Paying attention to proteomics of human tear: clinical significance and application in ocular surface diseases

Previous research demonstrated that human tear is a valuable source for biomarker discovery for many ocular surface diseases. Here, we systematically summarized the changes of tear protein profile in many ocular surface diseases, including dry eye, blepharitis, ocular allergy, keratoconus, infectious keratitis, conjunctivochalasis, ocular rosacea, and thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy and other conditions, such as diabetes, ocular surface wounding and refractive surgeries, contact lens wearing, and effects of glaucoma medication on ocular surface, attempting to make ophthalmologists understand the specific changes of tear protein profile in each disease or condition and hold the promise for optimal management of the diseases.