Ocular Surface and Conjunctival Disorders

Disorders affecting the outermost layers of the eye can severely impair comfort and visual function. Ocular surface and conjunctival disorders include dry eye disease, pterygium, conjunctival neoplasia, and infectious conjunctivitis, all of which can result in significant morbidity if untreated. The growing prevalence of digital screen use and environmental pollutants has exacerbated dry eye symptoms globally. Diagnostic tools such as tear osmolarity testing and meibography help clinicians tailor treatment more accurately. Novel therapies—including cyclosporine drops, lifitegrast, and autologous serum tears—are transforming long-term management. Surgical options for ocular surface reconstruction, like amniotic membrane grafts and limbal stem cell transplantation, offer hope for patients with severe epithelial damage. Continued exploration into the microbiome and inflammatory pathways of the ocular surface promises further innovation in therapy.