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Choroidal Mast Cells and Their Degranulation Are a Pivotal Trigger for Myopia Development
Jue Shi1,2, Shin-Ichi Ikeda1,2, Tomokazu Fukuchi1,2
1Laboratory of Photobiology, Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|November 12, 2025
Summary
Mast cell degranulation in the choroid drives myopia development by causing axial elongation and thinning. Inhibiting mast cell degranulation effectively suppressed myopia progression in a mouse model.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
Background:
- Mast cells (MCs) are immune regulators involved in inflammation.
- Choroidal thinning is a key feature of myopia.
- The role of choroidal MCs in myopia is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of degranulated mast cells in the choroid in myopia development.
- To determine if increased mast cell degranulation contributes to choroidal thinning and myopia.
Main Methods:
- Lens-induced myopia (LIM) was created in mice using -30D lenses.
- MC-deficient mice and wild-type mice were used.
- Mast cell degranulation inhibitors (cromolyn, pemirolast) were applied topically.
- Ocular parameters and choroidal MC degranulation were assessed.
Main Results:
- LIM was induced in wild-type mice but suppressed in MC-deficient mice.
- Restoring MCs in deficient mice reinstated myopia progression.
- Mast cell degranulation increased with LIM, and inhibitors reduced both degranulation and myopia.
Conclusions:
- Choroidal MC degranulation is critical for myopia progression, causing choroidal thinning and axial elongation.
- These findings highlight MC degranulation as a potential therapeutic target for myopia.
