The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2024 annual meeting in Chicago showcased advancements in eye care, from innovative solutions like 3D-printed glasses for pediatric patients to promising therapies for geographic atrophy and insights into cataract surgery risks.
3D-Printed Glasses Improve Vision Correction for Children
Aidin Spina and colleagues presented findings on highly customizable 3D-printed glasses as a solution for pediatric patients with conditions like amblyopia or strabismus. The study involved four children, aged 2 to 14 years, who received the glasses to correct unresolved refractive errors. The glasses are lightweight, affordable, and customizable, making them ideal for medically underserved areas. "These glasses expand the options available to all patients with craniofacial abnormalities, providing a significant improvement in visual acuity for those who typically have few choices for effective eye wear," Spina said.
ANX007 Shows Promise in Geographic Atrophy
Rahul Khurana and colleagues presented data from the Phase 2 ARCHER study, evaluating ANX007, a C1q inhibitor, in patients with geographic atrophy. Patients were randomized to monthly ANX007 5 mg, every-other-month ANX007 5 mg, or sham treatment for 12 months, followed by a six-month follow-up. Results showed ANX007 provided consistent, significant, dose- and time-dependent protection against vision loss and helped preserve retinal anatomy, particularly in the central fovea. A more robust effect was observed in patients with less-advanced disease. "The therapies we have today for geographic atrophy protect [patients] from retinal pigment epithelium loss/lesion growth, but do not protect against vision loss," Khurana noted. The ARCHER study was funded by Annexon, the developer of ANX007.
Prior IVI Increases Cataract Surgery Risks
Winnie Yu and colleagues conducted a population-based analysis of 163,663 adults with retinal disease to assess the risk of cataract surgery complications in patients with prior intravitreal injections (IVIs). The study found that prior IVI treatment increased the risk for complications such as nonclearing vitreous hemorrhage, retained lens fragments, retinal detachment, retinal tear, intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation, anterior vitrectomy, and glaucoma surgery following cataract surgery. However, no increased risk was observed for corneal transplant, IOL exchange, or IOL repositioning. "Findings of this study highlight the importance of preoperative and intraoperative surgical planning in the prevention and management of these possible complication events in patients receiving cataract surgery," Yu said. "As well, patients with prior IVI history should be counseled of the potential risks of cataract surgery to ensure appropriate informed surgical decision-making."
