Proteomic and Metabolomic Lacrimal Fingerprint in Diverse Pathologies of the Ocular Surface

Proteomic and Metabolomic Lacrimal Fingerprint in Diverse Pathologies of the Ocular Surface

This study aims to obtain the lacrimal fingerprint for frequent pathologies of the ocular surface and establish a normative base for each of them.

This is an exploratory study. The investigators aim to:

• Test and perfect a tear sample analysis technique by mass spectrometry with samples collected by Schirmer strips;
• Obtain the lacrimal fingerprint for various pathologies of the ocular surface, notably different forms of dry eye syndrome, infectious keratitis/conjunctivitis, mucous membrane pemphigoid and allergic conjunctivitis, and establish a normative base for each of them.

During regular clinics at the cornea service of the ophthalmology department of the CHUM (Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal), the investigators aim to recruit a few hundred patients with various pathologies of the ocular surface, notably different forms of dry eye syndrome, infectious keratitis/conjunctivitis, mucous membrane pemphigoid and allergic conjunctivitis, and collect a sample of their tears via Schirmer strip. A case report form will be completed for each patient, noting known ocular diagnoses and active topical ophthalmic medication. Schirmer strips will be sent in sterile tubes to UQAM (Université du Québec à Montréal)'s department of chemistry for analysis by mass spectrometry.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with healthy corneas or suffering from one of these pathologies:

Dry eye syndrome; Infectious keratitis and/or conjunctivitis; Mucous membrane pemphigoid; Allergic conjunctivitis.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients younger than 18 years old;
• Patients incapable of giving informed consent.