From a pivotal study into dropless cataract surgery with OMIDRIA to obesity-related retinal damage, these are the news stories and studies that caught our attention this week…
OMIDRIA pivotal study. Rayner US has announced that it has completed a pivotal study into dropless cataract surgery with OMIDRIA (phenylephrine and ketorolac intraocular solution 1% / 0.3%). OMIDRIA is currently the only nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) approved by the FDA for use during cataract surgery. Rayner plans to present the full data set at the upcoming ASCRS meeting in Los Angeles (April 25–28). Link
ICER review. The Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) has posted its revised Evidence Report, “Sonpiretigene Isteparvovec for Advanced Retinitis Pigmentosa,” assessing the comparative value and clinical effectiveness of the intravitreal optogenetics gene therapy for RP. ICER rated current evidence on sonpiretigene isteparvovec as “promising but inconclusive,” noting some concerns around unknown short-term and long-term harms, as well as the durability of benefits associated with the treatment. Link
Psoriasis and the eyes. A new Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection review has found that psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of several ocular complications, particularly dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction, conjunctivitis, and conjunctival hyperemia. Conducted by a Brazilian-based team, the study compiled data from 30 studies involving over 131,000 patients, making it one of the largest investigations into the link between psoriasis and eye health to date. Link
BMI and retinal health. Columbia University researchers have identified early structural changes in the retina linked to obesity, even in otherwise healthy individuals. Using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), the researchers found that higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with alterations in distinct retinal layers, providing new insights into how obesity may affect eye health before overt disease symptoms appear. Link
New Light for RP. A recent IOVS study using a rat model of retinitis pigmentosa (RP) has found that while form vision declines with age, basic light perception remains intact. This preserved function is likely due to intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), which survive longer than rods and cones. The findings suggest a critical window for RP intervention, where treatments could potentially restore meaningful vision even after spatial vision is lost. Link
