The year 2024 has proven to be transformative for ophthalmology! It's bringing groundbreaking advancements in tech, diagnostics, and treatments with a promise to redefine eye care for years to come.
Check out the highlights that made 2024 extraordinary for eye health!
Surgical Innovations in Ophthalmology
Tech innovations have propelled ophthalmic surgery to new heights:
SMILE® System Innovation - FDA Approval
After receiving a CE mark in 2022, in January this year the VISUMAX 800 System finally got FDA approval and is available to the US Market. Surgeons report a 25% reduction in procedure time with ZEISS VISUMAX 800 & SMILE® pro compared to previous systems. This translates into reduced patient discomfort and faster recovery times for refractive surgeries.
Source: ZEISS Official Press Release
Hand-Held Cataract Systems
ZEISS MICOR 700, which uses ultrasound-free technology, is particularly beneficial in regions where traditional phacoemulsification setups are not feasible. The system’s gentler approach minimizes endothelial cell loss.
Robotic-Assisted Vitrectomy
Companies like Preceyes have developed robotic systems that allow sub-micron precision for subretinal drug delivery during vitrectomies. This technology is also being trialed to treat macular holes and diabetic retinopathy with a reduced risk of iatrogenic damage.
Source: Frontiers in Medicine Access to full-text article: Nature
Breakthrough Treatments for Eye Diseases
Technological breakthroughs in ophthalmology are making eye care more accessible and effective. 2024 saw significant advancements in treatments, offering new hope for patients:
Advanced Smart Contact Lenses Models
Glucose-monitoring contact lenses use mini sensors to track glucose levels in real-time through the wearer’s tears. Early animal trials show they provide accurate readings and improve diabetes management with added convenience. Other contact lenses have miro LED displays in addition to correcting refractive errors, offering dual functionality in a non-invasive design.
Source: Eyes on Eyecare
Retinal Implants (Prima System)
Patients with geographic atrophy due to AMD experienced improvements of up to two Snellen lines in visual acuity during clinical trials. The Prima subretinal implant utilizes advanced photovoltaic technology to convert light into electrical signals that stimulate retinal cells, bypassing damaged photoreceptors. This innovation represents a scalable solution for widespread vision loss caused by degenerative retinal diseases.
Source: Ophthalmology Science
Novel Treatment for Ischemic Retinopathy
Researchers have identified a mitochondrial protein, TRAP1, as a key player in ischemic retinopathy. By targeting TRAP1 with small molecule inhibitors like MitoQ and SB-U015, they successfully reduced retinal damage in mouse models. This approach regulates mitochondrial function under low-oxygen conditions and can be administered through eye drops, potentially offering a treatment for retinopathy of prematurity and diabetic retinopathy.
Source: full-text article - PubMed
Advanced Imaging for Monitoring Uveitis
A new method using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) that focuses on vessel density to monitor uveitis has been investigated by researchers from University Hospital Bonn (UKB). The non-invasive technique measures blood flow density in the retina, correlating lower densities with higher disease activity. By analyzing over 300 eye exams, researchers found that reduced blood flow density can predict vision deterioration.
Source: full-text article - Nature
Gene Therapy for LCA
After the groundbreaking success of the first gene therapy Voretigene Neparvovec (Luxturna) was released in 2017, it targets LCA caused by mutations in the RPE65 gene. in 2024, new AAV-based therapies for Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) entered late-stage trials, enabling patients to regain light perception and functional vision.
The BRILLIANCE trial confirmed that CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing is a safe and effective treatment. The therapy utilizes viral vectors to deliver functional copies of defective genes directly to retinal cells. Early trial participants report significant improvements in detecting shapes and navigating environments, marking a potential breakthrough for IRDs.
Source: Harvard Medical School
Phase 1 Study Stem Cell Therapy for RP with great safety results
Clinical trials for retinitis pigmentosa demonstrated the ability to restore partial photoreceptor function by using transplanted stem cells to replace damaged retinal cells. The trials by UC Davis Health researchers showed participants regaining some light sensitivity and the ability to distinguish shapes. That's hope for individuals with IRDs! Researchers are optimistic this therapy can be further refined to address broader visual impairments.
Source: full-text article - PubMed
Heparanase Inhibitors for Diabetic Complications
Scientists at the University of Bristol have discovered that heparanase inhibitors can protect the glycocalyx—a lining of blood vessels—from damage caused by diabetes. In mouse models, these inhibitors halted the progression of diabetic eye and kidney diseases by blocking the harmful activity of heparanase. This finding opens the door to new therapies with the help of a novel drug.
Source: full-text article - Springer
Stem Cell-Derived Corneal Epithelium in a Human Trial
Researchers in Japan have conducted a novel clinical study using corneal epithelial cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for transplantation in patients with corneal epithelial stem cell deficiency. This first-in-human trial demonstrated that the iPSC-derived cells restored the transparency of the corneal tissue and improved visual acuity without major adverse events.
Source: full-text article - PubMed
AI Revolution in Diagnostics
Artificial intelligence (AI) has firmly established itself as a cornerstone in ophthalmology. This year, several AI tools demonstrated unparalleled efficiency in diagnosing and managing eye conditions:
AI in Diabetic Retinopathy (DR)
Now several AI systems like Google’s DeepMind, Eyenuk’s EyeArt, and the AEYE-DS have gained FDA approval in the US for real-time DR screening. These tools analyze fundus images in under a minute, with accuracy exceeding 90%. This technology is revolutionary in a way that gives access to early diagnosis in underserved areas, preventing vision loss in countless individuals.
Multi-Modal AI
Platforms like Google Health’s AI have taken diagnostic precision to new heights! By integrating fundus photography, OCT imaging, and patient history, new AI algorithms provide precise risk assessments for conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. These tools enhance diagnostic confidence and streamline decision-making.
Source:Â JMA Journal
AIÂ System for Detecting Retinopathy of Prematurity
The i-ROP Deep Learning System is an artificial intelligence tool with 100% accuracy in identifying severe cases of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The AI analyzes retinal images from neonatal intensive care units. This AI system holds promise for early detection and treatment, even in low-income regions with limited access to medical care.
Source: full-text article - PubMed
VR/AR in Ophthalmology & Surgery Training Simulators
The role of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in ophthalmic training is immense. In 2024, new simulators set a new benchmark for ophthalmology training, equipping surgeons with essential skills in a risk-free environment. Here are some of the groundbreakers for simulation tech:
RetinaVR: Portable VR Simulation for Vitreoretinal Surgery
In 2024, researchers introduced RetinaVR, a portable and affordable virtual reality (VR) simulator designed to democratize vitreoretinal surgery training. Compatible with the Meta Quest 2 VR headset, RetinaVR offers immersive simulations of procedures such as core vitrectomy, peripheral shaving, membrane peeling, and endolaser.
The system could predictably differentiate between novice and expert users, with experts performing significantly better in core vitrectomy tasks. Training with the simulator led to improved safety during membrane peeling and enhanced performance during vitrectomy.
Source:Â full-text article- ARVO
EyeSi Surgical Simulator Advanced Modules
The EyeSi Surgical Simulator, developed by Haag-Streit, introduced new software for Phacoemulsification training, and some advanced modules for Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) and scleral-fixated intraocular lens (SFIOL) surgeries. The simulator teaches advanced surgeries with immediate real-time feedback, augmented reality (AR) overlays for surgical guidance, and procedural scoring for trainees.
Source: VRMagic
In Summary...
2024 was an exciting year for ophthalmology! Groundbreaking advancements transformed both patient care and surgical training. New simulators made learning complex procedures more accessible and precise. Alongside innovations like portable OCT devices and AI-powered diagnostic tools, these developments are helping eye care professionals deliver better outcomes and hope to patients around the world.
✅ Medically reviewed
Checked by Atanas Bogoev, MD.