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Newswise — Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disorder that disturbs ocular surface equilibrium, considerably diminishing quality of life. Present therapies only offer symptomatic alleviation. Stem cell treatment, especially mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), has surfaced as a viable approach for tissue regeneration and immunological regulation in DED. Preclinical and early clinical investigations indicate that MSCs can improve lacrimal gland functionality, diminish inflammation, and facilitate corneal regeneration. Nonetheless, obstacles persist in enhancing MSC viability, determining the optimal MSC source, and guaranteeing sustained therapeutic effectiveness. Additional extensive randomized clinical trials are required to confirm the efficacy of MSC-based therapies for severe DED.

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Core Tip: Stem cell treatment offers a potential regenerative strategy for addressing severe dry eye disease by restoring lacrimal gland function, regulating inflammation, and facilitating corneal restoration. This review incorporated current preclinical and clinical discoveries, contrasting various mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) sources and their modes of action. Notwithstanding promising outcomes, obstacles persist in enhancing MSC viability, standardizing administration techniques, and guaranteeing prolonged safety. More extensive randomized controlled studies are necessary to determine the effectiveness of MSC-based treatments in severe dry eye disease.

• Citation: Fu L, Pelosini L, Kopsachilis N, Foti R, D’Esposito F, Musa M, D’Amico A, Tognetto D, Gagliano C, Zeppieri M. Evaluating the efficacy of stem cells in treating severe dry eye disease. World J Stem Cells 2025; 17(4): 101891
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