Identifying specific cause

Dry Eye Tests

Since there are three different tear layers produced to make up the tear film, these tests, performed by an eye doctor, help determine where the dry eye problem may be coming from, and what treatment may be needed. Some common tests that may be performed:

Rose Bengal staining pattern

Tear film break-up time (<10 seconds)

Schirmer tear test

Tear Osmolarity

Tear protein levels (lactorerrin and lysozyme)

Evaluation of debris in tear film

Conjunctival impression cytoloty

Presence of corneal filaments