Preliminary research on lacrimial pump function and tear proteins of patients with functional epiphora

AIM: To study the lacrimial pump functions and tear proteins of patients with functional Epiphora.METHODS: One hundred cases(200 eyes)with functional epiphora and 20 cases(40 eyes)of nonfunctional controls were recruited and under routine ophthalmic examinations, including Schirmer I test, Schirmer I test while pressing the lacrimal sac, tear film break-up time(BUT). Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect main tear proteins, and the results were compared with control group. RESULTS: Compared the result of the Schirmer I test on the normal subjects while pressing the lacrimal sac with that of releasing the lacrimal sac, the difference was significant(t=-4.008, Pt=-0. 811, P>0.05). The mean BUT was significantly shorter than that in the normal subjects(t=-5.382, PPP>0.05).CONCLUSION: The damage of lacrimal pump function plays a great role in the functional epiphora and the tear proteins of functional epiphora patients changed.