Beyond Blood: Investigating the Clinical Potential of Electrolyte Detection in Tears: A Systematic Review

Aim and Background: Tears have emerged as a promising medium for non-invasive biomarker research, providing valuable insights into overall health through their rich biochemical composition. This systematic review delves into the clinical potential of measuring electrolytes in tears compared to blood, addressing the benefits and challenges of tear-based diagnostics. Materials and Methods: From an initial identification of 1,134 articles, four (4) studies from 2014 to the present were analyzed to evaluate the clinical significance of tear electrolyte analysis and their clinical implications. Literature research was conducted using reputable academic databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, JSTOR, and Cochrane Library. Results: The review found that tear electrolyte analysis holds potential as a non-invasive diagnostic tool, offering insights into personalized health monitoring and disease detection. However, a significant disadvantage is the variability in tear volume and variability, which can lead to inconsistent results and complicate the interpretation of data. Conclusion and Recommendations: Standardization of tear collection procedures is crucial for accurate biomarker analysis, emphasizing the need for consistent protocols in tear-based diagnostics. With advancements in wearable technologies, tear analysis presents a practical and convenient option for long-term health monitoring and early disease detection.