5 Things We Learned This Month:

1. Amniotic stem cells may be able to suppress pathologic retinal neovascularization
It’s well known that stem cells hold huge potential for tackling ophthalmologic disease. Now another stem cell type is under investigation because of its unique immunological properties, and it could offer an approach for suppressing retinal neovascularization.
 
2. Gut microbes may be to blame in uveitis
There’s a well-established link between intestinal microbial flora and autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and colitis, and it looks like uveitis could be added to the list – recent research suggests that intestinal microbes prime T-cells to attack the eye.
 
3. Ziv-aflibercept is being used off-label in the eye
Like bevacizumab before it, ziv-aflibercept has seen some off-label use in the eye. But differences in osmolarity could be a deal-breaker – hyperosmolar solutions injected intravitreally can cause serious problems. So is this a money-saving masterstroke or simply madness?
 
4. A newly discovered signaling pathway could hold promise for AMD
A novel signaling pathway that leads to choroidal neovascularization has been identified, and could potentially lead to a new therapeutic approach in AMD. Interleukin-10 activates STAT3, which then induces the alternative (macrophage) activation pathway, leading to pathological choroidal neovascularization.
 
5. Surgery for optic disc pits may do more harm than good
Optic disc pits are commonly treated with surgery, but a recent study has concluded that many of the surgical interventions employed for the congenital condition are likely unhelpful, and may even cause harm.