Update on Retinal Drug Safety: Proceedings of the ASRS ReST Committee Webinar Part 1

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery
• Pharmacology

Background:

• The American Society of Retina Surgeons (ASRS) established the Research and Safety in Therapeutics (ReST) Committee to address safety concerns.
• The ReST Committee reviews safety issue reports submitted through the ASRS website.
• A webinar series was initiated in 2021 to disseminate timely safety information to members.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the inaugural ReST Committee webinar.
• To summarize current recommendations for diagnosing and managing identified safety issues.
• To update members on recent pharmaceutical and device safety events in retinal care.

Main Methods:

• The ReST Committee, composed of ASRS members, convenes regularly to discuss safety reports.
• A webinar format was utilized to present and discuss key findings and recommendations.
• Data from the ASRS website reporting system informs the committee's reviews.

Main Results:

• The webinar covered pentosan polysulfate sodium (Elmiron) maculopathy.
• Intraocular pressure elevation associated with aflibercept prefilled syringes (PFS) was discussed.
• Brolucizumab-associated inflammation and occlusive retinal vasculitis were reviewed.
• Retinal toxicity from intraoperative medications, including vancomycin, aminoglycosides, cefuroxime, and compounded triamcinolone-moxifloxacin, was detailed.
• Indocyanine green toxicity during macular hole surgery was also addressed.

Conclusions:

• Recent advancements in retinal pharmaceuticals and drug-delivery devices necessitate ongoing safety surveillance.
• The ASRS ReST Committee plays a crucial role in collecting and disseminating safety data.
• The webinar effectively informed members about emerging safety concerns related to specific medications and devices.