Conjunctival goblet cells (CGCs) are specialized cells that produce and secrete soluble mucins to the tear film that bathes the ocular surface. CGC numbers and functions are affected in various ocular surface diseases including dry eye disease with diverse etiologies. In this review we will (i) summarize the important functions of CGCs in ocular surface health, (ii) describe the ocular surface diseases that affect CGC numbers and function, (iii) provide an update on recent research outcomes that elucidate CGC differentiation, gene expression and functions, and (iv) present evidence in support of the prediction that restoring CGC numbers and/or functions is a viable strategy for alleviating ocular surface disorders that impact the CGCs.

结膜杯状细胞（CGC）是专门的细胞，可产生可溶性粘蛋白并将其分泌到浸润眼表的泪膜中。CGC的数量和功能在包括不同病因的干眼病在内的各种眼表疾病中都会受到影响。在本综述中，我们将（i）总结CGC在眼表健康中的重要功能，（ii）描述影响CGC数量和功能的眼表疾病，（iii）提供最新研究成果的最新信息，阐明CGC的分化，基因表达式和功能，以及（iv）目前的证据支持这一预测，即恢复CGC的数量和/或功能是缓解影响CGC的眼表疾病的可行策略。