Pharmacotherapy and vitreoretinal surgery for retinal diseases

Pharmacotherapy in the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative periods remains the most important component of the treatment of complex retinal diseases. Improvements in surgical platforms, vitrectomy probes, and intraoperative imaging have expanded the capabilities of the vitreoretinal surgeon. Understanding and implementing pharmacological treatment strategies requires a focus on the preferences and experience of each individual surgeon. Ultimately, the goal of the surgeon is to improve visual and anatomical outcomes while minimizing risk. Individual pharmacotherapy after vitrectomy remains an important component for optimizing long-term outcomes after surgery. As the field of vitreoretinal surgery continues to evolve, larger prospective studies will provide surgeons with additional tools to improve vision and change lives. Continued advances in pharmacotherapy, including suprachoroidal drug delivery, sustained release devices, viral vector delivery, and new therapeutics, will rapidly impact clinical practice for the benefit of patients.