AIM: To study the lacrimial pump functions and tear proteins of patients with functional Epiphora.

METHODS: One hundred cases(200 eyes)with functional epiphora and 20 cases(40 eyes)of nonfunctional controls were recruited and under routine ophthalmic examinations, including Schirmer I test, Schirmer I test while pressing the lacrimal sac, tear film break-up time(BUT). Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect main tear proteins, and the results were compared with control group.

RESULTS: Compared the result of the Schirmer I test on the normal subjects while pressing the lacrimal sac with that of releasing the lacrimal sac, the difference was significant(t=-4.008, P<0.05). While the result on the functional epiphora group showed no significant difference(t=-0. 811, P>0.05). The mean BUT was significantly shorter than that in the normal subjects(t=

-5.382, P<0.01). The concentrations of lactoferrin and albumin in the functional epiphora group decreased significantly(P<0.05), and the concentrations of Lactoferrin and secretory IgA didn't show significant(P>0.05).

CONCLUSION: The damage of lacrimal pump function plays a great role in the functional epiphora and the tear proteins of functional epiphora patients changed.