Neuromodulation for Treatment of Dry Eye

Abstract Dry eye, a multifactorial disease of the tears and ocular surface, leads to tear film instability, potentially resulting in tear film hyperosmolarity, ocular surface epithelial damage, and inflammation. Impaired visual-related function associated with dry eye disease poses a significant economic and humanistic burden worldwide. Current treatment options are mostly palliative in nature, intended to supplement tears and alleviate dry eye symptoms. Neuromodulation is an established therapeutic strategy utilizing the direct activation of neural pathways to correct organ dysfunction and manage disease symptoms. A novel intranasal tear neurostimulation device has been developed, designed to increase tear production and improve tear quality in patients with dry eye by activating the nasolacrimal neuronal pathway through electrical stimulation of sensory nerve endings in the nasal mucosa. In clinical studies, the intranasal tear neurostimulator has demonstrated ability to increase tear production and improve symptoms, showing promise as a treatment option for patients with dry eye.