Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) remain major causes of vision loss among working-age adults. Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning, has gained attention in ophthalmic imaging, offering opportunities to improve both diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. This review examined applications of AI in DR and DME published between 2010 and 2025. A narrative search of PubMed and Google Scholar identified English-language, peer-reviewed studies, with additional screening of reference lists. Eligible articles evaluated AI algorithms for detection, classification, prognosis, or treatment monitoring, with study selection guided by PRISMA 2020. Of 300 records screened, 60 met the inclusion criteria. Most reported strong diagnostic performance, with sensitivities up to 96% and specificities up to 98% for detecting referable DR on fundus photographs. Algorithms trained on optical coherence tomography (OCT) data showed high accuracy for identifying DME, with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values frequently exceeding 0.90. Several models also predicted anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment response and recurrence of fluid with encouraging results. Autonomous AI tools have gained regulatory approval and have been implemented in clinical practice, though performance can vary depending on image quality, device differences, and patient populations. Overall, AI demonstrates strong potential to improve screening, diagnostic consistency, and personalized care, but broader validation and system-level integration remain necessary.

Antisense peptide technology (APT) is based on a useful heuristic algorithm for rational peptide design. It was deduced from empirical observations that peptides consisting of complementary (sense and antisense) amino acids interact with higher probability and affinity than the randomly selected ones. This phenomenon is closely related to the structure of the standard genetic code table, and at the same time, is unrelated to the direction of its codon sequence translation. The concept of complementary peptide interaction is discussed, and its possible applications to diagnostic tests and bioengineering research are summarized. Problems and difficulties that may arise using APT are discussed, and possible solutions are proposed. The methodology was tested on the example of SARS-CoV-2. It is shown that the CABS-dock server accurately predicts the binding of antisense peptides to the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain without requiring predefinition of the binding site. It is concluded that the benefits of APT outweigh the costs of random peptide screening and could lead to considerable savings in time and resources, especially if combined with other computational and immunochemical methods.

Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is the most common corneal endothelial dystrophy. It is characterized by the progressive loss of corneal endothelial cells (CECs), guttae formation on the Descemet membrane, and corneal edema, leading to visual impairment. Corneal transplantation remains the standard treatment, but it has limitations such as donor shortages, infection risk, and graft rejection. Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitors have emerged as a promising pharmacological alternative. These agents promote CEC proliferation, migration, and adhesion while inhibiting apoptosis and enhancing corneal endothelial wound healing. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of ROCK inhibitors in improving corneal clarity and endothelial function, particularly when used as an adjunct to Descemet Stripping Only (DSO) surgery. Additionally, they show potential in preventing corneal edema in FECD patients undergoing cataract surgery. The methodology involved a literature search through the PubMed and Medline databases using relevant keywords. Only peer-reviewed articles in English were included, with additional references from selected articles reviewed to ensure comprehensive coverage. ROCK inhibitors offer a novel pharmacological approach to managing FECD. They have shown potential in promoting endothelial cell regeneration and improving corneal functIion. Despite promising results, further research is required to determine ROCK inhibitors’ long-term safety, optimal dosing, and efficacy in surgical and non-surgical FECD patients. Their potential to delay or prevent corneal transplantation represents a significant advancement in FECD management.

Pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) is a vision-threatening corneal complication following cataract surgery, characterised by progressive endothelial cell loss, persistent corneal oedema, and painful epithelial bullae, leading to impaired vision. Corneal transplantation, either penetrating or endothelial keratoplasty, remains the primary treatment but faces challenges such as donor tissue shortages, graft rejection, and limited graft longevity. Recently, Rho-kinase (ROCK) inhibitors have emerged as promising pharmacological alternatives. These agents enhance corneal endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and adhesion, suppress apoptosis, and promote corneal deturgescence and wound healing. Several preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of ROCK inhibitors in improving corneal clarity, endothelial function, and visual acuity in PBK. Their use has been associated with reductions in corneal oedema, improved endothelial cell density, and delayed or prevented the need for corneal transplantation. A systematic literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted, restricted to peer-reviewed English-language articles, ensuring comprehensive coverage. ROCK inhibitors represent a novel pharmacological strategy for PBK prevention and management, potentially reducing dependency on donor grafts. Further research is needed to determine long-term safety, optimal dosing, and efficacy.