Malik Y. Kahook

About Malik Y. Kahook

What is the most exciting thing happening in glaucoma right now?

One of the most exciting things is the rapid advancement of sustained drug delivery systems. We’re seeing innovations that leverage intraocular implants, and other long-lasting drug delivery methods, that significantly reduce or eliminate the need for daily eye drops. This has the potential to dramatically improve patient adherence to therapy and long-term outcomes.

Make a bold prediction for the future of glaucoma treatment?

I predict that within the next decade, we’ll see a significant move towards personalized glaucoma care driven by genetic profiling, AI, and drug delivery systems. We’ll be able to identify individuals at high risk much earlier, and tailor treatments based on their specific genetic predispositions and likelihood of disease progression. Furthermore, gene therapy will be a viable option for many patients – maybe 15 years for this one! – and the need for daily eye drops will be significantly reduced, if not eliminated, through long-lasting drug delivery implants and other technologies. I also believe that we will have effective methods to regenerate optic nerve tissue – maybe 20 years for this one! – thus reversing vision loss.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell myself to embrace the rapid pace of technological change and to prioritize interdisciplinary collaboration. Glaucoma care is becoming increasingly complex, and staying up-to-date requires a commitment to lifelong learning. Also, I would emphasize the importance of patient-centered care. While technology is essential, it's crucial to remember that we're treating people, not just eyes. Strong communication and empathy are just as important as surgical skill.