Newer approaches to dry eye therapy: Nanotechnology, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering

Dry eye disease (DED) affects a significant portion of the global adult population and current treatments have limitations. Newer approaches using nanotechnology, regenerative medicine, and tissue engineering aim to improve treatment efficacy. Innovations such as nanosystems, hydrogels, and drug-eluting contact lenses enhance drug delivery and reduce side effects. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise in immunomodulation and epithelial repair, with clinical trials demonstrating their safety and efficacy in improving symptoms in Sjogren's disease patients. Additionally, bioengineered lacrimal glands and regenerative therapies like exosomes and platelet-rich plasma are being explored. These advancements aim to address the limitations of conventional treatments and improve patient outcomes in DED management.