Abstract
The assessment of tear fluid components is a common and valuable approach to understanding ocular surface disease and testing the efficacy of novel therapeutic strategies. However, the interpretation and utility of the findings can be limited by changes in the composition of the tear film, particularly in studies requiring repetitive patient sampling. Here, tear samples were collected twice within a one-hour interval to evaluate the short-term reproducibility of an immunoassay aimed to measure the amount of MUC5AC mucin. We found no statistical difference in total protein or MUC5AC content between the two consecutive collections of tear fluid, although the inter-individual variability in each group was high, with coefficients of variation exceeding 30% and 50%, respectively. Scatterplots showed a significant correlation in both protein and MUC5AC following collection within a one-hour interval. These data indicate that, regardless of the high inter-individual variability, repeated collection of tear fluid within an hour interval produces reproducible intra-individual data in terms of MUC5AC mucin content, and suggest that the normal mucin composition of the tear fluid can be re-established within an hour of the initial collection.
Highlights
The human tear film is a multifunctional fluid secreted to protect the ocular surface from injury and to provide a smooth refractive surface for optimal visual acuity
Scatterplots showed a significant correlation in both protein and MUC5AC following collection within a one-hour interval. These data indicate that, regardless of the high inter-individual variability, repeated collection of tear fluid within an hour interval produces reproducible intra-individual data in terms of MUC5AC mucin content, and suggest that the normal mucin composition of the tear fluid can be re-established within an hour of the initial collection
Having a good understanding of the potential changes that may occur to the tear film during the repetitive collection of tear fluid is important in the interpretation of these studies
Summary
The human tear film is a multifunctional fluid secreted to protect the ocular surface from injury and to provide a smooth refractive surface for optimal visual acuity. It is composed of a complex mixture of electrolytes, lipids, mucins, and a large variety of proteins, peptides and glycoproteins [1]. Having a good understanding of the potential changes that may occur to the tear film during the repetitive collection of tear fluid is important in the interpretation of these studies This is relevant in studies such as those evaluating temporal changes in tear composition following therapy or investigating disease biomarkers. The current study was carried out to assess the inter-individual variability and intra-individual reproducibility of MUC5AC levels in samples of tear fluid collected within a one-hour interval
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