Tear film proteins

Tear film proteins represent a diverse proteome of over 1,500 proteins essential for maintaining ocular surface health and visual clarity (Zhou et al., 2012). Major components include antimicrobial proteins like lysozyme and lactoferrin, which provide the first line of defense against pathogens, and lipocalin-1, which stabilizes the tear film (Ohashi et al., 2003). Mucins, such as MUC5AC, are critical glycoproteins that hydrate the ocular surface and reduce friction during blinking (Mantelli & Argüeso, 2008). In diseases like dry eye and Sjögren's syndrome, the balance of these proteins is disrupted, often characterized by an increase in inflammatory markers like Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and a decrease in protective proteins (Sambursky et al., 2013). Pharmacological interventions like cyclosporine and lifitegrast aim to reduce inflammation to restore normal protein secretion, while newer agents like varenicline stimulate the lacrimal functional unit to increase endogenous tear production (FDA, 2021). Understanding the tear proteome is vital for developing targeted therapies and diagnostic biomarkers for ocular surface disorders.

Other names

Tear proteomeLacrimal proteinsOcular surface proteins

Modulation of inflammatory pathways to restore natural protein secretion, supplementation of tear film components, and stimulation of the lacrimal functional unit to increase endogenous protein production.