Background/Objectives: Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and dry eye syndrome (DES) are common eye diseases characterized by altered tear film stability and inflammation of the ocular surface, causing significant discomfort and possible visual impairment. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of curcumin-loaded liposomes (Lipo@Cur) compared to cyclosporine A-loaded liposomes (Lipo@CycA) in experimental rabbit models of MGD and DES, with a focus on their ability to improve tear film stability and reduce ocular surface inflammation. Methods: MGD and DES were induced using complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) and treated to evaluate the effect of liposomal formulations on tear break-up time (TBUT), clinical signs of inflammation (telangiectasia, conjunctival hyperemia, meibomian foramen occlusion), and corneal as well as conjunctival histological cells. Results: Lipo@Cur increased TBUT and reduced the signs of ocular surface inflammation, potentially approaching the effectiveness of clinically approved cyclosporine A encapsulated in liposomes (Lipo@CycA). Histological analysis suggested improvements in corneal epithelial thickness and goblet cell density in the treated groups, which may indicate a reversal of DES-induced damage to the ocular surface. Conclusions: Plant-originated curcumin encapsulated in liposomes offers a promising therapeutic strategy for the management of MGD and DES that may improve patient outcomes by addressing the underlying inflammatory mechanisms of these conditions.

Keratoconus is a progressive, non-inflammatory corneal ectasia characterized by stromal thinning and conical protrusion. Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) remains the only proven treatment to halt its progression. This review compares the mechanisms, efficacy, and safety of standard (Dresden), accelerated, and transepithelial (including iontophoretic) protocols, with particular emphasis on pediatric keratoconus. Studies from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were comprehensively reviewed. Standard CXL remains the gold standard due to its strong biomechanical effect and long-term stability. Accelerated protocols reduce treatment time while maintaining comparable outcomes in selected patients, though the stiffening effect may be shallower. Transepithelial and iontophoretic approaches improve comfort and reduce complications but show reduced efficacy. Future perspectives include oxygen supplementation, customized fluence modulation, and pharmacologic enhancers to improve riboflavin diffusion and oxygen availability.

Background: Keratoconus is a progressive corneal condition that leads to visual impairment and is primarily managed with corneal cross-linking (CXL), a procedure designed to halt its progression. However, while the clinical outcomes of CXL are well-documented, its impact on patient well-being, including postoperative pain and recovery, remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate postoperative pain, functional limitations, visual recovery, and patient-reported outcomes following corneal cross-linking (CXL) for keratoconus. Methods: A structured survey was conducted among 31 patients who underwent CXL for keratoconus. The survey assessed postoperative pain using a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and collected information on visual recovery, functional limitations, and the socioeconomic effects of the procedure. Clinical data, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and keratometry, were also recorded before and after CXL to evaluate the procedure’s efficacy. Results: The study found that postoperative pain was moderate, with a mean pain score of 6.06 ± 1.82, typically lasting 1–3 days. Nearly 54.8% of patients reported significant disruption to daily activities, including missing work or studies, and 77.4% experienced some degree of functional limitation. A statistically significant correlation was observed between postoperative pain intensity and quality-of-life impairment (Spearman’s ρ = 0.503, p = 0.004). Despite these challenges, 93.5% of participants reported improvement in vision, with most recovering within a week. Objective clinical data supported the effectiveness of the procedure. Conclusions: Corneal cross-linking is associated with favorable clinical outcomes; however, the early postoperative period is characterized by moderate pain and functional limitations, highlighting the importance of patient-centered care.