Modeling ocular tissues with organoids: A review of techniques and applications in lacrimal gland, cornea, lens, and retina organoid.

Ocular dysfunctions constitute a major global health burden, causing vision impairment and blindness in millions worldwide. Numerous refractory pathologies affecting non-regenerative ocular tissues remain intractable due to poorly elucidated pathogenic mechanisms. Ocular organoids provide physiologically relevant in vitro models for mechanistic research and hold translational potential for ocular tissue reconstruction. This review synthesizes progress in ocular organoids from the ocular surface to posterior segments; evaluates methodological innovations, functional capabilities, and limitations; discusses bioengineered 3D constructs and organ-on-a-chip synergistic platforms; and envisions their role in bridging basic research and clinical translation for incurable ocular diseases.