Current directions include gene-editing strategies targeting <i>Col8a2</i> for Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy, RNA-based approaches to dissect <i>Col8a1</i>and <i>Col8a2</i> regulation in fibrotic and vascular disease, and the development of biomaterials incorporating type VIII collagen-derived motifs to promote endothelial repair and guide angiogenesis. Here, COL8A1 is linked to Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy.