ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum

On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Margaret Greven, MD, of Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, discusses the study, “Survival Rates After Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy,” published in the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases.

Host Dr. Timothy Murray speaks with Dr. Greven about her study examining long-term survival among patients undergoing vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Drawing on a large national database, the researchers found that approximately 10% of patients died within 3 years of surgery, 20% within 5 years, and 50% within 10 years. They discuss how these findings highlight the significant systemic health risks associated with advanced diabetic eye disease, despite advances in diabetes management.

Dr. Greven also discusses how severe diabetic retinopathy may signal broader vascular disease, the potential impact of disparities in access to diabetes care, and the important role retina specialists play in helping patients understand their systemic health risks. The discussion underscores the value of communication and collaboration with primary care physicians and other specialists to improve long-term patient outcomes.

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.

On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Danny Mammo, MD, of Washington Retina in Seattle, Washington, discusses his study, “Intraoperative Optical Coherence Tomography Features of Epiretinal Human Amniotic Membrane Graft Under Different Tamponade Agents,” published in the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases.

Host Dr. Timothy Murray speaks with Dr. Mammo about the use of epiretinal human amniotic membrane grafts for chronic, recurrent, or refractory macular holes and how intraoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) can help surgeons visualize the graft-retina interface during surgery. Dr. Mammo describes how intraoperative OCT revealed residual fluid between the graft and retina following fluid-air exchange and how a more meticulous exchange reduced this fluid.

Dr. Mammo also discusses how these findings have influenced his surgical approach, including the potential role of direct perfluorocarbon liquid-to-silicone oil exchange in reducing graft slippage. The conversation explores the advantages and limitations of different approaches to complex macular holes and how intraoperative OCT may help guide surgical decision-making in these challenging cases.

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.

On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Maria H. Berrocal, MD, discusses the article, “Intravitreal Povidone–Iodine Monotherapy as an Alternative Treatment for Exogenous Endophthalmitis in Patients With Antibiotic Allergies,” published in the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases.

Host Dr. Timothy Murray speaks with Dr. Berrocal about the case series of 7 patients with acute exogenous endophthalmitis and significant antibiotic allergies who were treated with a single in-office injection of 1.25% intravitreal povidone–iodine. Five patients regained baseline visual acuity or better, and no treatment-related adverse events occurred or additional interventions were required.

Dr. Berrocal also discusses the rapid, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of povidone–iodine and its potential role when conventional antibiotics are contraindicated, delayed, or unavailable. The conversation explores antibiotic resistance and shortages, the importance of rapidly treating endophthalmitis, and the need for further research to evaluate intravitreal povidone–iodine as a treatment option for selected patients.

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.

On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist J. Fernando Arevalo, MD, PhD, discusses the article, “Comparison of Intravitreal Antivascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy in Treatment-Naïve vs Panretinal Photocoagulation–Treated Eyes With Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy,” published in the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases.

Host Dr. Timothy Murray speaks with Dr. Arevalo about the multicenter study comparing outcomes of anti-VEGF therapy in eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) that had previously undergone panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) and treatment-naïve eyes. The study included 307 eyes followed for 24 months and found that 78.4% of eyes with prior PRP responded to anti-VEGF therapy alone, while only 15.8% of treatment-naïve eyes achieved complete or partial regression with anti-VEGF alone.

Dr. Arevalo also discusses the role of anti-VEGF therapy and PRP in managing PDR and the potential benefits of combining the two approaches. The conversation explores treatment burden, the importance of consistent follow-up with anti-VEGF therapy, and how real-world factors such as access to care, cost, and adherence can influence treatment decisions and outcomes.

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.

On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Miguel A. Busquets, MD, FACS, FASRS, discusses the article, “A Comparative Time-Based Profit Analysis of Retinal and Cataract Surgery in Ambulatory Surgery Centers,” published in the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases. 

Host Dr. Timothy Murray speaks with Dr. Busquets about the study’s examination of the financial dynamics of retinal and cataract surgery in ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and how those economics may contribute to growing challenges in accessing operating room time for urgent retinal procedures. The study used time-driven activity-based costing to compare reimbursement, costs, operative time, and profitability for more than 18,000 retinal surgeries and 880,000 cataract surgeries performed from 2021 through 2024. 

The discussion explores the study’s finding that although retinal surgery generates greater reimbursement and profit on a per-case basis, its substantially longer operative time results in much lower profitability per minute than cataract surgery. Dr. Busquets discusses how these financial pressures may influence ASC scheduling decisions, potentially contributing to delays in access to sight-saving retinal surgery, as well as the need for reimbursement approaches that better account for surgical time, complexity, and urgency.  

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.

On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Hong-Uyen Hua, MD, discusses the article, “A Newborn With Down-Klinefelter Syndrome and Bilateral Congenital Cataracts Harboring a Novel MAPKAPK3 Mutation,” published in the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases.

Host Dr. Timothy Murray speaks with Dr. Hua about the rare case of a 2-month-old infant with genetically confirmed Down-Klinefelter syndrome who presented with bilateral congenital posterior polar cataracts and was also found to have a novel MAPKAPK3 mutation. The discussion highlights the importance of early recognition of an abnormal red reflex, prompt referral, and comprehensive evaluation of both the lens and retina in infants with congenital cataracts.

Dr. Hua also discusses the role of genetic testing in children with atypical presentations and why an established chromosomal diagnosis should not preclude further genetic evaluation. The conversation explores surgical management of bilateral congenital cataracts, considerations surrounding intraocular lens implantation in infants, and the importance of multidisciplinary care and long-term follow-up for these patients.

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.

On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Karen Wai, MD, discusses the article, “Recurrent Macular Edema Associated With Belzutifan Therapy for Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma,” published in the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases.

Host Dr. Timothy Murray speaks with Dr. Wai about a case of recurrent cystoid macular edema in a patient receiving belzutifan for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. After developing blurred vision and macular edema shortly after beginning therapy, the patient experienced improvement following discontinuation of the drug. When belzutifan was restarted at a lower dose, the macular edema recurred, further supporting a potential association between the medication and the ocular findings.

The discussion explores the challenges of identifying ocular side effects associated with newer cancer therapies and the importance of collaboration among patients, oncologists, and retina specialists when balancing cancer treatment with vision-related concerns. Dr. Wai also discusses dose reduction as a potential strategy for managing ocular side effects and the need for greater awareness as belzutifan is used more widely.

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.

On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Talisa E. de Carlo Forest, MD, discusses the article, “Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Conversion From Intermediate to Advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration,” published in the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases.

Host Dr. Timothy Murray speaks with Dr. Forest about the study’s investigation of whether menopausal hormone therapy is associated with progression from intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to advanced disease. The study followed female patients with intermediate AMD and evaluated conversion to both advanced non-neovascular AMD and neovascular AMD.

The discussion explores the potential role of hormonal factors in AMD and the study’s finding that a history of menopausal hormone therapy use was not associated with an increased risk of progression to either form of advanced AMD. Dr. Forest also discusses the importance of studying sex-specific factors in AMD and how further research may help clarify the complex relationship between hormones and disease progression.

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.

On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Manjot K. Gill, MD, MS, discusses her article, “Patients at Elevated Risk for Heart Failure Exhibit Reduced Retinal Perfusion,” published in the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases. 

Host Dr. Timothy Murray speaks with Dr. Gill about the emerging field of oculomics and the potential for retinal imaging to detect systemic disease before clinical symptoms develop. Using OCT angiography (OCTA), the study evaluated patients at elevated 10-year risk for heart failure and found reduced retinal perfusion compared with age-matched controls. 

The discussion highlights how retinal imaging may offer a noninvasive biomarker for identifying patients with subclinical cardiovascular disease, supporting earlier intervention and more personalized risk assessment. Dr. Gill also explores how advances in OCTA and artificial intelligence are expanding the role of the retina in understanding systemic health and disease.

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.

On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Sally Ong discusses her article, “The Impact of Socioeconomic Deprivation on Anti–Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy and Ocular Response in Patients With Diabetic Macular Edema,” published in the Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases. 

 Host Dr. Timothy Murray speaks with Dr. Ong about how socioeconomic disadvantage may affect anti-VEGF treatment and outcomes in patients with diabetic macular edema. Using the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), the study found no significant differences in injection frequency or retinal anatomy between groups, though patients with less socioeconomic disadvantage had better visual acuity at two years and were more likely to undergo cataract surgery. The discussion also highlights the importance of patient education, coordinated diabetes care, and proactive follow-up to help patients preserve vision. 

For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.

Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.