Basic mechanisms and clinical implications of ocular surface inflammation

Abstract

Basic mechanisms and clinical implications of ocular surface inflammation.The pathopyhsiology of ocular surface inflammation is complex and involves a number of actors. Beside the immune system, a key role is emerging for the vasculature (both blood and lymph vessels), central and peripheral nervous system. From the old dogma of a cornea completely devoided of immune cells, a lot has been learned about how leukocytes, neurons and vessels interact and how imbalances in their function(s) may affect the onset and outcome of blinding diseases such as corneal burns or ocular graft versus host disease.