Analysis of tear proteins in Graves' ophthalmopathy by high performance liquid chromatography.

Using high performance liquid chromatography, we analyzed tears from 50 patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy and 20 controls. With this technique, tear constituents are separated according to size; a normal tear protein profile consists of five peaks. An increase in one or more peaks was observed in 14 patients (28%) and in none of the controls. No decreased values were observed. No relation was observed between abnormalities of tear composition and the clinical NO SPECS classification. There was a tendency for increased tear protein peaks in those patients with long-standing disease. Most patients with an increase in one or more tear protein levels had normal thyroid function after treatment for hyperthyroidism. Our findings suggested that the inflammatory process in the orbit occurring in Graves' ophthalmopathy also had an effect on the lacrimal gland, which was reflected in the composition of the tears.