Blood metabolites reveal who will develop type 2 diabetes years before diagnosis

This large prospective study integrated blood metabolomics, genetics, and lifestyle data to identify hundreds of metabolites associated with long-term risk of type 2 diabetes in initially healthy adults. A validated 44-metabolite signature improved risk prediction beyond conventional factors, offering insights into biological pathways and opportunities for earlier, more precise prevention.

AI photoreceptor mapping useful tool for monitoring GA

WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — Geographic atrophy is a growing worldwide health issue, with approximately 8 million patients impacted, according to a speaker.
At Retina 2026, Healio | OSN associate medical editor Rishi P. Singh, MD, FASRS, delivered an expansive update on the GA treatment landscape.
“GA is a progressive disease. About 1.6 years after diagnosis, 67% of patients lose their ability to drive,” he said. “Within 2 years of diagnosis, a huge percentage of these patients lose two lines of vision.”
Additionally, 77% of patients report that GA affected their vision faster than expected after being

VISA system helps monitor TED progression over time

WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — The VISA classification system is a helpful tool for monitoring disease progression in patients with thyroid eye disease, according to a speaker here.
At Hawaiian Eye 2026, Mark J. Lucarelli, MD, FACS, said that the VISA system assesses thyroid eye disease (TED) progression by primarily focusing on vision outcomes, inflammatory findings, strabismus and appearance.
“First and foremost, we want to know if there is visual compromise,” he said. “Is there thyroid optic neuropathy, or exposure keratopathy? Second, we’re looking at inflammatory findings.”
VISA implements a 10-point

Patient history key when evaluating eyelid lesions

WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — Patient history, growth rate and bleeding are important factors to consider when evaluating eyelid lesions and deciding whether or not to biopsy, according to a speaker.
“There are situations where we need to have heightened awareness. These skin cancers occur, and they can evolve,” Jeremiah Tao, MD, FACS, said during a presentation at Hawaiian Eye 2026.
“On examination, there are three key findings I think we should all be considering: Ulceration, irregularity and eyelid margin destruction. These are three features that should prompt you to put these patients into the

Pupil exams, motility checks key for ptosis treatment approach

WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — Examining the pupil and performing motility checks are key for effectively managing patients with ptosis and catching underlying conditions, according to a speaker at Hawaiian Eye 2026.
“When you think about the eyelid, and ptosis in general, the eyelid always runs with two friends: The pupil and the extraocular muscles,” Andrew R. Harrison, MD, said. “When you see a patient with an eyelid problem, a ptosis, you need to think about these two as well.”
In patients with ptosis, a large pupil may be a sign of third nerve palsy, Harrison said. These patients should immediately be