Chronobiological and neuroendocrine insights into dry eye.

Dry eye, a prevalent ocular surface disease, is significantly influenced by modern lifestyle factors such as night-shift work and extended screen time. Emerging evidence suggests a strong correlation between disturbances in circadian rhythm, sleep disorders, and dry eye. However, the precise underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Recent studies have underscored the crucial role of circadian rhythms and neuroendocrine regulation in maintaining ocular surface health. Advances in treatment strategies targeting neuroendocrine pathways have shown promising developments. This review explores the interplay between circadian rhythms, neuroendocrine regulation, and the ocular surface, examines the impact of circadian disruption on the pathophysiology of dry eye, and proposes intervention strategies to alleviate dry eye associated with disturbances in circadian rhythms.