Tear Mediators NGF along with IL-13 Predict Keratoconus Progression

Purpose: To find immunomediator combinations which could sensitively indicate keratoconus progression. Methods: Tear samples of 42 patients with keratoconus were collected at baseline and at the end of a one-year follow-up. The concentrations of 13 mediators were measured by CBA. Based on Pentacam HR examination, eyes were divided into a non-progressive and a progressive group. Results: At the end of the follow-up, significant differences were observed in the release of IFN gamma, IL-13, IL-17A, CCL5, MMP-13 and PAI-1 between the two groups. Changes in five Pentacam parameters correlated positively with changes in IFN gamma, IL-13, IL-17A, CXCL8, CCL5, TIMP-1 and t-PA. We found that tear level of IL-13 in combination with NGF can predict the progression of keratoconus with 100% specificity and 80% sensitivity. Conclusion: The findings of our longitudinal study may underscore the importance of NGF and IL-13 tear levels in the prediction of keratoconus progression.