Free Ophthalmology CME

The therapeutic landscape for diabetic macular edema (DME) is rapidly evolving with the introduction of novel treatments, protocols, and delivery methods designed to improve visual outcomes and reduce patient burden. Advancements include extended injection protocols that are the result of longer durations of action for recently approved therapies and the Port Delivery System with ranibizumab—a sustained drug delivery system that was approved in February of 2025 for the treatment of patients with DME. In this Rapid Response activity, experts in the field discuss the latest clinical reports on the treatment of DME as presented at the Angiogenesis 2025 meeting. Faculty engage in a fast-paced review of the latest data on DME treatments, protocols, and modalities and discuss how these updates affect their own clinical practices and the broader field of retinal care.

In this online, self-learning activity: Blepharitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the eyelids, resulting in discomfort, redness, irritation, and the appearance of dandruff-like flakes on eyelashes. Demodex blepharitis is a specific subtype of blepharitis, where blepharitis is caused by an overgrowth of Demodex mites, which are normal facial skin flora. In other forms of blepharitis, the etiology may be bacterial colonization, allergies, or seborrheic dermatitis, whereas in Demodex blepharitis, the excessive growth of Demodex folliculorum or Demodex brevis is the driver of inflammation. Research suggests that Demodex blepharitis represents three out of five cases of blepharitis.

Uveitic macular edema (UME) is the leading cause of visual impairment in patients with uveitis, particularly in patients with noninfectious uveitis. Noninfectious uveitis affects up to 30% of patients with uveitis and can lead to vision-threatening complications, such as macular ischemia, if left untreated. Corticosteroids remain the first-line treatment, delivered via systemic, periocular, or intravitreal routes, but their long-term use is limited by significant ocular and systemic adverse effects. Advances in treatment, such as long-acting intravitreal corticosteroid implants, immunomodulatory therapies, and novel delivery systems like suprachoroidal injections, have improved outcomes by reducing adverse effects and enhancing visual acuity and macular anatomy. Despite these advancements, treatment regimens remain challenging due to limited robust evidence, variability in patient response, and adverse event profiles. In this CE activity, expert faculty compare corticosteroid delivery systems based on dosage, administration, and the ability to personalize treatment. They also review the latest clinical evidence for UME treatments and their ability to improve long-term outcomes.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are emerging as a promising class of therapies for managing neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), addressing the significant burden associated with frequent anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections. The inhibition of tyrosine kinases blocks the activation of VEGF receptor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor, thereby reducing angiogenesis and vascular leakage. Unlike current anti-VEGF agents that act extracellularly, TKIs target intracellular pathways, providing a complementary mechanism of action. Sustained-release TKI implants have demonstrated extended durability in clinical trials, potentially reducing treatment frequency and improving adherence. Ongoing studies have shown efficacy comparable to traditional therapies, with fewer injections and no significant adverse events. In this CE activity, expert faculty identify the challenges associated with anti-VEGF use in patients with nAMD, describe the rationale for targeting tyrosine kinases, and review the most recent clinical data on TKIs for treating nAMD.

Patients with retinal diseases such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) face significant challenges with current anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies, including frequent intravitreal injections, which disrupt daily life and contribute to poor adherence and suboptimal outcomes. These burdens are compounded by systemic management needs, psychological distress, and financial costs. Emerging treatments like tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) offer promise by targeting complementary pathways in angiogenesis and providing sustained-release options to reduce injection frequency. Data from ongoing TKI studies show encouraging results in improving durability, adherence, and visual outcomes. While no TKIs are currently approved for retinal diseases, these therapies are advancing through clinical trials, potentially transforming treatment paradigms. In this CE activity, expert faculty summarize the challenges associated with anti-VEGF use, review the rationale for targeting tyrosine kinases in nAMD and DR, and summarize the most recent clinical trial data on TKIs.

Effective treatment of glaucoma is crucial to prevent vision loss and preserve quality of life in affected patients. This CME program explores the medical management of glaucoma using Rho kinase inhibitors (ROCKis) to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) and reduce episcleral venous pressure. Experts will review clinical and real-world data on ROCKi-based regimens, comparing monotherapy and combination approaches for IOP reduction. Clinical cases will illustrate the practical application of ROCKi in daily practice, exploring strategies to improve outcomes for patients with glaucoma.

Second-generation anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies provide patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) the opportunity for improved visual and anatomical outcomes with less-frequent dosing. However, managing patients with DME/DR can be complex, requiring collaborative-care approaches to offer personalized treatment options and address care disparities. In this CE activity, Drs. Christina Weng and Dennis Marcus discuss collaborative care approaches and individualized management options for a community-based DME patient case, offering clinical insights for the optimal incorporation of durable anti-VEGF therapeutic options into management protocols through analysis of the latest clinical evidence and patient characteristics and preferences.

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and diabetic retinopathy (DR) are prevalent retinal conditions that significantly impact vision worldwide. High treatment burden involving frequent intravitreal injections poses a significant barrier to treatment adherence and improved patient outcomes. Advances in anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment strategies aim to extend dosing intervals while maintaining efficacy, improving treatment adherence and patient satisfaction. This program equips comprehensive ophthalmologists with the latest data on current and emerging therapies for nAMD, DME, and DR that promise to reduce treatment burden. Expert faculty discuss real-world evidence and personalized approaches to optimize fluid control, reduce injection frequency, and enhance visual and anatomical outcomes.

Second-generation anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapies with longer duration of action offer patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) the potential for optimized visual and anatomical outcomes with extended intervals between doses. However, incorporating these newer therapies into individualized management protocols can be challenging. In this CE activity, Drs. Christina Weng and Nathan Steinle discuss individualized management options for a community-based nAMD patient case, offering insights into best practices for durable anti-VEGF therapeutic options through analysis of the latest clinical evidence and patient characteristics and preferences.

Recent advancements in refractive surgery techniques and technologies continue to evolve, offering expanded options for managing patients with refractive errors. Lens-based refractive surgery presents an alternative to traditional laser-based approaches, providing a broader range of correctable refractive errors and enabling personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. In this CE monograph, experts will explore the current role of lens-based refractive surgery for myopia correction, compare it with traditional laser-based refractive procedures, and share valuable clinical insights on selecting the most suitable patients for lens-based versus laser-based refractive surgery in the context of myopia treatment.