Analyses of AREDS2 data on natural history of GA provide representative data on GA evolution and enlargement. GA enlargement, which was influenced by lesion features, was relentless, resulting in rapid central vision loss. The genetic variants associated with faster enlargement were partially distinct from those associated with risk of incident GA. These findings are relevant to further investigations of GA pathogenesis and clinical trial planning.

The bacterial contamination rate of the anterior chamber after phacoemulsification and IOL implantation was extremely low. Additional findings support the conjunctiva as being a primary source of bacteria causing postoperative endophthalmitis as well as the ability of povidone-iodine to reduce the conjunctival bacterial load.

This study replicates the results of previous natural history studies of eyes with DPED including the high rates of progression to late AMD and vision loss (regardless of progression to late AMD). The genetic associations are consistent with genes associated with AMD progression.

Corticosteroids have been the mainstay in the care of patients with ocular inflammatory disorders for many years. Indeed, some physicians still use only steroids for treating inflamed eyes. However, the mission is remission of all corticosteroids in order to prevent the complications associated with long-term corticosteroid use. The goal is to achieve quiescence through aggressive use of corticosteroids to extinguish the fire and then move along to achieve steroid-free remission through immunosuppressant agents.