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Thyroid associated ophthalmopathy(TAO) is the most common orbital disease in the clinic.The ocular surface damage in TAO can be commonly seen and does great harm to visual function, which includes conjunctival congestion, edema, dry eye and exposure keratitis.Several cases can cause corneal ulcers, and even corneal perforation and blindness.Many studies have shown that the increase of lacrimal gland volume, the pathological changes of lacrimal gland tissue and the changes of tear secretion and composition especially the increase of inflammatory factors can be seen in TAO patients.These are key factors for TAO-related ocular surface damage.The analysis of the changes in the tear biomarkers of TAO patients is helpful for the staging and treatment of the disease, and can be used as one of the indicators of the differential diagnosis.This article reviews the types and clinical significance of tear biomarkers in TAO patients.