Earlier studies have shown that alterations of the tear cytokine profiles occur in DED patient, with elevated proinflammatory cytokine levels such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α shown to be strongly correlated with dry eye markers (29), leading to ocular surface damage and goblet cell reduction (30). The gene discussed is IL6; the disease is Keratoconjunctivitis sicca.