AIM: To study the roles of tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α), interferon gamma(IFN-γ)in pathogenesis of primary pterygium and to explore the mechanism of tears in pterygium.

METHODS: Concentrations of TNF-α and interferon gamma IFN-γ were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)in asymptomatic control group(30 eyes of 30 healthy volunteers)and 60 primary pterygium patients(30 eyes of the 30 progressive cases, 30 eyes of the 30 quiescent cases). The data was analyzed by analysis of variance.

RESULTS: The concentration of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the patients with primary pterygium were statistically significant(P<0.05), compared with the normal control group. Tear concentration of TNF-α was significantly higher in primary pterygium compared with the control group. Tear concentration of IFN-γ was significantly reduced in primary pterygium compared with the control group(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: TNF-α and IFN-γ may be important in the pathogenesis and development of pterygium tissues. It can provide some new directions and ideas for the treatment of primary pterygium.