Description

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial condition affecting the ocular surface, characterized by symptoms of discomfort, visual disturbances, tear film instability, and potential damage to the ocular surface. DED impacts patients' quality of life and poses a significant healthcare burden, with an estimated global prevalence ranging from 5% to 50%.

Cataract, a progressive opacification of the ocular lens leading to visual impairment, remains the foremost cause of preventable blindness globally, constituting a significant public health burden. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 94 million individuals worldwide are affected by cataract-related visual disability, with the condition accounting for approximately 33% of all cases of blindness. The prevalence of cataract exhibits marked demographic and geographic heterogeneity, correlating strongly with advancing age, ultraviolet radiation exposure, metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes mellitus), tobacco use, and genetic predisposition. While age-related cataracts dominate in populations over 50 years, congenital and traumatic forms contribute to morbidity across all age cohorts. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear a disproportionate burden, with cataract blindness rates up to threefold higher than in high-income regions due to limited access to surgical interventions and preventive care.

The socioeconomic ramifications of cataract-induced visual impairment are profound. Direct costs, including surgical expenses, postoperative care, and corrective devices, impose substantial financial strain on healthcare systems and households, particularly in resource-limited settings. Indirect costs, such as lost labor productivity, caregiver dependency, and reduced educational attainment, further exacerbate economic disparities. In LMICs, where out-of-pocket expenditures dominate healthcare financing, cost-related barriers delay surgical treatment, perpetuating cycles of disability and poverty. A meta-analysis estimated annual global productivity losses attributable to cataract at $53 billion, underscoring its macroeconomic impact.

Concurrently, cataract-associated visual decline engenders significant psychological morbidity. Patients frequently report diminished quality of life (QoL), characterized by heightened anxiety, depression, and social isolation due to functional limitations in daily activities (e.g., mobility, self-care). The loss of independence, particularly among elderly populations, exacerbates feelings of helplessness and stigmatization. Furthermore, delayed intervention correlates with irreversible neuroadaptive changes in the visual cortex, compounding psychological distress. Emerging evidence also highlights the bidirectional relationship between cataract-related disability and mental health disorders, with untreated visual impairment increasing susceptibility to cognitive decline and dementia.

Addressing the global cataract burden necessitates integrated strategies that combine equitable access to surgical care, cost-reduction initiatives, and psychosocial support systems. Understanding the interplay of epidemiological, economic, and mental health dimensions is critical to mitigating its multisectoral impact on human health and societal well-being.

Emerging therapies, including regenerative approaches like stem cell-fortified eye drops, show promise in addressing underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. These therapies leverage mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to promote ocular surface regeneration and repair by modulating inflammation and enhancing tissue healing.

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of stem cell-fortified eye drops in improving tear film stability, tear volume, and clinical symptoms of DED, utilizing advanced diagnostic technologies for comprehensive assessments.