Role of the scleral extracellular matrix in the development of myopia

The sclera is the final target tissue in myopia. The biological and biomechanical changes in the extracellular matrix(ECM)during the onset and development of myopia are significant. Numerous studies confirm that the initial remodeling of scleral ECM is a key part in the progression of myopia. Exploring the scleral ECM remodeling mechanisms as well as the regulation of the ECM remodeling process to control myopia has become a hot topic. Recent research related to the scleral ECM in myopia is reviewed in this paper. Key words: Sclera; Extracellular matrix; Myopia