Figure 3.

Schematic of reactive-oxygen species (ROS)-mediated effects on cell function and signaling. UV-light, ischemia, hypoxia, and injury can promote ROS production leading to activation of VEGF-induced neovascularization, alterations in cellular metabolism favoring aerobic glycolysis, and canonical TGF-β signaling and myofibroblast differentiation. The ability of the cell to combat oxidative stress determines cell fate and cell differentiation. Within the ocular surface, particularly the avascular cornea, events that lead to neovascularization or inflammation can lead to severe and permanent tissue dysfunction