Abstract:

Squamous metaplasia is a pathological process, in which non-keratinized epithelia with secretory function gradually become non-secretory squamous epithelium. The process is usually caused by factors such as dry eyes or thermal/chemical injuries through Wnt signal transduction pathways or the peroxidase body biological activated receptor, p38 lightning-MAPK signal transduction pathway and so on.  In the ocular surface, if not timely treatment, the normal conjunctival epithelium will be replaced by squamous epithelium, which may cause conjunctival epithelia loss of function and chronic inflammation of the ocular surface. The development of new blood vessels will aggravate squamous metaplasia, resulting in corneal ulcer and corneal opacity, eventually leading to visual impairment or even blindness. Treatment includes using local eye drops, suppressing the eye inflammation and so on. (Int Rev Ophthalmol,  2017,  41:   405-408)