5 Key Takeaways

• 1

  Collagen is essential for corneal structure, providing tensile strength and directing epithelial functions crucial for eye health.

• 2

  Dry eye disease leads to increased epithelial proliferation due to accelerated cell loss, disrupting collagen integrity and epithelial homeostasis.

• 3

  Fragmented collagen in dry eye acts as a pro-inflammatory agent, exacerbating inflammation and impairing epithelial barrier function.

• 4

  Superficial punctate keratitis (SPK) disrupts corneal clarity, leading to visual disturbances and inconsistent corneal measurements.

• 5

  Collagen mimetic peptides (CMPs) selectively repair fragmented collagen, promoting ECM continuity and restoring epithelial function.