Study: ocular manifestations of Mpox

Alongside the World Health Organization this month declaring Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox, MPXV) a “public health emergency of international concern,” the National Eye Institute announced publication of a paper that looked at a new clade of the virus that is contributing to rapid spread in some areas, including its “severe ophthalmic manifestations.” According to the paper published in The Ocular Surface, the most common manifestations of the MPXV are keratitis, conjunctivitis, and blepharitis. The incidence trends for the newer Clade IIb strain are still emerging, but the authors wrote that “given the demonstrated ability of all MPXV strains to auto-inoculate ocular tissue, alongside the enhanced transmissibility of the Clade IIb virus, there is an urgent need to elucidate the mechanisms by which MPXV causes ocular anomalies.”

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‘World’s first’ spiral IOL designed with artificial intelligence

Rayner announced the launch of its RayOne Galaxy and Galaxy Toric IOLs, which it described as the “world’s first spiral IOL” designed with artificial intelligence. According to the company’s website, the Galaxy’s spiral optic elongates focus for a full range of vision with smooth transitions. The company also stated that the non-diffractive design facilitates a reduced dysphotopsia profile.

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First-in-human implantation of wireless IOP sensor

Injectsense announced its first-in-human implantation of the Injectsense IOP-Connect IOP sensor, intended for 24/7 IOP monitoring that could last the patient decades. This implantation is part of an ongoing trial that will enroll up to 20 participants.

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Final patient visit for Phase 2 wet AMD treatment trial

Clearside Biomedical announced that it has completed its final patient visit in the Phase 2b clinical trial for CLS-AX (axitinib injectable suspension) for treatment of wet AMD. According to the company’s press release, topline results are expected to be reported in early October. In the Phase 2b, 36-week trial, 60 participants were randomized 2:1 to receive CLS-AX 1 mg or aflibercept 2 mg. The primary outcome is mean change from baseline BCVA. Secondary outcomes are change in baseline in visual function and ocular anatomy, supplemental treatment need, and total number of injections needed during the trial.

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Enrollment, dosing complete for Phase 1 AMD, DME therapy

AiViva Biopharma announced that it completed enrollment and dosing in its Phase 1 trial evaluating a new therapy for wet AMD and/or DME treatment. The therapy is based on periocular injection of AIV007 (lenvatinib), which the company described as a broad-spectrum tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets fibrosis, angiogenesis, and inflammation. The company stated that it thinks this therapy will “address the root causes of wet AMD, DME, and many other ocular issues.” Full results from the study are expected in the first quarter of 2025.

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ASCRS news and events

• ASCRS Business of Refractive Cataract Surgery Summit: This new course taking place September 27–28 in Irving, Texas—along with its extensive, take-home resource library—will help practices gain the navigational tools needed to increase advanced-technology IOL adoption and lead patients effectively on their refractive surgery journey. Learn more.
• ASCRS Live! This educational dinner series is heading to several cities across the U.S. in 2024. Registration is open for events in Cleveland, Ohio, September 12 and Atlanta, Georgia, October 3.
• ASCRS Annual Meeting: The call for abstract submissions for the 2025 ASCRS Annual Meeting has been extended through September 3. Submit your abstracts now.
• ASCRS Foundation: There are two opportunities for young eye surgeons currently accepting applications: Young Eye Surgeons International Service Grant and the Resident Excellence Award.
• ASCRS 50th Anniversary: ASCRS members from the 50 states are sending in their perspectives on the Society, its impact on their career, and its influence on the specialty as a whole. Stay tuned each week through April 2025 for a new video.

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Research highlights

• Long-term astigmatism, measured over 3 years, after a combined non-penetrating glaucoma surgery (canaloplasty) and implantation of the EYEMATE-SC suprachoroidal IOP sensor (Implandata Ophthalmic Products) was evaluated in a retrospective multicenter clinical study that included five centers in two countries. Twenty-four participants had both the canaloplasty and EYEMATE-SC implantation procedure, while 24 had canaloplasty alone, serving as a control. According to multivariate analysis reported in the study, there were no changes in astigmatism during the 6-month, 1-, 2-, or 3-year follow-up visits. CDVA also did not change at these timepoints. The investigators concluded that the sensor did not affect astigmatism “despite its suprachoroidal localization.” The study is published in the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.
• Repeat SLT in patients with open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension was evaluated in a post-hoc analysis of the LiGHT trial in China. According to the paper published in JAMA Ophthalmology, SLT was performed initially, and repeat SLT was the first choice when additional therapy was needed, regardless of the patient’s response to the initial SLT. The analysis included 180 eyes of 105 participants. The authors reported that the initial SLT and repeat SLT both resulted in a reduction of IOP. Mean IOP after repeat SLT was 15.8 mm Hg, which the authors wrote was similar to the 16.0 mm Hg after initial SLT. They also found that the repeat SLT had a longer treatment effect than the initial SLT, and the IOP reduction of the initial SLT was not correlated with the repeat SLT. Older age, female gender, and lower initial baseline IOP were associated with a greater potential of being non-responsive to treatment. The authors concluded that most cases were responsive to SLT, and the findings “support the consideration of repeat SLT regardless of initial response.”

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Product news

• Bruder Healthcare and Santen entered into a distribution agreement to market Eyeleve MGD (previously marketed as Retaine MGD) in the U.S., beginning in early 2025.

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