Claes Dohlman, MD, PhD, dies at 101 years old

Claes Dohlman, MD, PhD, a world-renowned pioneer in corneal research, died Sunday, July 14 at 101 years old. Dr. Dohlman was Professor of Ophthalmology, Emeritus, and former Chief and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at Mass Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School. Mass Eye and Ear has shared several tributes to Dr. Dohlman and his work in corneal science here.

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Trial to evaluate neuropathic corneal pain drug

Okyo Pharma announced that it is going to begin a Phase 2 randomized, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effect of OK-101 on neuropathic corneal pain. According to the company’s press release, this trial (expected to begin in the third quarter of this year) is supported by pre-clinical animal model data and pain relief observed in the first-in-human trial evaluating OK-101 for dry eye disease. The trial will take place over 12 weeks comparing OK-101 treatment to placebo in 48 patients with neuropathic corneal pain, diagnosed with confocal microscopy. The primary endpoint is pain improvement measured by visual analogue scale in 5 study visits over 16 weeks (one visit will take place 4 weeks after patients stop taking the drug). OK-101, according to the company, is a lipid conjugated chemerin peptide agonist of ChemR23 G-protein coupled receptor.

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FDA clears new OCT technology

Heidelberg Engineering announced FDA clearance of its SPECTRALIS OCTA Module with SHIFT technology. This technology, according to the company’s press release, reduces image acquisition time by 50%.

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Study: supplements slow progression of late-stage dry AMD

According to a press release from the NIH, new analysis of data from the Age-Related Eye Diseases Studies (AREDS) found that patients with late-stage dry AMD who took antioxidant supplements showed that they slowed the expansion of geographic atrophy toward the central fovea. The new analysis had researchers review the original retina scans from the AREDS and AREDS2 studies (318 participants, 392 eyes and 891 participants, 1,210 eyes, respectively). The authors noted that supplements were not effective for those who had already developed geographic atrophy in their central vision, but for those who had geographic atrophy away from the fovea, the expansion rate toward the fovea was slowed by about 55% over 3 years with taking supplements. The study is published in the journal Ophthalmology.

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Young eye surgeon scholarship opportunity

Ophthalmic World Leaders (OWL) has an active grant/scholarship opportunity being offered to residents and young surgeons to attend its Leadership Summit. Apply for one of 10 scholarships being offered by August 1. Also, in the “ASCRS news and events” section below is an opportunity for young eye surgeons interested in global eyecare to apply for the Young Eye Surgeons International Service Grant.

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Acquisition news

Merck completed acquisition of Eyebiotech Limited (EyeBio), bringing on board through the now wholly owned subsidiary a late-stage candidate for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) and neovascular AMD, in addition to preclinical candidates. EyeBio’s lead candidate is Restoret (EYE103). It has completed a Phase 1b/2a study and will begin a pivotal Phase 2b/3 trial for patients with DME in the second half of this year.

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ASCRS news and events

• Ophthalmology Quicksand Chronicles—Eureka Moments! This ASCRS podcast with hosts Nicole Fram, MD, and Elizabeth Yeu, MD, is back for its fourth season. Watch the first episode with guest Sumit “Sam” Garg, MD.
• ASCRS Business of Refractive Cataract Surgery Summit: This new course will help practices gain the navigational tools needed to increase advanced-technology IOL adoption and lead patients on their refractive surgery journey. Learn more.
• ASCRS Live! This educational dinner series is heading to nine cities across the U.S. Registration is open for Washington, D.C., Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Cleveland, Ohio.
• ASCRS Annual Meeting: The call for abstract submissions is now open for the 2025 ASCRS Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, California, April 25–28, 2025.
• ASCRS Foundation: Residents, fellows, and surgeons within their first 5 years of practice with an interest in global eyecare are encouraged to apply for the Young Eye Surgeons International Service Grant. Learn more here.
• 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

• A prospective, randomized, double-blind study published in the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery sought to demonstrate non-inferiority in terms of antimicrobial effectiveness of three applications of 1% povidone iodine (PI) compared to one application of 5% PI on the ocular surface and to assess possible toxicity to the corneal epithelium. The study included 102 eyes of 102 patients who were randomized to receive either the single application of 5% PI or repeated irrigation of 1% PI. The investigators observed a “marked decrease in bacterial colonies” in both groups after PI application. The 1% PI group showed a significantly lower bacterial count compared to the 5% PI group and, the investigators wrote, had less damage to the corneal endothelium. The authors concluded that repeated application of 1% PI was effective in eradicating ocular surface bacteria with a “less deleterious effect on the corneal epithelium,” making it a possible alternative to a single application of 5% PI.
• The accuracy of IOL calculations (Barrett Universal II, EVO, Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay 2, Kane, and SRK/T) for eyes having combined cataract and DSAEK surgery was evaluated and the results published in the journal Eye. The study included 72 eyes from 72 patients. A mean median of absolute prediction errors was as follows for each of the formulas: +1.45 D for Barrett Universal II, +1.37 D for EVO, +1.48 D for Haigis, +1.38 D for Hoffer Q, +1.37 D for Holladay 2, +1.39 D for Kane, and +1.31 D for SRK/T. The authors concluded that the formulas were not accurately able to target emmetropia but noted that the SRK/T seemed to get the closest in this combined procedure.

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Product news

• AbbVie, in an emailed announcement, introduced REFRESH TEARS PF and REFRESH RELIEVA PT XTRA for dry and sensitive eyes. According to the company, these products are preservative-free and come in multidose bottles designed to maintain sterility.

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