Advances in the Understanding of ocular and nasal lymphatics.

Abstract

Recent research advancements have enhanced our understanding of the lymphatic system in the eye and nasal region and its involvement in health and disease. The eye is an anatomical extension of the central nervous system and was previously believed to be devoid of lymphatic structures, except for the conjunctiva. However, Lymphatic vessels have been recently identified in the cornea (under pathological conditions), limbus, ciliary body, extraocular muscles, conjunctiva, lacrimal gland, optic nerve sheath, and lymphoid structures in the choroid and Schlemm's duct. These novel findings have significant implications in eye disease treatment; however, the mechanisms by which they preserve immune balance in the eye and eliminate metabolic waste and inflammatory cells remain nebulous. Furthermore, connections have been observed between ocular and nasal lymphatic vessels via the lymphatic network accompanying the nasolacrimal duct. The nasal lymphatic vessels are the primary pathway for cerebrospinal fluid drainage and a new route for drug delivery and treatment of brain-related diseases. This review provides an overview of recent advancements in understanding the structure and function of the ocular and nasal lymphatic systems and their association with cerebrospinal fluid drainage and various diseases.