Research progress of corneal nerve regeneration

The corneal nerves are integral to sustaining the corneal homeostasis, serving both sensory and trophic functions. Clinically, damage to the trigeminal nerve frequently results in neurotrophic keratopathy (NK), a condition that poses significant challenges to ophthalmic practice. Although recombinant human nerve growth factor, the sole internationally recognized pharmaceutical agent for treating NK, has shown some efficacy, the overall therapeutic outcomes for this condition remain suboptimal. Furthermore, the widespread application of recombinant human nerve growth factor within domestic healthcare systems has been impeded by various factors, including accessibility and cost. The primary impediment to achieving satisfactory therapeutic outcomes in NK is the limited regenerative capacity of the affected nerves. Consequently, delineating the mechanisms underlying corneal nerve regeneration is of paramount importance for advancing clinical treatments. Given that corneal nerves are part of the peripheral nervous system, their regenerative processes may share similarities with those observed in other peripheral nerves. This article summarizes the anatomy and function of corneal nerves, reviews diseases that cause corneal injury, and discusses advancements in the field of corneal nerve regeneration. It also prospects future research directions for corneal nerve regeneration based on existing mechanisms of axonal regeneration.