Harnessing exosomes in dry eye disease: a triple threat approach

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

BACKGROUND: Dry eye disease is a chronic ocular surface disorder primarily driven by tear film instability and hyperosmolarity, which propagates inflammatory cascades leading to ocular tissue damage. Exosomes facilitate the transfer of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids between donor and recipient cells, mediating the exchange of bioactive molecules. These vesicles demonstrate transformative potential as carriers of bioactive molecules, drug delivery vehicles, and disease biomarkers. Although exosome research in posterior segment eye diseases is extensive, studies investigating their triple functionality—therapeutic agent, drug delivery vehicle, and biomarker—in the context of dry eye remain limited and fragmented. METHODS: The literature search of the PubMed database (2015–2025) was conducted using keywords related to “exosomes,” “extracellular vesicles,” “dry eye,” and their therapeutic, drug delivery, and biomarker applications, with eligible studies screened and selected according to predefined criteria. RESULTS: We found the multifaceted roles of exosomes in dry eye as integrated therapeutic, delivery, and diagnostic agents. We emphasize: (1) their multimodal efficacy through mechanisms such as immunomodulation, corneal repair, and neuroinflammation suppression; (2) superior drug delivery capabilities, including enhanced stability and miRNA-mediated anti-inflammatory targ

Evidence level

Relatively higher-quality human studies compared with other topics in this database, e.g. multiple RCTs or systematic reviews. This does not mean it is standard or approved care.

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