Native fluorescence of tear fluid as a tool for diagnostics of glaucoma

Abstract

Tear fluid native fluorescence differs among patients with primary open-angle glaucoma, suspected glaucoma, ocular hypertension, and healthy subjects and could serve as a diagnostic or screening tool in future.

Derivative Three-Dimensional Synchronous Fluorescence Analysis of Tear Fluid and Their Processing for the Diagnosis of Glaucoma

“…Most types of glaucoma develop without symptoms and, if left untreated, could lead to visual damage and blindness. A major factor is high intraocular pressure [ 1 , 2 ].…”

“…The use of an appropriate analytical method that characterizes its composition without separation procedures but is sensitive to changes caused by pathological conditions is crucial. Three-dimensional fluorescence analysis in the form of constant wavelength synchronous spectra (CW) shows enormous potential [ 2 , 6 , 7 ].…”

“…Tear fluid autofluorescence provides an intense imprint in the UV region that results from the presence of aromatic amino acids, mostly as components of proteins. Metabolites and derivatives of aromatic amino acids are also fluorescently active [ 2 , 10 ]. The synchronous spectrum can be sensitive to changes in the composition of the tear fluid at the metabolome level (fluorescent metabolites), but also at the protein level (aromatic amino acids).…”

“…The change in structure affects the fluorescence in both intensity and wavelength shift. According to this assumption, synchronous fluorescence analysis can be used to distinguish between tear fluid from a glaucoma patient and from healthy subjects [ 2 , 10 ]. The use of 3D-SFS combined with arithmetic processing of the spectra such as second derivative (2D), enhances minor spectral features and allows more reliable identification of changes in a multifluorescent complex mixture [ 11 ].…”