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Updated: Apr 11, 2026
Bead Based Multiplex Assay for Analysis of Tear Cytokine Profiles
Published on: October 13, 2017
Evaluation of Inflammatory Cytokines in Tears of Individuals with Dry Eye Related to Prolonged Computer Use
Vinay Gupta1, Somesh Ranjan2, Surabhi Singh3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Purpose:
To assess the levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the tears of individuals working with computers.
Methods:
Tear samples were collected from 48 patients using computers for over 3 h daily (range, 6-12 h) for at least a year, and from 42 patients using computers for <3 h daily (range, 2-3 h). Tears were analyzed for the presence of interleukins (IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), IL-1β, and IL-8. The measurements were conducted using the Stripwells 10-plex assay kit from Quansys Biosciences, San Diego, CA, USA. Real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to examine conjunctival impression cytology specimens for IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α mRNA expression to identify cytokine origins.
Results:
Cytokine levels significantly increased (P < 0.001) in the tears of subjects using computers for over 3 h/day (Group 1). Group 1, averaging 3.8 ± 1.4 years of usage, showed a significant positive correlation with tear cytokine levels (P < 0.05). Group 2, with 2.3 ± 1.1 years of usage, had a weak positive correlation. Group 1 also showed increased tear film osmolarity and reduced goblet cell density, with an inverse relationship between tear cytokines and goblet cell density.
Conclusions:
Computer users' tears have higher cytokine levels that correlate with usage time. Cytokines may contribute to dry eye disease, suggesting cytokine modulators as a potential treatment for computer-related dry eye.
