ASCRS News
Winter 2025
by Sumit “Sam” Garg, MD
Chief Medical Editor
At the recent AAO Annual Meeting in Orlando, I was excited to see many of my friends and colleagues. What also excited me was the continued innovations we see in our field. Despite challenging financial markets, there is still investment and development in ophthalmology.
The theme for this issue of EyeWorld is “Opening doors: redefining what’s possible.” A few highlights for me from the AAO Annual Meeting included the FDA approval for an epithelium-on (epi-on) corneal crosslinking—with a new riboflavin formulation and optimized UVA delivery—aiming to offer effective stabilization with less pain and faster recovery than traditional epi-off protocols. On the surgical front, integrated drug-eluting IOL platforms and capsular bag drug delivery systems are maturing from concept to early clinical trials, promising medication delivery at the time of cataract surgery and a new way to combine refractive and medical therapy. The dry eye space had continued interest in 2025 with one neuromodulator (acoltremon, TRYPTYR, Alcon) earning FDA approval, allowing us to get real-world experience, and other candidates, such as reproxalap, looking to gain approval in the near future. Programs for human corneal endothelial cell therapies (OR- and clinic-based) are showing favorable results in early studies and are ramping up for pivotal FDA studies. Finally, we cataract surgeons are seeing next-generation phacoemulsification platforms cleared and introduced, while several advanced IOL designs scored FDA clearances in 2025, expanding options for presbyopia and astigmatism correction.
Collectively, these innovations empower ophthalmologists to tailor treatments to each patient’s unique needs, reduce surgical risk, and enhance visual recovery.
This issue of EyeWorld covers a range of topics including operating on patients with disabilities, wound construction in cataract surgery, staging of dysfunctional lens syndrome, patient satisfaction after multifocal IOLs, off-label use of the ICL (STAAR Surgical) as a piggyback IOL, keratitis and the promise of deep metagenomic sequencing, updates on the changing landscape with respect to options when it comes to amniotic membranes, the mental health impact of vision loss, and office-based surgery. I think you will really enjoy reading these curated articles from our esteemed editorial team.
One thing is for sure: Ophthalmology is a rapidly evolving field. Certainly, we have many fundamentals that are tried and true. Building upon the fundamentals, we have had many innovations over the years. The ASCRS membership has been front and center when it comes to ophthalmic advancements. The way we practice our craft today has evolved and continues to do so. Collectively, these innovations empower ophthalmologists to tailor treatments to each patient’s unique needs, reduce surgical risk, and enhance visual recovery. The integration of technology, precision instruments, and biologic therapies ensures that ophthalmic care continues to advance toward safer, more personalized, and more effective outcomes. I’m as excited and enthusiastic about being an ophthalmologist as I ever have been. I hope you enjoy this edition of EyeWorld. As always, if you have any suggestions for topics, improvements, etc., feel free to reach out to me at gargs@uci.edu.
Finally, registration for the ASCRS Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., taking place from April 10–13, 2026, is now open. Also be sure to check out SightLine at ASCRS, a meeting that allows you to learn more about and participate in shaping the financial future of ophthalmology. This meeting precedes the Annual Meeting on April 9. Check out the ASCRS website to learn more. I’ll see you there!
