Our treatment plan for Dry Eyes involves a step- wise check of what is the cause or trigger factor for the dryness.
Testing for dry eyes can be performed through several methods. The diagnosis of Dry Eyes like doing a Schirmers’ Test which is Quantitative Test and the Tear Break up Time also is important. These tests have a score and when you are put on any treatment plan, one needs to evaluate if the score is improving.
Measuring the volume of your tears:
This is done using the Schirmer tear test. It is performed by placing a small piece of filter paper inside the lower part of the eyelids. The eyes are closed for a few minutes. The strips measure the amount of tear production. The Schirmer’s test can determine if there is difficulty in tear production or if the tears are not efficient in maintaining eye health.
Determining the quality of your tears:
Special dyes like Fluorescein dye are used to determine the Tear Break Up Time (TBUT). The dye can be traced with a special light as it is washed out of the eyes by the tears. This method can detect for any blocking or early evaporation of tears special dyes in eye drops to determine the surface condition of your eyes. Our eye doctor looks for staining patterns on the cornea and measures how long it takes before your tears evaporate.
Tears may also be examined to see if they contain enough moisture, proteins, and other materials.
Dry Eye Testing is an important step in the LASIK or laser eye surgery check up for eligibility of the procedure.
