Review on novel methods of tear collection for protein analysis

Human tear fluid has gained significant attention in predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine due to its potential as a diagnostic medium for both ocular and systemic diseases. Traditional tear collection methods, such as Schirmer strips and capillary tubes, are widely used but present limitations related to patient discomfort, contamination risks, and procedural inefficiencies. This review explores novel tear collection methods that seek to overcome these challenges and provide better sample quality and patient comfort. The paper examines various techniques, including absorbent materials, capillary action-based methods, the flush method, methods using contact lenses, and active vacuum-assisted collection devices. Each method is evaluated for its effectiveness in tear protein analysis, focusing on factors such as sample volume, contamination, patient comfort, and convenience of use. These innovative methods could enhance tear diagnostics, positioning tears as a viable fluid for non-invasive biopsies and offering a potential alternative to blood tests in various medical applications.