No abstract

Increased levels of inflammatory cytokines in the tear fluid have been found in patients with dry eye disease (DED). Dry eye disease is highly prevalent in congenital aniridia and correlates with severity of aniridia associated keratopathy (AAK). As inflammation can damage the corneal epithelium, DED may initiate and worsen AAK. Additionally, inflammation also characterizes AAK and might exacerbate DED, creating a vicious circle. We carried out an extensive analysis of inflammatory cytokines in the tear fluid of aniridia patients and control subjects. The results were correlated with several clinical parameters, including tests for DED and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The concentration of a number of pro‐inflammatory cytokines was significantly elevated in tear fluid from aniridia patients. Increasing level of these cytokines was related to parameters for MGD, including atrophy of meibomian glands, and shorter break‐up time of the tear film. Increased inflammation of the ocular surface may be a factor in the development of MGD in aniridia patients and explain the high prevalence of MGD and DED in these patients.