What's new in dry eye research today? | Oct 16, 2026

【Title】Ocular surface outcomes after upper-eyelid-sparing management of large lower-eyelid tumor defects

【Journal】Orbit

【Authors】Adrianna Edgren; Jens Nääv Ottosson; Rafi Sheikh; et al.

【Summary】This study evaluated long-term ocular surface outcomes in 12 patients with large lower-eyelid defects following tumor excision managed without upper-eyelid surgery. Eleven patients underwent secondary-intention healing, while one received primary closure under tension. Compared with the contralateral eyes, operated eyes showed no significant differences in tear break-up time (TBUT) or tear meniscus height (TMH), suggesting preserved tear film stability and volume. However, they had significantly greater lower-eyelid meibomian gland loss, higher lower-eyelid margin-reflex distance (MRD2), higher Dry Eye Questionnaire-5 scores, and increased ocular surface staining. These findings suggest that preserving the upper eyelid may help maintain tear film function despite lower-eyelid gland loss, although dry eye symptoms and ocular surface changes may persist.

【Title】Emerging Trends in Ophthalmic Drug Delivery: Focus on NSAIDs and Corticosteroids

【Journal】Drug Metab Bioanal

【Authors】Sheetal Devi; Vipin Saini; Manish Kumar; et al.

【Summary】This review examines advances in ophthalmic drug delivery, focusing on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids used to manage ocular inflammation. Conventional formulations face challenges such as limited bioavailability, rapid tear clearance, and potential systemic toxicity. Emerging nanocarrier systems, including liposomes, nanoemulsions, dendrimers, and polymeric nanoparticles, may improve ocular penetration, prolong drug retention, and enable sustained release, potentially reducing dosing frequency. The review also discusses prodrugs such as nepafenac, which undergo intraocular metabolism, and highlights cyclosporine A as an immunomodulatory option for chronic ocular surface diseases, including dry eye. Corneal models, pharmacokinetic profiling, and ocular imaging are emphasized as tools for evaluating drug efficacy and safety.

【Title】The Effects of Age on the Presence of Atypical Corneal Nerve Formations

【Journal】Cornea

【Authors】Josef Štorm; Marcela Minaříková; Veronika Potočková; et al.

【Summary】This retrospective, single-center study evaluated atypical nerve formations (ANFs) in 286 eyes from 143 patients referred for corneal nerve assessment using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). ANFs were identified in 25.5% of eyes. Their presence was significantly associated with age, with the odds increasing by approximately 5% per additional year (OR = 1.05, P < 0.001), and inversely associated with corneal sensitivity (P = 0.040). No significant associations were found with tear break-up time, tear osmolarity, MMP-9 levels, OSDI scores, or standard corneal nerve metrics. The findings suggest that ANFs may reflect age-related corneal nerve remodeling rather than specific markers of ocular neuropathic pain or inflammation, highlighting the need for cautious interpretation in clinical practice.