Rodent models for dry eye syndrome (DES)

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Preclinical Research

Background:

• Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a prevalent ophthalmic condition characterized by compromised tear film homeostasis.
• Increasing screen time contributes to rising DES prevalence, posing a global public health challenge.
• Current treatments for DES, including artificial tears and anti-inflammatory therapies, have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of DES pathogenesis.
• To discuss the utility and limitations of rodent models in DES research.
• To provide insights for future research into DES therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of DES pathogenesis.
• Analysis of rodent models used in dry eye research.
• Discussion of genetic models relevant to DES.

Main Results:

• DES involves damage to the lacrimal functional unit (LFU).
• Rodent models offer structural and physiological similarities to human eyes for DES research.
• Strengths, weaknesses, and genetic models of rodent eye research are discussed.

Conclusions:

• Rodent models are crucial for understanding DES mechanisms and identifying therapeutic agents.
• Further research utilizing these models is needed to advance DES treatment.
• This review serves as a scholarly resource for future DES investigations.