Peer Exchange

In this Ophthalmology Times Peer Exchange, the expert faculty discussed the evolving management of retinal vascular diseases, including wet AMD, diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. The panel reviewed the growing treatment burden associated with these conditions, advancements in retinal imaging and diagnostics, and the expanding role of next-generation anti-VEGF therapies in improving durability and disease control. Throughout the discussion, the panelists examined clinical trial and real-world data supporting newer agents such as aflibercept 8 mg and faricimab, while also highlighting challenges related to treatment burden, patient adherence, safety, and insurance access. The conversation concluded with insights into emerging therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors and gene therapy, and how these innovations may further transform the future treatment landscape for retinal vascular diseases.

Panelists discuss how next-generation anti-VEGF therapies are shaping individualized management of AMD, DME, and RVO by improving fluid control, extending durability, and refining treatment strategies across diverse clinical scenarios.

This Ophthalmology Times Viewpoints series, moderated by Kendall Donaldson, MD, MS, and featuring panelists Cecelia Koetting, OD, FAAO; Selina McGee, OD, FAAO; and Karl Stonecipher, MD, explores innovative strategies for improving dry eye disease (DED) management. The discussion emphasizes the importance of sustained tear production as a therapeutic goal, reviews diagnostic and treatment distinctions, examines the efficacy of emerging therapies such as perfluorohexyloctane (Miebo), cyclosporine (Vevye), and acoltremon (Tryptyr), and concludes with practical advice on integrating new options into clinical practice to enhance long-term patient outcomes.

Experts discuss the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye disease when patients present with other ocular conditions or are preparing for cataract surgery.

Experts discuss the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED), their diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, as well as new FDA-approved and emerging treatments for DED.

Expert retina specialists discuss the latest therapies for neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema, as well as strategies for improving patient outcomes.

Eyecare professionals examine the emerging role of miotic agents as promising treatment options for the management of patients with presbyopia.

Global experts who manage patients with retinal disorders comment on current treatment barriers and highlight newer therapies and delivery systems coming to market.

A panel of ophthalmologists and optometrists discuss the significance of addressing dry eye disease using various types of treatment strategies, including pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic options.

Considerations in diagnosis, management, and upcoming treatments for patients.

A panel of experts in ophthalmology and optometry review the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic eye disease including emerging agents in the field.

Caroline R Baumal, MD, Thomas Albini, MD, Aleksandra Rachitskaya, MD, and Michael Singer, MD, discuss a number of topics pertaining to wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) including the diagnosis and clinical manifestations, treatment options, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on management of wet AMD.

Marguerite McDonald, MD, Eric Donnenfeld, MD, Tracy Swartz, OD, MS, FAAO, and Crystal Brimer, OD, FAAO, discuss a number of topics pertaining to Dry Eye including the diagnosis and clinical manifestations, traditional, treatment options, and the potential new agents in the horizon.

The ViewPoints Series is an interactive learning module featuring leading industry experts from across the eyecare spectrum. The series leverages the various perspectives of panel participants to create a meaningful conversation on a range of eye health topics and issues related to current clinical data and industry trends.