Correlation between Tear EGF Concentration and Severity of Dry Eye

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the difference of tear EGF(epidermal growth factor) concentration between in dry eyes and normal ones, and the relationship between the tear EGF concentration and the severity of corneal epithelial lesion in dry eyes. METHODS: In 43 normal eyes and 52 dry eyes, tear samples were collected with polyester rod(Transob) from the lower fornix after topical anesthesia. EGF concentration was determined by ELISA(enzyme linked immunosorbent assay). Other methods of dry eye examination were also used which include Schir-mer I test, measurement of tear film break up time and fluorescein scoring of corneal epithelial lesion. RESULTS: Tear EGF concentration was significantly lower in dry eyes with corneal epithelial lesion than in normal eyes or dry eyes without corneal epithelial lesion(P<0.05). There was a significant correlation between tear EGF concentration and the severity of corneal epithelial lesion in dry eyes(r=-0.65, P<0.05). In dry eyes with corneal epithelial lesion, tear EGF concentration decreased, which was correlated with the severity of corneal epithelial lesion. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that EGF may be included in the therapeutic armamentarium of dry eyes with corneal erosion.