Research Progress of Nanoparticle-based Drug Delivery Systems in the Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a chronic ocular surface disease caused by meibomian gland dysfunction and tear film production abnormalities, with common symptoms including ocular redness, pruritus, and blurred vision. The combined effects of environmental and endogenous factors can intensify oxidative stress, induce ocular surface inflammatory responses, and thereby accelerate the progression of DES. In recent years, the incidence of DES has continued to rise, urgently requiring more efficacious therapeutic strategies. Current clinical treatments for DES remain relatively limited and primarily focus on symptom relief. Therefore, it is of great significance to systematically elucidate its pathological mechanisms and develop personalized therapies. This article emphasizes the role of oxidative stress in the progression of DES and reviews recent research progress of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems in the treatment of DES.