Effective refractive error coverage in adults aged 50 years and older: estimates from population-based surveys in 61 countries

Background: In 2021, WHO Member States endorsed a global target of a 40-percentage-point increase in effective refractive error coverage (eREC; with a 6/12 visual acuity threshold) by 2030. This study models global and regional estimates of eREC as a baseline for the WHO initiative. Methods: The Vision Loss Expert Group analysed data from 565 448 participants of 169 population-based eye surveys conducted since 2000 to calculate eREC (met need/[met need + undermet need + unmet need]). A binary logistic regression model was used to estimate eREC by Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study super region among adults aged 50 years and older. Findings: In 2021, distance eREC was 79·1% (95% CI 72·4–85·0) in the high-income super region; 62·1% (54·7–68·8) in north Africa and Middle East; 49·5% (45·0–54·0) in central Europe, eastern Europe, and central Asia; 40·0% (31·7–48·2) in southeast Asia, east Asia, and Oceania; 34·5% (29·4–40·0) in Latin America and the Caribbean; 9·0% (6·5–12·0) in south Asia; and 5·7% (3·1–9·0) in sub-Saharan Africa. eREC was higher in men and reduced with increasing age. Global distance eREC increased from 2000 to 2021 by 19·0%. Global near vision eREC for 2021 was 20·5% (95% CI 17·8–24·4). Interpretation: Over the past 20 years, distance eREC has increased in each super region yet the WHO target will require substantial improvements in quantity and quality of refractive services in particular for near vision impairment. Funding: WHO, Sightsavers, The Fred Hollows Foundation, Fondation Thea, Brien Holden Vision Institute, Lions Clubs International Foundation

Netarsudil Ophthalmic Solution 0.02%: First Global Approval

Funding: The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding.Conflicts of interest: During the peer review process the manufacturer of the agent under review was offered an opportunity to comment on the article. Changes resulting from any comments received were made by the authors on the basis of scientific completeness and accuracy. Sheridan Hoy is a salaried employee of Adis/Springer, is responsible for the article content and declares no relevant conflicts of interest.Additional information about this Adis Drug Review can be found here.AbstractNetarsudil ophthalmic solution 0.02% (RHOPRESSA®) [hereafter referred to as netarsudil 0.02%] is a Rho-associated protein kinase inhibitor that is thought to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) by increasing aqueous humour outflow through the trabecular meshwork. It has been developed by Aerie Pharmaceuticals and was recently approved in the USA for the reduction of elevated IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The recommended dosage is one drop in the affected eye(s) once daily in the evening. Phase III development in Canada and the EU and phase II development in Japan are underway for this indication. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of netarsudil 0.02% leading to this first approval for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Access to the full article can be found here.© Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2018</div