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REVIEW PAPER
Dry eye disease and GLP-1 receptor agonists – current state of knowledge and emerging therapeutic perspectives
1
Student Research Club, Chair and Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
2
Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland (student)
3
Chair and Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
4
Department of Adult Ophthalmology, Kornel Gibiński University Clinical Center, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland
Submission date: 2026-04-27
Acceptance date: 2026-05-18
Publication date: 2026-08-28
Ophthalmology 2026;29(2):35-39
KEYWORDS
dry eye disease (DED)GLP-1 receptor agonistsdiabetes mellitus (DM)ocular surfaceinflammationsemaglutideliraglutidedulaglutide
ABSTRACT
Dry eye disease is a multifactorial disorder of tear-film homeostasis whose prevalence is steadily increasing, particularly among patients with diabetes mellitus. However, the impact of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), widely used in the management of diabetes mellitus, on the ocular surface remains incompletely understood. The aim of this study is to analyze the influence of GLP-1 RA therapy on the development and course of dry eye disease based on the currently available literature. Diabetes mellitus promotes the development of dry eye disease through oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuropathy. The pleiotropic effects of GLP-1 RAs, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, may potentially improve lacrimal gland function. Current clinical data indicate improvements in tear-film parameters and a protective effect on the ocular surface. GLP-1 RAs may therefore represent a therapeutic option for diabetic patients with coexisting dry eye disease. However, further studies are needed to clarify their mechanisms of action and confirm their clinical efficacy.
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| eISSN: | 1689-362X |
| ISSN: | 1505-2753 |
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