Purpose To determine the levels of Th17-associated cytokines, particularly interleukin (IL)-17 and IL-22 in tears of patients with dry eye syndrome. Methods Tear samples were collected from 20 healthy volunteers, 20 dry eye (DE) patients with non-Sjö gren's syndrome (NSSDE) and 20 DE patients with Sjö gren's syndrome (SSDE). Symptom questionnaire was self-administered and multiple dry eye disease (DED)-related clinical tests were performed. The levels of IL-17 and IL-22 in tears were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The levels of IL-17 and IL-22 were significantly increased in tears of DE patients compared with those of controls and also higher in SSDE patients compared with those of NSSDE patients (Po0.05). Moreover, the levels of IL-17 and IL-22 were positively correlated with questionnaire score and keratopathy score but negatively correlated with tear film break-up time and Schirmer I test in both NSSDE and SSDE patients (Po0.05). Conclusions The levels of IL-17 and IL-22 in tears were significantly increased in DE patients, which were associated with the disease severity. Therefore, Th17 cellassociated cytokines, particularly IL-17 and IL-22, may have important roles in the immunopathogenesis of the DED.