2025年3月 第2卷 第1期

主管:中华人民共和国教育部
主办:中山大学
承办:中山大学中山眼科中心
主编:Haotian Lin
  • 2025
  • 2024
Editorial
Original Article

Lifestyle and myopia among primary school students in urban areas of Fujian following implementation plan for comprehensive prevention and control of myopia of children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Lifestyle and myopia among primary school students in urban areas of Fujian following implementation plan for comprehensive prevention and control of myopia of children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study

:3-11
 
Objective: To investigate the lifestyle and myopia among primary school students in urban areas of Fujian with the context of myopia prevention and control measures, aiming to provide scientific evidence for identifying high-risk myopia population and formulating effective intervention strategies. 
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2023, enrolling 811 fourth-grade students from three primary schools in three cities across Fujian. Personal information and lifestyle-related pattern were collected using customized questionnaire. Participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmic assessments including distance visual acuity tests and refractive examinations. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the impact of lifestyle on the onset of myopia.
Results: The prevalence of myopia among fourth-grade students in urban primary schools in Fujian was 46.4%. Only 25.8% students engaged in outdoor activities for more than 2 hours daily, while63.3% participated in outdoor activities during class breaks. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that outdoor activities during class breaks (OR= 0.646 [95% confidence interval(CI): 0.473-0.881], = 0.006) and daily time spent outdoors (2-3 hours, OR=0.682 [95%CI:0.466-0.993], P=0.047; more than 3 hours, OR=0.403 [95%CI: 0.192-0.796], = 0.01) were independent protective factors against myopia. Lifestyle significantly enhanced the predictive performance for myopia (P = 0.01). Additionally, parental myopia (one parent with myopia, OR=2.247 [95%CI: 1.612- 3.145], P < 0.001; both parents with myopia, OR=4.824 [95%CI: 3.262-7.204], P < 0.001) emerged as a key risk factor for myopia.
Conclusion: There is considerable scope for improving the lifestyle of primary school students in urban areas of Fujian. Lifestyle is strongly associated with myopia onset, highlighting the need for schools and families to actively encourage students to engage in more outdoor activities and take breaks outdoors to prevent and control myopia. Students with parents, especially both parents, having myopia should be considered as a key target group for myopia prevention efforts.
Objective: To investigate the lifestyle and myopia among primary school students in urban areas of Fujian with the context of myopia prevention and control measures, aiming to provide scientific evidence for identifying high-risk myopia population and formulating effective intervention strategies. 
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2023, enrolling 811 fourth-grade students from three primary schools in three cities across Fujian. Personal information and lifestyle-related pattern were collected using customized questionnaire. Participants underwent comprehensive ophthalmic assessments including distance visual acuity tests and refractive examinations. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the impact of lifestyle on the onset of myopia.
Results: The prevalence of myopia among fourth-grade students in urban primary schools in Fujian was 46.4%. Only 25.8% students engaged in outdoor activities for more than 2 hours daily, while63.3% participated in outdoor activities during class breaks. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that outdoor activities during class breaks (OR= 0.646 [95% confidence interval(CI): 0.473-0.881], = 0.006) and daily time spent outdoors (2-3 hours, OR=0.682 [95%CI:0.466-0.993], P=0.047; more than 3 hours, OR=0.403 [95%CI: 0.192-0.796], P = 0.01) were independent protective factors against myopia. Lifestyle significantly enhanced the predictive performance for myopia (P = 0.01). Additionally, parental myopia (one parent with myopia, OR=2.247 [95%CI: 1.612- 3.145], P < 0.001; both parents with myopia, OR=4.824 [95%CI: 3.262-7.204], P < 0.001) emerged as a key risk factor for myopia.
Conclusion: There is considerable scope for improving the lifestyle of primary school students in urban areas of Fujian. Lifestyle is strongly associated with myopia onset, highlighting the need for schools and families to actively encourage students to engage in more outdoor activities and take breaks outdoors to prevent and control myopia. Students with parents, especially both parents, having myopia should be considered as a key target group for myopia prevention efforts.

Causes and factors associated with vision impairment in the elderly population in Mangxin town, Kashgar region, Xinjiang, China

Causes and factors associated with vision impairment in the elderly population in Mangxin town, Kashgar region, Xinjiang, China

:12-24
 

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, causes, and influencing factors of vision impairment in the elderly population aged 60 years and above in Mangxin Town, Kashgar region, Xinjiang, China. Located in a region characterized by intense ultraviolet radiation and arid climatic conditions, Mangxin Town presents unique environmental challenges that may exacerbate ocular health issues. Despite the global emphasis on addressing vision impairment among aging populations, there remains a paucity of updated and region-specific data in Xinjiang, necessitating this comprehensive assessment to inform targeted interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2024, involving 1,311 elderly participants (76.76% participation rate) out of a total eligible population of 1,708 individuals aged ≥60 years. Participants underwent detailed ocular examinations, including assessments of uncorrected visual acuity (UVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using standard logarithmic charts, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT, Topcon DRI OCT Triton), fundus photography, and intraocular pressure measurement (Canon TX-20 Tonometer). A multidisciplinary team of 10 ophthalmologists and 2 local village doctors, trained rigorously in standardized protocols, ensured consistent data collection. Demographic, lifestyle, and medical history data were collected via questionnaires. Statistical analyses, performed using Stata 16, included multivariate logistic regression to identify risk factors, with significance defined as P < 0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of vision impairment was 13.21% (95% CI: 11.37–15.04), with low vision at 11.76% (95% CI: 10.01–13.50) and blindness at 1.45% (95% CI: 0.80–2.10). Cataract emerged as the leading cause, responsible for 68.20% of cases, followed by glaucoma (5.80%), optic atrophy (5.20%), and age-related macular degeneration (2.90%). Vision impairment prevalence escalated significantly with age: 7.74% in the 60–69 age group, 17.79% in 70–79, and 33.72% in those ≥80. Males exhibited higher prevalence than females (15.84% vs. 10.45%, P = 0.004). Multivariate analysis revealed age ≥80 years (OR = 6.43, 95% CI: 3.79–10.90), male sex (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.34–0.83), and daily exercise (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.20–0.95) as significant factors. History of eye disease showed a non-significant trend toward increased risk (OR = 1.49, P = 0.107). Education level, income, and smoking status showed no significant associations. Conclusion: This study underscores cataract as the predominant cause of vision impairment in Mangxin Town’s elderly population, with age and sex as critical determinants. The findings align with global patterns but highlight region-specific challenges, such as environmental factors contributing to cataract prevalence. Public health strategies should prioritize improving access to cataract surgery, enhancing grassroots ophthalmic infrastructure, and integrating portable screening technologies for early detection of fundus diseases. Additionally, promoting health education on UV protection and lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, may mitigate risks. Future research should expand to broader regions in Xinjiang, employ advanced diagnostic tools for complex conditions like glaucoma, and explore longitudinal trends to refine intervention strategies. These efforts are vital to reducing preventable blindness and improving quality of life for aging populations in underserved areas.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, causes, and influencing factors of vision impairment in the elderly population aged 60 years and above in Mangxin Town, Kashgar region, Xinjiang, China. Located in a region characterized by intense ultraviolet radiation and arid climatic conditions, Mangxin Town presents unique environmental challenges that may exacerbate ocular health issues. Despite the global emphasis on addressing vision impairment among aging populations, there remains a paucity of updated and region-specific data in Xinjiang, necessitating this comprehensive assessment to inform targeted interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to June 2024, involving 1,311 elderly participants (76.76% participation rate) out of a total eligible population of 1,708 individuals aged ≥60 years. Participants underwent detailed ocular examinations, including assessments of uncorrected visual acuity (UVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using standard logarithmic charts, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT, Topcon DRI OCT Triton), fundus photography, and intraocular pressure measurement (Canon TX-20 Tonometer). A multidisciplinary team of 10 ophthalmologists and 2 local village doctors, trained rigorously in standardized protocols, ensured consistent data collection. Demographic, lifestyle, and medical history data were collected via questionnaires. Statistical analyses, performed using Stata 16, included multivariate logistic regression to identify risk factors, with significance defined as P < 0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of vision impairment was 13.21% (95% CI: 11.37–15.04), with low vision at 11.76% (95% CI: 10.01–13.50) and blindness at 1.45% (95% CI: 0.80–2.10). Cataract emerged as the leading cause, responsible for 68.20% of cases, followed by glaucoma (5.80%), optic atrophy (5.20%), and age-related macular degeneration (2.90%). Vision impairment prevalence escalated significantly with age: 7.74% in the 60–69 age group, 17.79% in 70–79, and 33.72% in those ≥80. Males exhibited higher prevalence than females (15.84% vs. 10.45%, P = 0.004). Multivariate analysis revealed age ≥80 years (OR = 6.43, 95% CI: 3.79–10.90), male sex (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.34–0.83), and daily exercise (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.20–0.95) as significant factors. History of eye disease showed a non-significant trend toward increased risk (OR = 1.49, P = 0.107). Education level, income, and smoking status showed no significant associations. Conclusion: This study underscores cataract as the predominant cause of vision impairment in Mangxin Town’s elderly population, with age and sex as critical determinants. The findings align with global patterns but highlight region-specific challenges, such as environmental factors contributing to cataract prevalence. Public health strategies should prioritize improving access to cataract surgery, enhancing grassroots ophthalmic infrastructure, and integrating portable screening technologies for early detection of fundus diseases. Additionally, promoting health education on UV protection and lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, may mitigate risks. Future research should expand to broader regions in Xinjiang, employ advanced diagnostic tools for complex conditions like glaucoma, and explore longitudinal trends to refine intervention strategies. These efforts are vital to reducing preventable blindness and improving quality of life for aging populations in underserved areas.

Prognostic nomogram for patients with primary conjunctival malignant tumors: a study based on SEER data

Prognostic nomogram for patients with primary conjunctival malignant tumors: a study based on SEER data

:25-36
 
Purpose: To develop a survival prediction model for primary conjunctival malignant tumors.
Methods: Detailed information on cases diagnosed with primary conjunctival malignant tumors from 2000 to 2019 was collected from SEER database.Subsequently,  cases meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the development group (1,216 cases) or validation group (608 cases). Relevant risk factors affecting overall survival (OS) were identified using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. A nomogram was constructed to predict the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates. The concordance index (C index) was calculated to assess the predictive power of the model. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC curves) and calibration curves were plotted. The area under the curve (AUC) was measured. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was also applied.
Results: The overall survival rate was 77.8%. Statistically significant differences in the survival time distribution were observed among groups based on age (P < 0.001), histology (P < 0.001), and stage (P = 0.01). According to the multivariate analysis, patients with lymphoma, younger age, and localized lesions exhibited better survival outcomes. The C-index of the constructed model was 0.79. In the training group, the AUC values for predicting 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year mortality were 0.824, 0.796, and 0.815, respectively. In the validation group, age corresponding AU values were 0.750, 0.820, and 0.838. The DCA results demonstrated a significant advantage of the model, while the calibration plots indicated that the predicted OS was in good agreement with the actual OS in both groups. 
Conclusions: This study presents a satisfying survival prediction model for malignant conjunctival tumors.
Purpose: To develop a survival prediction model for primary conjunctival malignant tumors.
Methods: Detailed information on cases diagnosed with primary conjunctival malignant tumors from 2000 to 2019 was collected from SEER database.Subsequently,  cases meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either the development group (1,216 cases) or validation group (608 cases). Relevant risk factors affecting overall survival (OS) were identified using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. A nomogram was constructed to predict the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates. The concordance index (C index) was calculated to assess the predictive power of the model. Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC curves) and calibration curves were plotted. The area under the curve (AUC) was measured. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was also applied.
Results: The overall survival rate was 77.8%. Statistically significant differences in the survival time distribution were observed among groups based on age (P < 0.001), histology (P < 0.001), and stage (P = 0.01). According to the multivariate analysis, patients with lymphoma, younger age, and localized lesions exhibited better survival outcomes. The C-index of the constructed model was 0.79. In the training group, the AUC values for predicting 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year mortality were 0.824, 0.796, and 0.815, respectively. In the validation group, age corresponding AU values were 0.750, 0.820, and 0.838. The DCA results demonstrated a significant advantage of the model, while the calibration plots indicated that the predicted OS was in good agreement with the actual OS in both groups. 
Conclusions: This study presents a satisfying survival prediction model for malignant conjunctival tumors.

Prevalence of idiopathic thoracic scoliosis in children and adolescents with superior oblique palsy: a cross‑sectional study

Prevalence of idiopathic thoracic scoliosis in children and adolescents with superior oblique palsy: a cross‑sectional study

:37-45
 

Purpose: Strabismus is associated with a higher prevalence of idiopathic thoracic scoliosis (ITS) in children. This study aims to investigate whether superior oblique palsy (SOP) poses a higher risk for developing ITS among children and adolescents.

Methods: A cross-sectional study. The study group comprised 347 consecutive candidates for SOP surgery aged 4 to 18 yearsPatients within the same age range with ocular trauma were enrolled as the control group. Preoperative chest plain radiographs were used to measure the Cobb angle. Demographic information and clinical data, including diopter, best corrected visual acuity, deviation degree, and binocular functionwere analyzed.

Results: A significantly higher prevalence of ITS was found in study group compared with control group (12.68% vs 4.18%< 0.001) . Additionally, the mean Cobb angle was lagger in SOP group than that in control group (5.02°±3.87° vs 3.84°±3.09°, < 0.001). Males in SOP group showed a higher prevalence of ITS  (12.9% vs 2.87%, P = 0.007), but there was no significant difference in females between two groups (12.3% vs 7.69%, P = 0.295). Good near stereopsis acuity was  significantly associated with high prevalence of thoracic scoliosis (< 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a large distant magnitude of deviation (>20 PD) and near stereoacuity were significantly associated with ITS.

Conclusions: Patients with SOP have a significantly  higher risk of developing idiopathic thoracic scoliosis, especially those with good near stereoscopic and large distant magnitude of deviation. 


Purpose: Strabismus is associated with a higher prevalence of idiopathic thoracic scoliosis (ITS) in children. This study aims to investigate whether superior oblique palsy (SOP) poses a higher risk for developing ITS among children and adolescents.

Methods: A cross-sectional study. The study group comprised 347 consecutive candidates for SOP surgery aged 4 to 18 yearsPatients within the same age range with ocular trauma were enrolled as the control group. Preoperative chest plain radiographs were used to measure the Cobb angle. Demographic information and clinical data, including diopter, best corrected visual acuity, deviation degree, and binocular functionwere analyzed.

Results: A significantly higher prevalence of ITS was found in study group compared with control group (12.68% vs 4.18%< 0.001) . Additionally, the mean Cobb angle was lagger in SOP group than that in control group (5.02°±3.87° vs 3.84°±3.09°, < 0.001). Males in SOP group showed a higher prevalence of ITS  (12.9% vs 2.87%, P = 0.007), but there was no significant difference in females between two groups (12.3% vs 7.69%, P = 0.295). Good near stereopsis acuity was  significantly associated with high prevalence of thoracic scoliosis (< 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a large distant magnitude of deviation (>20 PD) and near stereoacuity were significantly associated with ITS.

Conclusions: Patients with SOP have a significantly  higher risk of developing idiopathic thoracic scoliosis, especially those with good near stereoscopic and large distant magnitude of deviation. 



Stressful factors experienced by patients while waiting vitreo-retinal day surgery: a qualitative study

Stressful factors experienced by patients while waiting vitreo-retinal day surgery: a qualitative study

:46-55
 

Purpose: The day surgery mode has significantly reduced preoperative waiting time for patients. However, this mode also led to brief and sometimes abrupt interactions between patients with vision loss and nursing staff during the preoperative visits. Additionally, patients may experience negative emotions. The aim of this study was to describe the preoperative experiences and identify related stressful factors among patients waiting vitreo-retinal day surgery. Methods: This study was guided by an interpretive approach. Semi-structured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted with patients from August 2021 to October 2024. Inductive content analysis and research software were used to analyze the data. Results: Twenty-seven patients agreed to participate the interviews. Their ages ranged from 19 to 70 years old. The waiting time before hospitalization varied from 7 to 90 days. Three main categories emerged from patients’ complaints: day surgery procedures, concerns about eye conditions and supports. Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of preoperative care services. It is suggested that providing accurate preoperative information and effective support can significantly enhance the quality of preoperative care service.


Purpose: The day surgery mode has significantly reduced preoperative waiting time for patients. However, this mode also led to brief and sometimes abrupt interactions between patients with vision loss and nursing staff during the preoperative visitsAdditionally, patients may experience negative emotions. The aim of this study was to describe the preoperative experiences and identify related stressful factors among patients waiting vitreo-retinal day surgery. Methods: This study was guided by an interpretive approach. Semi-structured, face-to-face, in-depth interviews were conducted with patients from August 2021 to October 2024. Inductive content analysis and research software were used to analyze the data. Results: Twenty-seven patients agreed to participate the interviews. Their ages ranged from 19 to 70 yearold. The waiting time before hospitalization varied from 7 to 90 days. Three main categories emerged from patients’ complaints: day surgery procedures, concerns about eye conditions and supports. Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of preoperative care services. It is suggested that providing accurate preoperative information and effective support can significantly enhance the quality of preoperative care service.
Review Article

Role of omics approaches in the study of pediatric cataract

Role of omics approaches in the study of pediatric cataract

:56-67
 

Pediatric cataract, a leading cause of blindness in children globally, imposing a significant financial burden on both families and society. The extensive phenotypic heterogeneity of this condition means that the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, limiting the development of precise and effective treatments. The advent of omics technologies has provided potent tools for unraveling the pathogenesis of pediatric cataract. By mapping expression profiles across various molecular levels, these omics approaches enhance our understanding of the diseases etiological mechanisms, aid in the identification of novel biomarkers and key pathways, and offer researchers new insights for the innovative strategies in disease diagnosis and targeted therapies. In this review, we summarize the application of omics approaches in clinical and basic research on pediatric cataract over the past decade, encompassing genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. Furthermore, we discuss the current challenges and future prospects of omics analyses in pediatric cataract studies.

Pediatric cataract, a leading cause of blindness in children globally, imposing a significant financial burden on both families and society. The extensive phenotypic heterogeneity of this condition means that the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood, limiting the development of precise and effective treatments. The advent of omics technologies has provided potent tools for unraveling the pathogenesis of pediatric cataract. By mapping expression profiles across various molecular levels, these omics approaches enhance our understanding of the disease’s etiological mechanisms, aid in the identification of novel biomarkers and key pathways, and offer researchers new insights for the innovative strategies in disease diagnosis and targeted therapies. In this review, we summarize the application of omics approaches in clinical and basic research on pediatric cataract over the past decade, encompassing genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. Furthermore, we discuss the current challenges and future prospects of omics analyses in pediatric cataract studies.

A review of corneal nerve and limbal stem cell

A review of corneal nerve and limbal stem cell

:68-84
 

The cornea is a transparent tissue that serves as the main refractive element of the eye ball.Limbal epithelial stem cells(LESCs), residing in the basal epithelial layer of the Palisades of Vogt located in the corneal limbus between cornea and scleral, are believed to be crucial for the continuous turnover of the corneal epithelium. The proliferation, migration, and differentiation of the LESCs are modulated by unique physical and chemical futures contained within the microenvironment known as the limbal niche. This niche, composed of nerve terminals, cells, extracellular matrix, vasculature, and signaling molecules, is the home for processe such as proliferation, migration and differentiation. Corneal nerve terminals possess special anatomical structures in the limbal region and basal epithelial cells, and they demonstrate pivotal biological effects in the regulation of the LESC function and corneal epithelium homeostasis. Biological molecules such as neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, and neurotrophic factors play a crucial role in modulating the LESCs phenotype responsible for corneal epithelium homeostasis. This paper will review recent studies on how  these nerve derived molecules function in this process and provide clear orientations for future research. 
The cornea is a transparent tissue that serves as the main refractive element of the eye ball.Limbal epithelial stem cells(LESCs), residing in the basal epithelial layer of the Palisades of Vogt located in the corneal limbus between cornea and scleral, are believed to be crucial for the continuous turnover of the corneal epithelium. The proliferation, migration, and differentiation of the LESCs are modulated by unique physical and chemical futures contained within the microenvironment known as the limbal niche. This niche, composed of nerve terminals, cells, extracellular matrix, vasculature, and signaling molecules, is the home for processe such as proliferation, migration and differentiation. Corneal nerve terminals possess special anatomical structures in the limbal region and basal epithelial cells, and they demonstrate pivotal biological effects in the regulation of the LESC function and corneal epithelium homeostasis. Biological molecules such as neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, and neurotrophic factors play a crucial role in modulating the LESCs phenotype responsible for corneal epithelium homeostasis. This paper will review recent studies on how  these nerve derived molecules function in this process and provide clear orientations for future research. 

Advances in understanding conjunctival goblet cell traits and regenerative processes

Advances in understanding conjunctival goblet cell traits and regenerative processes

:85-96
 
Conjunctival goblet cells are of great significance to the ocular surface. By secreting mucins—particularly MUC5AC—they play a pivotal role in stabilizing the tear film, safeguarding the cornea from environmental insults, and preserving overall ocular homeostasis. Over the past decade, remarkable progress has been made in understanding the distinctive biological characteristics and regenerative potential of these specialized cells, opening novel avenues for treating various ocular surface disorders, ranging from dry eye syndrome and allergic conjunctivitis to more severe conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. This review comprehensively examines the morphology, function, and regulation of conjunctival goblet cells. Advanced imaging modalities, such as transmission electron microscopy, have provided in-depth insights into their ultrastructure. Densely packed mucin granules and a specialized secretory apparatus have been uncovered, highlighting the cells’ proficiency in producing and releasing MUC5AC. These structural characterizations have significantly enhanced our understanding of how goblet cells contribute to maintaining a stable and protective mucosal barrier, which is crucial for ocular surface integrity. The review further delves into the intricate signaling networks governing the differentiation and regeneration of these cells. Key pathways, including Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, and TGF-β, have emerged as essential regulators of cell fate decisions, ensuring that goblet cells maintain their specialized functions. Critical transcription factors, such as Klf4, Klf5, and SPDEF, have been identified as indispensable for driving the differentiation process and sustaining the mature phenotype of goblet cells. Additionally, the modulatory effects of inflammatory mediators—such as IL-6, IL-13, and TNF-α—and growth factors, such as EGF and FGF, are explored. These molecular insights offer a robust framework for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying ocular surface diseases, wherein the dysregulation of these processes often results in diminished goblet cell numbers and impaired tear film stability. Innovative methodological approaches have provided a strong impetus to this field. The development of three-dimensional (3D) in vitro culture systems that replicate the native conjunctival microenvironment has enabled more physiologically relevant investigations of goblet cell biology. Moreover, the integration of stem cell technologies—including the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs)—has made it possible to generate goblet cell-like epithelia, thereby presenting promising strategies for tissue engineering and regenerative therapies. The application of artificial intelligence in optimizing drug screening and biomaterial scaffold design represents an exciting frontier that may accelerate the translation of these findings into effective clinical interventions. In conclusion, this review underscores the central role of conjunctival goblet cells in preserving ocular surface health and illuminates the transformative potential of emerging regenerative approaches. Continued research focused on deciphering the intricate molecular mechanisms governing goblet cell function and regeneration is essential for developing innovative, targeted therapies that can significantly improve the management of ocular surface diseases and enhance patient quality of life.
Conjunctival goblet cells are of great significance to the ocular surface. By secreting mucins—particularly MUC5AC—they play a pivotal role in stabilizing the tear film, safeguarding the cornea from environmental insults, and preserving overall ocular homeostasis. Over the past decade, remarkable progress has been made in understanding the distinctive biological characteristics and regenerative potential of these specialized cells, opening novel avenues for treating various ocular surface disorders, ranging from dry eye syndrome and allergic conjunctivitis to more severe conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. This review comprehensively examines the morphology, function, and regulation of conjunctival goblet cells. Advanced imaging modalities, such as transmission electron microscopy, have provided in-depth insights into their ultrastructure. Densely packed mucin granules and a specialized secretory apparatus have been uncovered, highlighting the cells’ proficiency in producing and releasing MUC5AC. These structural characterizations have significantly enhanced our understanding of how goblet cells contribute to maintaining a stable and protective mucosal barrier, which is crucial for ocular surface integrity. The review further delves into the intricate signaling networks governing the differentiation and regeneration of these cells. Key pathways, including Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, and TGF-β, have emerged as essential regulators of cell fate decisions, ensuring that goblet cells maintain their specialized functions. Critical transcription factors, such as Klf4, Klf5, and SPDEF, have been identified as indispensable for driving the differentiation process and sustaining the mature phenotype of goblet cells. Additionally, the modulatory effects of inflammatory mediators—such as IL-6, IL-13, and TNF-α—and growth factors, such as EGF and FGF, are explored. These molecular insights offer a robust framework for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying ocular surface diseases, wherein the dysregulation of these processes often results in diminished goblet cell numbers and impaired tear film stability. Innovative methodological approaches have provided a strong impetus to this field. The development of three-dimensional (3D) in vitro culture systems that replicate the native conjunctival microenvironment has enabled more physiologically relevant investigations of goblet cell biology. Moreover, the integration of stem cell technologies—including the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs)—has made it possible to generate goblet cell-like epithelia, thereby presenting promising strategies for tissue engineering and regenerative therapies. The application of artificial intelligence in optimizing drug screening and biomaterial scaffold design represents an exciting frontier that may accelerate the translation of these findings into effective clinical interventions. In conclusion, this review underscores the central role of conjunctival goblet cells in preserving ocular surface health and illuminates the transformative potential of emerging regenerative approaches. Continued research focused on deciphering the intricate molecular mechanisms governing goblet cell function and regeneration is essential for developing innovative, targeted therapies that can significantly improve the management of ocular surface diseases and enhance patient quality of life.