Role of corneal cold thermoreceptors in the occurrence and development of dry eye

Dry eye is a multifactorial disease caused by changes in tear quality, volume and dynamics.Disturbance of tear film as the main character is accompanied by discomfort, visual disorder, and damage to the ocular surface and nerves.Cold thermoreceptors existing on the ocular surface are sensitive to alterations in corneal temperature and tear osmolality.They can give rise to the sensations of cold and pain, and regulate tear secretion, and are considered to be associated with the clinical manifestations of dry eye in some ways.This article reviewed the progress of corneal cold thermoreceptors in the regulation of corneal sensation and tear secretion, the related factors of corneal sensory regulation, and the clinical applications of TRPM8-related drugs, so as to provide ideas for the treatment of dry eye.

Dry eye; Cold thermoreceptor; Tear secretion; Discomfort, eye; TRPM8; Menthol