Collagen: Emerging Importance in Dry Eye Therapy

Advances in corneal science are reshaping how we understand – and potentially treat – dry eye disease

1

Collagen is essential for corneal structure, providing tensile strength and directing epithelial functions crucial for eye health.
2

Dry eye disease leads to increased epithelial proliferation due to accelerated cell loss, disrupting collagen integrity and epithelial homeostasis.
3

Fragmented collagen in dry eye acts as a pro-inflammatory agent, exacerbating inflammation and impairing epithelial barrier function.
4

Superficial punctate keratitis (SPK) disrupts corneal clarity, leading to visual disturbances and inconsistent corneal measurements.
5

Collagen mimetic peptides (CMPs) selectively repair fragmented collagen, promoting ECM continuity and restoring epithelial function.

1