The role of lipids in corneal diseases and dystrophies: a systematic review

Corneal diseases are an extensive cause of blindness worldwide and continue to persist as a challenging public health concern. Recently, various lipid-based therapies have been advocated for the modulation of corneal diseases; however, the number of studies is still very limited. Here we focus on developments and challenges on lipid-based therapies for dry eye disease, diabetic neuropathy, and Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy. All three diseases are highly prevalent conditions and involve corneal stress and inflammation. Lipid-based therapeutics discussed includes cyclooxygenase inhibitors, essential fatty acids, and resolvin analogs. Lipids also show increasing promise as biomarkers of disease and are explored in this review.