Furthermore, NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome imbalance, which may be closely associated with a hypertonic environment, can lead to the release of IL-1β and IL-18 and subsequently increased inflammation, so the inhibition of NLRP3 can alleviate dry eye symptoms and ocular surface inflammation[51]. This evidence concerns the gene NLRP3 and dry eye syndrome.