Abstract

Purpose:To analyse the role of MMP-9 in diagnosis and management of dry eye disease using MMP-9 immunoassay.Study Design:Prospective, diagnostic and interventional Study.Methods:300 eyes of 300 patients with dry eye complaints were included in the study. The clinical signs of dry eye were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disorder Index (OSDI) score,Tear breakup time (TBUT) and Schirmer-I test.The tear MMP-9 results were interpreted using qualitative and quantitative methods.MMP-9 negative patients received treatment in form of CMC 0.5% TDS while MMP-9 positives received additional cyclosporine 0.05 % BD.Result: Significant reduction in Tear MMP-9 in MMP-9 positive group was seen. 88.98% of severe MMP-9 positive patients converted to mild positive and 11.02 % converted to MMP-9 negative at 06 month.Conclusion: MMP-9 immunoassay results were well related to the severity of ocular signs of Dry eye. There was significant improvement in the scores of dry eye with Anti-inflammatory drops.