Tackling visual impairment: Emerging avenues in ophthalmology

Fang Lin¹Yuxing Su¹Chenxi Zhao¹Farhana Akter²Shun Yao³Huang Sheng⁴Shao Xiaodong^3,5*Yizheng Yao⁶

• ¹Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
• ²Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
• ³Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
• ⁴Department of Ophthalmology, TongRen Municipal People’s Hospital, Tongren 554300, Guizhou Province, China., Guizhou, China
• ⁵Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
• ⁶Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215025, Jiangsu Province, China., Suzhou, China

Visual impairment, stemming from genetic, degenerative, and traumatic causes, affects millions globally. Recent advancements in ophthalmology present novel strategies for managing and potentially reversing these conditions. Here, we explore ten emerging avenuesincluding gene therapy, stem cell therapy, advanced imaging, novel therapeutics, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, teleophthalmology, optogenetics, bionics, and neuroophthalmologyall making strides to improve diagnosis, treatment, and vision restoration. Among these, gene therapy and stem cell therapy are revolutionizing the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases, while advanced imaging technologies enable early detection and personalized care.Therapeutic advancements like anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapies and neuroprotective agents, along with nanotechnology, have improved clinical outcomes for multiple ocular conditions. AI, especially machine learning, is enhancing diagnostic accuracy, facilitating early detection, and personalized treatment strategies, particularly when integrated with advanced imaging technologies. Teleophthalmology, further strengthened by AI, is expanding access to care, particularly in underserved regions, whereas emerging technologies like optogenetics, bionics, and neuro-ophthalmology offer new hope for patients with severe vision impairment. In light of ongoing research, we summarize the current clinical landscape and the potential advantages of these innovations to revolutionize the management of visual impairments. Additionally, we address the challenges and limitations associated with these emerging avenues in ophthalmology, providing insights into their future trajectories in clinical practice. Continued advancements in these fields promise to reshape the landscape of ophthalmic care, ultimately improving the quality of life for individuals with visual impairments.