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