Proliferative vitreoretinal diseases (PVDs) encompass proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR), epiretinal membranes, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. These vision-threatening diseases are characterized by the development of proliferative membranes above, within and/or below the retina following epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and/or endothelial-mesenchymal transition of endothelial cells. As surgical peeling of PVD membranes remains the sole therapeutic option for patients, development of in vitro and in vivo models has become essential to better understand PVD pathogenesis and identify potential therapeutic targets. The in vitro models range from immortalized cell lines to human pluripotent stem-cell-derived RPE and primary cells subjected to various treatments to induce EMT and mimic PVD. In vivo PVR animal models using rabbit, mouse, rat, and swine have mainly been obtained through surgical means to mimic ocular trauma and retinal detachment, and through intravitreal injection of cells or enzymes to induce EMT and investigate cell proliferation and invasion. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the usefulness, advantages, and limitations of the current models available to investigate EMT in PVD.

Background: Intense pulsed light therapy (IPL) is a recently developed way of treating dry eye disease (DED). During the last decade, there was a multiplication of trials studying IPL efficacy. The goal of this review is to summarize the most important and significant results of these trials estimating effect sizes. Methods: The PubMed and sciencedirect databases were searched using a PICO model-based approach. Randomized controlled trials including at least 20 patients with DED and no other eye condition, with a control group and break-up time or symptom scores data available for extraction were included in this review. Statistical analysis evaluated the tear break-up time (TBUT), non-invasive break-up time (NIBUT), ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and standard patient evaluation of eye dryness (SPEED). Three comparisons were carried on for each outcome: longest follow-up values vs. baseline in the treatment group, longest follow-up values in the treatment group vs. control group, and changes from baseline in the treatment group vs. control group. A subgroup analysis was carried on. Results: Eleven randomized controlled trials, published between 2015 and 2021 were included in this systematic review with 759 patients in total. The longest follow-up values vs. baseline in the treatment group analyses were significantly in favor of IPL for all the parameters studied for instance: NIBUT (effect size (ES), 2.02; 95% confidence interval (CI), (1.43; 2.62)), TBUT (ES, 1.83; 95% CI, (0.96; 2.69)), OSDI (ES, −1.38; 95% CI, (−2.12; −0.64)) and SPEED (ES, −1.15; 95% CI, (−1.72; −0.57)). The longest follow-up values in the treatment group vs. control group analyses, and, the change from baseline in the treatment group vs. control group analyses, were both significantly in favor of IPL for NIBUT, TBUT, and SPEED but not for OSDI. Conclusions: IPL seems to have a positive effect on tear stability evaluated by the break-up times. However, the effect on DED symptoms is less clear. Some confounding factors such as the age and the IPL device used influence the results indicating that the ideal settings still need to be found and personalized for the patient.

Objective: To compare sustainability, financial implications and surgical efficiency of two phacoemulsification cassette systems for cataract surgery: a machine with single-use cassettes and another with daily, reusable ones. Methods: Observational study involving retrospective cataract surgery data collection at the Centre Médical de l’Alliance, Braine-l’Alleud, Belgium, a tertiary eye care centre. Information on cassette weight, quantities and transport volume was obtained from routine procedures and purchasing records. The costs for each machine were calculated by reviewing the invoices received from the accounting department. Results: We found significant differences across comparisons. The reusable cassette machine, when compared with the single-use machine, used 306.7 kg less plastic (75.3% reduction), required 2494 m³ less storage per 1000 surgeries (67.7% decrease) and cost €54.16 less per 10 procedures (16.9% reduction). The machine with daily reusable cassettes also exhibited a 7-minute priming time advantage for 10 procedures, reducing downtime between cases. Conclusions: Our findings underscore the benefits of adopting reusable cassette systems: reduced plastic consumption, storage volume and priming time, as well as enhanced efficiency and cost-savings. Healthcare professionals and institutions are encouraged to embrace environmentally conscious initiatives. The use of reusable cassette systems for cataract surgeries offers a pathway to sustainable practices.

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), also commonly known as dry eye disease (DED), is one of the most prevalent and crippling features of Sjögren disease (SD), a chronic systemic autoimmune disorder featuring lymphocytic infiltration and progressive impairment of exocrine glands. KCS affects up to 95% of patients with SD and is often the earliest and most persistent manifestation, significantly compromising visual function, ocular comfort, and overall quality of life. Beyond the ocular surface, KCS mirrors a wider spectrum of immune dysregulation and epithelial damage characteristic of the disease, making it a valuable window into the underlying systemic pathology. The pathophysiology of KCS in SD is complex and multifactorial, involving an interplay between autoimmune-mediated lacrimal gland dysfunction, neuroimmune interactions, ocular surface inflammation, and epithelial instability. Tear film instability and epithelial injury result from the aberrant activation of innate and adaptive immunity, involving T and B lymphocytes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and type I interferon pathways. Despite the clinical significance of KCS, its diagnosis remains challenging, with frequent discrepancies between subjective symptoms and objective findings. Traditional diagnostic tools often lack sensitivity and specificity, prompting the development of novel imaging techniques, tear film biomarkers, and standardized scoring systems. Concurrently, therapeutic strategies have evolved from palliative approaches to immunomodulatory and regenerative treatments, aiming to restore immune homeostasis and epithelial integrity. This review provides a comprehensive update on the pathogenesis, diagnostic landscape, and emerging treatments of KCS in the context of SD.

Optical coherence tomography-angiography is a technique that allows us to non-invasively study in vivo the different retinal vascular networks. This allows a deeper understanding of retinal capillary anatomy and function, in addition to the pathophysiologic changes encountered in diverse diseases. The four retinal capillary layers have different anatomies and functions, implying distinct adaptation and roles in the course of the diseases. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults. Several studies have evaluated how each retinal capillary layer is specifically affected according to the stage of the disease. Unfortunately, too few studies have considered the intermediate capillary plexus as a separate layer, as it has often been incorporated in another layer. In this review, we shed light on the potential role the intermediate capillary plexus plays in the physiopathology of diabetic retinal disease as well as its potential use in grading diabetic retinopathy and its clinical added value in estimating the disease prognosis.

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) remains a major barrier in vitreoretinal surgery, being the leading cause of recurrent retinal detachment and surgical failure. PVR arises from abnormal wound healing, involving epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of retinal pigment epithelial cells, hyalocytes trans-differentiation into myofibroblasts, and dysregulated interactions among cytokines, growth factors, and chemokines. These lead to extracellular matrix remodeling and contractile membrane formation. Recent advancements have deepened insight into disease mechanisms and supported preclinical testing of therapies. Despite surgical progress, adjunctive treatments such as corticosteroids, antimetabolites, retinoids, and biologics show limited and inconsistent benefits in clinical trials. Emerging tools like proteomic biomarkers and advanced imaging offer promise for early risk detection and personalized care. However, major challenges remain in understanding disease complexity and improving tailored treatment outcomes. This review emphasizes the urgent need for targeted molecular therapies. Bridging basic science with clinical innovation will be key to advancing PVR management and preserving vision.