Dry Eye Testing

Marion Eye Center

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Correct Testing Leads to Correct and Effective Treatment

Dry Eye evaluation is as comprehensive and advanced at Marion Eye Center as anywhere. We have incorporated the most straighforward and current methods of pinning down the reason why your eyes are troublesome and that all adds up to the answers you’ve been seeking. If there is a way to diagnose and treat your dry eye or eyelid problem, we will find it.

Below are several of the more tests we perform to define your specific problem.

Step 1-Schirmer Testing

The Schirmer test is a standardized test which measures the aqueous (water) portion of the tear production. There are three portions our tears: water, mucous and oil. All three are important, and whether the watery portion is lacking is detected by this test. Shirmer testing is not adequate to prescribe a successful remedy for dry eye on its own, but is necessary as a part of the workup.

Step 2-Surface Stains

Use of a high resolution microscope and digital photography after applying various stains (fluorescein and lissamine green) in the form of drops allow us to evaluate the quality of the tear film and detect surface damage to the eye from dryness. Such testing also allows us to document and monitor improvements in dry eye and surface health over time.

Step 3-InflammaDry

The InflammaDry test detects the presence of the MMP-9 protein marker in the tear film. This is a substance which shows the presence of inflammation in the ocular tissues. Inflammation is not quieted by atrificail tear drops alone and may be a reason that such products do not always help in the treatment of dry eye. Recognizing inflammation allows us to prescribe a proper treatment to relieve your dry eye symptoms.

Step 4-Tear Lab Testing

The Tear Lab instrument measures tear osmolarity, a critical tear quality index which shows the tear film’s ability to resist premature evaporation. Information gathered from this test is used to properly choose the type of artificial tears that will be helpful. Results are also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment over time. This is essentially a measurement of how “normal and balanced” the tears are and allows the doctor to supplement what is lacking.