Although dry eye disease (DED) affects the quality of life (QoL) of millions worldwide, its cellular and molecular triggers are poorly understood. One of the primary pathophysiological mechanisms in DED is the stimulation of corneal nerves, followed by nerve alterations. Pain and burning sensations are caused by neurosensory anomalies of the corneal nerves, as established by both preclinical and clinical studies of DED.
A deeper understanding of the functional and structural alterations of nerves in DED and their link with clinical symptoms and indicators is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.