Changes in Human Tear Proteome Following Topical Treatment of Dry Eye Disease: Cyclosporine A Versus Diquafosol Tetrasodium

To compare the changes in human tear proteome and clinical effects following topical cyclosporine A (CsA) 0.05% or diquafosol tetrasodium (DQS) 3% treatment of dry eye disease (DED), and to identify biomarkers for determining disease severity and treatment effectiveness in DED. A total of 18 patients were diagnosed with non-Sjögren DED. Nine patients in each group were treated with topical CsA 0.05% or DQS 3% for 4 weeks. Tear samples were collected after evaluation of tear breakup time, corneal and conjunctival erosion staining, and results of Schirmer's test 1 before and after treatment. Proteomes were characterized using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, and proteins exhibiting a fold change >1.5 or