New frontiers of retinal therapeutic intervention: a critical analysis of novel approaches

Abstract

A recent wave of pharmacologic and technologic innovations has revolutionized our management of retinal diseases. Many of these advancements have demonstrated efficacy and can increase the quality of life while potentially reducing complications and decreasing the burden of care for patients. Some advances, such as longer-acting anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents, port delivery systems, gene therapy, and retinal prosthetics have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, and are available for clinical use. Countless other therapeutics are in various stages of development, promising a bright future for further improvements in the management of the retinal disease. Herein, we have highlighted several important novel therapies and therapeutic approaches and examine the opportunities and limitations offered by these innovations at the new frontier. KEY MESSAGES Numerous pharmacologic and technologic advancements have been emerging, providing a higher treatment efficacy while decreasing the burden and associated side effects. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) and its longer-acting agents have dramatically improved visual outcomes and have become a mainstay treatment in various retinal diseases. Gene therapy and retinal prosthesis implantation in the treatment of congenital retinal dystrophy can accomplish the partial restoration of vision and improved daily function in patients with blindness, an unprecedented success in the field of retina.