AI in Oculoplastics, The Usefulness of Tepezza, and Posterior Ptosis Repair

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In this engaging episode of The Oculofacial Podcast, host Dr. Christopher Dermarkarian and a distinguished panel explore the current research in oculofacial surgery, particularly focusing on the evolving role of artificial intelligence, the impacts of TED treatment with teprotumumab and the pitfalls of posterior ptosis repair. This episode draws rich insights from experts Dr. David Jordan, Dr. Louise Mawn, and Dr. Richard Allen as they dissect recent peer-reviewed studies, share practical experiences, and debate the shifting landscape of oculoplastic surgery and patient care.

The episode opens with an in-depth analysis of a recent study on artificial intelligence's application in oculoplastics, highlighting its potential to outperform human analysis in certain diagnostic tasks. Dr. Louise Mawn leads the conversation, detailing how AI is being used from clinical photographs to smartphone videos, emphasizing the need for transparency and ethical considerations as technology advances. Dr. Richard Allen underscores the healthcare implications of AI's integration, while Dr. David Jordan expresses cautious optimism, highlighting the necessity for continued clinical involvement and the ethical complexities that come with use of AI.

Further discussion shifts to thyroid eye disease, particularly focusing on teprotumumab. Dr. Allen leads this conversation, noting that Tepezza is not the  "smoking gun" it was originally made out to be. The panel provides contrasting views, with Dr. Mawn lauding the drug's potential and Dr. Allen critiquing its financial burden. The conversation ties into broader themes about balancing innovation with traditional surgical expertise, exploring how new drugs might alter training and practice standards. 

The final discussion navigates the complexities of posterior ptosis repair. This discussion is led by Dr. David Jordan. Interestingly, Dr. Jordan and Mawn shy away from posterior ptosis repair and Dr. Allen uses it regularly. What makes this more interesting is that all three come from similar clinical backgrounds, suggesting their experiences have truly guided their clinical practice. Dr. Allen notes how the posterior ptosis approach may be detracting from trainees' ability to perform a good anterior ptosis repair.