What's new in dry eye research today? | Oct 14, 2026

【Title】Dual-Dynamically Crosslinked Nanogels Enable Prolonged Ocular Retention for Multimodal Dry Eye Therapy

【Journal】Adv Sci (Weinh)

【Authors】Yanru Xin; Sisi Chen; Shengli Huang; et al.

【Summary】This study developed berberine-loaded dual-dynamically crosslinked nanogels (BBR@MPN-NGs) with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lubricating properties, achieving sustained corneal berberine exposure for 24 hours and one-year colloidal and antioxidant stability. In mouse dry eye models, the nanogels outperformed cyclosporine A and dexamethasone in improving corneal epithelial repair and tear secretion, with no detected ocular or systemic toxicity in the reported experiments; further clinical validation is needed.

【Title】Modified Danzhi Xiaoyao San ameliorates depression-associated dry eye by modulating sphingolipid metabolism across the liver, hippocampus, and lacrimal gland

【Journal】J Ethnopharmacol

【Authors】Xu Yan; Xie MinSi; Deng Qibo; et al.

【Summary】In a rat model of depression-associated dry eye, modified Danzhi Xiaoyao San (MDZXYS) improved depressive-like behaviors, tear secretion, tear film break-up time, corneal staining, and pathological changes in the lacrimal glands, liver, and hippocampus, while modulating inflammatory cytokines. Lipidomic analysis identified sphingolipid metabolism as a key altered pathway across these tissues, with MDZXYS partially reversing disease-associated lipid changes; however, the findings are preclinical and do not establish causal relationships between tissues.

【Title】Effects of Exogenous Relaxin on Dry Eye in an Experimental Sjögren's disease (SS) Mouse Model

【Journal】Exp Eye Res

【Authors】Lucimeire N Carvalho; Taís H Wakamatsu; Cristiane D Gil; et al.

【Summary】In female nonobese diabetic mice with Sjögren's disease-associated dry eye, relaxin eye drops (100 ng/mL, four times daily for 30 days) significantly improved tear production and keratitis, with histological findings suggesting better preservation of lacrimal gland architecture. Treatment also reduced the expression of several inflammatory cytokines and increased relaxin and its receptor RXFP1 expression, supporting further investigation of relaxin as a potential therapy, although human efficacy and safety remain to be established.