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New keratoconus drug submission. Glaukos has submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) for Epioxa (Epi-on), a next-generation corneal cross-linking keratoconus treatment. The company hopes the NDA submission will bring it closer to providing the first FDA-approved, non-invasive corneal cross-linking drug therapy for keratoconus that doesn’t require corneal epithelium removal. Link
Lumenis training. Three out of four optometry students in the US will now be trained in Lumenis’ intense pulsed light (IPL) dry eye management therapies, the company reports. Lumenis is introducing its OptiLIGHT and OptiPLUS technologies into universities across the country, in the hope that optometrists will enter the profession ready to integrate IPL into their everyday practice. Link
Glaucoma UK research grants. Glaucoma UK has launched its research program for 2025. It is the largest ever funding round for the charity, with a total of £370,000 to be awarded. The submission deadline is April 1, with decisions announced in June. Apply here
AMD and heart disease. An Ophthalmology Science study has revealed a significant link between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and an increased risk of valvular heart disease (VHD). Patients with AMD showed higher rates of VHD and related procedures, regardless of AMD subtype, suggesting shared risk factors like aging and inflammation. The findings emphasize the need for cross-disciplinary care and the use of cardiovascular data to improve AMD diagnosis and management. Link
DME survey. A global survey on diabetic macular edema (DME) has highlighted key barriers that can impact patients’ management of the disease. Patients and providers surveyed emphasized the need for better communication, reduced appointment burdens, and improved infrastructure to enhance care delivery. The survey findings highlight the need for more holistic, patient-centered strategies – and use of innovative technologies – to improve outcomes and transform DME management worldwide. Link
Gut feeling. A TVST study has identified that six gut microbiota taxa, including Bacilli and Lactobacillales, are significantly associated with retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Using Mendelian randomization and genetic analysis, the researchers – based at Wuhan No.1 Hospital, China – found a genetic overlap between these microbiota and RVO, suggesting that gut microbiota could be an influencing factor in retinal vascular health. Link
