type 2 diabetes, the authors reported, 17 NAION events occurred vs 6 in the non–GLP-1 RA antidiabetes cohort. “The cumulative incidence rates of NAION for the semaglutide and non–GLP-1 RA cohorts over 36 months were 8.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.5%-13.1%) and 1.8% (95% CI, 0%-3.5%), respectively,” they added. For the complete findings, read the full article.

But that was not the only new finding in ocular health and semaglutide use. Our September issue featured a fascinating case study, in which investigators observed that two siblings with monogenic obesity had evidence of corneal nerve regeneration following 6 months of treatment with semaglutide. The study focused on siblings with an melanocortin4 receptor (MC4R) gene mutation: a 10-year-old boy (weight, 100.3 kg; body mass index [BMI], 39.7 kg/m2) and his 8-year-old sister (weight, 58.6 kg; BMI, 32.2 kg/m2). Their respective baseline haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values were 5.8% and 5.6%, the total cholesterol 4.4 and 3.4 mmol/L, low-density lipoprotein 2.3 and 2.0 mmol/L, high-density lipoprotein 2.1 and 1.0 mmol/L, and triglycerides 1.0 and 1.4 mmol/L. Both children exhibited intense hyperphagia, impaired satiety and severe, early-onset obesity.

Corneal confocal microscopy showed corneal small nerve fibre degeneration in the two siblings before treatment. They were both treated with semaglutide 0.5 mg weekly for 1 month, and then 1.0 mg weekly for 5 months. The authors reported, “We also showed that 6 months of treatment with semaglutide was associated with small nerve fibre regeneration, but with no major effect on weight, HbA1c, and lipids, which argues for alternate mechanisms beyond an improvement in weight and glycemia as a basis for nerve regeneration in these two children with MC4R gene mutation.” To learn more, see our September issue online.

Artificial intelligence takes center stage

Artificial intelligence (AI) was a key word for 2024, not just in the eye care space, but everywhere: tech, medicine, academia, entertainment. Early in the year, we spoke with three experts to learn their perspectives on use of AI in ophthalmology as part of the Congress on Controversies in Ophthalmology (COPHy) in Athens, Greece.

Ursula Schmidt-Erfurth, MD, chair of the department of ophthalmology at the Medical University of Vienna, presented a lecture at COPHy titled "How good are we really without artificial intelligence tools?" Prof Schmidt-Erfurth highlighted that, while a clinician’s expertise is necessary to make the most of AI tools, the capabilities of AI are uniquely suited for ocular imaging. “Ophthalmology is one of the most promising targets for many reasons, because doctors are already using digital imaging in large amounts and in huge volumes per image,” she explained. “This is the perfect playground for precision AI.” The full video interview covers the details of her lecture.

In another session, physicians argued whether AI is finally ready to replace human intelligence in a clinical setting. In the debate, Giuseppe Querques, MD, PhD, associate professor, University Vita-Salute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, defended the premise that AI is ready to replace physicians. His opponent Paolo Lanzetta, MD, chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Udine, and Director, Istituto Europeo di Microchirurgia Oculare, Udine, argued that technology isn’t taking over quite yet. They explained their arguments to Ophthalmology Times Europe in a video interview.

Trending topic: dry eye disease

Dry eye disease was one of the most popular topics across the entire Eye Care Network this year. If you want to brush up on the latest news, you are spoiled for choice. Here are just a few of our most popular dry eye articles: a look at dry eye disease, anxiety, ocular pain and COVID-19; the increased prevalence of dry eye symptoms among certain demographics in South America, including students and administrative workers; and the close relationship between dry eye disease, psychiatric disorders and chronic conditions like fatigue or fibromyalgia. In the therapeutic space, a unique non-ablative treatment, plasma emission, offers multiple applications for the ocular surface, and a novel contact lens solution bolsters comfort in potential lens wear dropouts.

The eye care community mourns Ramin Tadayoni

In April, the retina community was shocked by the sudden loss of Ramin Tadayoni, MD, PhD. Prof Tadayoni was president of the European Society of Retina Specialists (EURETINA), and at the time of his passing, had just begun his 2-year term as EURETINA president. Ahead of this year's EURETINA congress, his friends and colleagues shared their memories of Prof Tadayoni and their hopes for his legacy. Anat Loewenstein, MD, MHA; Arshad M. Khanani, MD, MA, FASRS; and Bahram Bodaghi, MD, PHD, FEBO, remembered Prof Tadayoni as a leader and role model for new and established clinicians. "Ramin Tadayoni was a giant in ophthalmology," Prof Bodaghi said. "He will remain in our memories as a legend." The special tribute, from our September issue, is available online.

At the meeting, EURETINA leadership presented the first Ramin Tadayoni Award, supported by Oculis Holding AG. "The Ramin Tadayoni Award has been established to honour the memory of a remarkable individual whose contributions significantly advanced ophthalmic disease research," Prof Loewenstein said. This initiative serves both as a legacy to an incredible man and a tribute to his work. By preserving the contributions of Prof. Tadayoni, we are also investing in the future generation of brilliant ophthalmologists who will drive research excellence and innovation in retinal care.” In September, that inaugural award was granted to Andrea Govetto, MD, PhD. In his interview with Ophthalmology Times Europe, he spoke about his research—and, in talking about the importance of collaboration and his dedicated team, embodied the qualities of cooperation and resource-sharing that the award represents.

75 years of the intraocular lens

Ophthalmology Times Europe celebrated 20 years of publication in 2024, but that wasn’t the only eye care milestone this year. On the 75th anniversary of the IOL, modern surgeons paid tribute to Sir Harold Ridley and his technological gift to the world. Artemis Matsou, MD, MRCP, FEBO, PgDipCRS, and Richard Packard, MD, FRCS, FRCOphth, contributed to the Ridley Museum at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) meeting in Barcelona. “ I was fortunate to work alongside an incredibly dedicated group of colleagues who worked together to provide not only historic equipment but also incredible insights into Sir Harold Ridley’s story, ensuring that the museum was both informative and inspiring,” said Ms Matsou. “Exhibitions like this help us appreciate the historical journey and inspire future generations of ophthalmologists. The ESCRS's commitment to honour our heritage while looking to the future was evident throughout this project. It was a privilege to be part of a project that not only reminds us how far we’ve come but also encourages us to keep the spirit of innovation alive.”

The overview of the museum installation, part of our November issue, is online now. If it piques your interest toward the future of IOLs, don’t miss two more stories that our readers loved this year. An evaluation of three enhanced monofocal IOLs demonstrates a brighter future for patients who are not good candidates for or cannot afford presbyopia-correcting IOLs. In the paediatric space, an affordable IOL and an innovative “bag-in-lens” approach to the procedure could revolutionise cataract surgery.