Changes in the Composition of Lacrimal Fluid in Chronic Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a bilateral inflammation of the eyelid margins and is characterized by a chronic course. It occurs in 15–20% of cases in patients of ophthalmologists. Blepharitis is characterized by dysfunction of the meibomian glands, which leads to difficulty in removing their secretion and the occurrence of hyper-or hyposecretion, as well as scarring of the excretory ducts. In case of secretion pathology, a change in the protein profile of tears occurs, this can manifest itself as an increase in some and a decrease in the level of others, the appearance of new components or a change in their ratio. A change in the protein profile of tears can be one of the indicators of the presence of secretion pathology and serve as important information for diagnosis and treatment. An imbalance in the production of cytokines has the potential to disrupt the existing integration in the local system, which, ultimately, can lead to a pathological regeneration process. Evaluation of cytokine levels in the lacrimal fluid of patients with blepharitis provides greater accuracy in identifying changes occurring in the conjunctiva of the eyelids and the eyeball itself. In particular, an increase in such cytokines as IL-1, IL-8, IL-17 and MCP-1 has a high pathogenetic significance. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.