Corneal angiogenic privilege and its failure

The cornea actively maintains its own avascular status to preserve its ultimate optical function. This corneal avascular state is also defined as corneal angiogenic privilege, which results from a critical and sensitive balance between anti-angiogenic and pro-angiogenic mechanisms. In our review, we aim to explore the complex equilibrium among multiple mediators which prevents neovascularization in the resting cornea, as well as to unveil the evolutive process which leads to corneal angiogenesis in response to different injuries.

Automated summary

The cornea actively maintains its avascular status to preserve optical function, which involves a delicate balance between anti-angiogenic and pro-angiogenic mechanisms. This review aims to explore the equilibrium among multiple mediators preventing neovascularization in the resting cornea and the evolutionary process leading to corneal angiogenesis in response to injuries.