The Role of Nerve Growth Factor on the Ocular Surface: A Review of the Current Experimental Research and Clinical Practices.

The ocular surface is susceptible to a wide spectrum of inflammatory, degenerative, and neurotrophic diseases that can impair vision. The complex pathophysiology and limited therapeutic options associated with these conditions continue to pose significant clinical challenges. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), a neurotrophin initially recognized for its role in neuronal survival and differentiation, has emerged as a key regulator of ocular surface homeostasis and repair. Beyond its neurotrophic functions, NGF is suggested to influence epithelial proliferation, immune responses, tear secretion, and angiogenesis. Experimental and clinical studies have implicated NGF in both the pathogenesis and potential treatment of various ocular surface diseases, including allergic conjunctivitis, neurotrophic keratopathy (NK), immune-mediated and herpetic keratitis, and dry eye disease (DED), as well as post-surgical corneal wound healing. Notably, recombinant human NGF (rhNGF, cenegermin) has been approved as the first topical biologic therapy for NK. Despite encouraging clinical outcomes, challenges such as high treatment costs, limited long-term data, and potential proangiogenic effects remain. This review consolidates current evidence on the role of NGF in ocular surface health and disease, highlighting its biological mechanisms, clinical applications, and future therapeutic potential.