Vitreoretinal disease in the coming decade.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The field of vitreoretinal disease and surgery has seen tremendous growth and innovation in recent years. In view of the latest advances, the present article highlights some of the current trends in vitreoretinal research that promise to be revolutionary in the coming decade.

RECENT FINDINGS

Pharmacologic vitreolysis may greatly impact the current approach to treatment of various vitreoretinopathies. New methods of drug delivery to the posterior segment either via nanoparticles or sustained-release intravitreal implants may supplant repetitive intravitreal injections. Gene therapy may become more common as the genetic basis of inherited retinal diseases is further elucidated. Stem-cell transplantation and the implantation of artificial retinal prostheses offer promise for long-term sight restoration.

SUMMARY

Based on recent advances in ongoing vitreoretinal research, the spectrum of treatable retinal disease is likely to expand significantly in the coming decade, with enormous public health impact, as well as significant changes in the practice patterns of retina specialists worldwide.