Advances in study of endoplasmic reticulum stress in ophthalmic diseases: an overview

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a vital intracellular organelle in protein synthesis, folding, and modification. When cells experience excessive protein synthesis, glucose metabolism disorders, or calcium imbalance, the ER can become damaged or overburdened, triggering ER stress. Dysregulated ER stress can lead to various pathophysiological processes, including apoptosis, inflammation, protein aggregation, and lipid metabolism abnormalities. These processes are closely associated with the onset and progression of numerous diseases. Notably, many ophthalmic conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, are intricately linked to ER stress. This review provides a concise overview of the role of ER stress in the development and progression of ophthalmic diseases. It also explores the potential of targeting ER stress as a therapeutic approach for these conditions. By modulating ER stress and its associated pathways, new therapeutic strategies may be developed to improve patient outcomes. Future research should aim to elucidate the specific molecular mechanisms linking ER stress to ophthalmic diseases and to validate the efficacy and safety of interventions targeting ER stress, offering new perspectives and methods for the prevention and treatment of ophthalmic diseases.