The aging cornea: From mechanisms to clinical applications

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Gerontology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Aging leads to functional decline and increased disease susceptibility.
• The cornea, the eye's main refractive surface, undergoes age-related structural and functional alterations.
• These changes increase the risk of ocular surface diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the clinical aspects, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies for corneal aging.
• To provide a scientific foundation for interventions aimed at delaying corneal aging and preserving vision.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of literature on corneal aging.
• Analysis of age-related changes in corneal structure and function.
• Exploration of underlying molecular aging mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Key age-related corneal changes include epithelial thinning, stromal remodeling, endothelial cell loss, and reduced nerve function.
• Core aging mechanisms like cellular senescence, mitochondrial dysfunction, and chronic inflammation drive corneal aging.
• Corneal aging impacts refractive properties and barrier function, increasing disease susceptibility.

Conclusions:

• Corneal aging is a complex process driven by fundamental aging mechanisms.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
• Interventions could delay corneal aging, improve ocular health, and maintain visual function.