A new NEJM trial found methotrexate offers similar lung function improvements as prednisone in pulmonary sarcoidosis, but with fewer side effects—suggesting it could be a safer first-line option for some patients. A JAMA study revealed that patients trust physicians less when AI is mentioned in care ads, highlighting the importance of framing AI as a tool that supports—not replaces—clinical judgment. Another NEJM trial showed that giving take-home ondansetron to children after ED visits for gastroenteritis significantly reduced vomiting and return visits, with no added risks. Together, these studies support a shift toward individualized care, better patient communication, and practical interventions to improve outcomes.

Drs. Patel and Armstrong discuss how they are integrating FDA-approved therapies into geographic atrophy care. They share their perspectives on emerging treatments, including the potential for combination or staged approaches.

Drs. Armstrong and Patel discuss current and emerging therapies for diabetes-related macular edema and wet age-related macular degeneration including anti-VEGF agents, the need for durability and reduced treatment burden, alternative delivery strategies, novel molecules, and gene-therapy.

Dr. Richard S. Ostfeld discusses how human disruption of natural ecosystems, such as forest fragmentation and predator loss, has increased the risk of tick-borne diseases like Lyme and Powassan virus. He explains how climate change extends tick seasons and how common hosts like mice thrive in altered environments, boosting tick populations. Despite promising tick-control interventions, personal prevention remains key, as broad environmental strategies have yet to show consistent reductions in human disease.

Drs. Patel and Armstrong discuss the implementation and evaluation of AI-powered diabetic retinopathy and diabetes-related macular edema screening and telemedicine, including ways to handle an influx of referrals, questions about reimbursement, staffing, and liability.

Drs. Modi and Dedania discuss GLP-1 receptor agonists and the retinal patient, including how GLP-1 receptor agonists work, benefits and risks in patients with retinal disease, and data from retrospective studies.

Drs. Dedania and Modi discuss vitreous opacities, or floaters, including imaging, evaluating, and when and whether to pursue surgery. They discuss conditional circumstances that may influence whether to pursue surgery or not, as well as patient counseling.

Drs. Modi and Dedania discuss imaging, biomarkers, and diagnosis in geographic atrophy, as well as current therapies and those in late stage clinical trials.

This podcast highlights three updates: Moderna’s Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine is now fully FDA-approved for high-risk children 6 months to 11 years, though rare myocarditis remains a concern. A large study found first-trimester TMP-SMX antibiotics increase congenital malformation risks compared to β-lactams, reinforcing β-lactams as safer. Finally, a trial showed no cardiovascular benefit from taking blood pressure medication at bedtime versus morning dosing.

Drs. Sabari and Socinski discuss maintenance therapy strategies in small cell lung cancer, including immunotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted agents, and radiation.