Lights and Shadows of Cytokines in Age‐Related Eye Diseases: A Narrative Literature Review

ABSTRACT The eye is considered to be an immune‐privileged region. However, several parts of the eye have distinct mechanisms for delivering immune cells to the injury sites or even in response to aging. Although these immune responses are intended to be protective, the visual acuity can be compromised by the release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines by immune cells, which induce chronic inflammation and fibrosis. Age‐related eye diseases (AREDs) are the primary cause of vision impairment (VI) in the elderly, with a poor comprehension of their pathophysiology. Age‐related eye diseases affect both the anterior and posterior segments, resulting in diminished quality of life and risk of irreversible blindness. Immune system dysregulation and the upregulation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines have been linked to AREDs, underscoring the need to comprehend inflammation's impact on ocular disorders to enhance patient symptom management. In this framework, the PubMed database was searched using the medical subject headings (MeSH) terms “Age‐related eye diseases,” “dry eye syndrome,” “glaucoma,” “cataract,” “diabetic retinopathy,” “inflammation,” “interleukin,” and “cytokine” with the aim of overview the role of cytokines in AREDs and discuss their potential therapeutic approaches. Inflammatory circle of age‐related eye diseases (AREDs). Aging and aberrant oxidative stress can lead to dysregulated inflammation in AREDs. Neurogenic inflammation, lacrimal gland stimulation, pro‐inflammatory cytokine release, and goblet cell loss are associated with pathogenic alteration in the tear film, resulting in cell damage and vision impairments in patients. Summary The immune system is dysregulated in age‐related eye diseases (AREDs). The significance of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in AREDs has been highlighted. Harnessing inflammation and targeted cytokine therapies are potential therapeutic approaches in AREDs.