How to Test for Dry Eyes

Dry eyes is a condition that keeps the eyes from producing enough tears to lubricate and keep them comfortable. It can create irritation and itchiness, and make it difficult to see clearly. If you suspect that you may be suffering from dry eyes, a family doctor or ophthalmologist can perform tests to confirm it and prescribe soothing drops to help alleviate your symptoms.

Instructions

• 1

  Undergo the Schirmer test. Doctors place a piece of paper over the conjunctival sac for five minutes and then measure the amount of moisture produced. This test must be performed multiple times, and is not always accurately diagnose dry eyes in patients.

• 2

  Sit through the rose Bengal dye test. Your doctor will administer a special dye that turns a specific color if there is a tear deficiency. Like the Schirmer test, this test must be performed many times for accurate readings.

• 3

  Test to determine tear breakup time. A fluorescein (an orange dye) strip is applied to the lower eyelid and you will be asked to blink to capture tears. A doctor then evaluates the strip underneath a cobalt-blue light to determine the amount of tear breakup between blinks.

• 4

  Undergo a red phenal thread test that draws a yellow cotton thread through the eye to capture tears. The yellow thread changes to red in the presence of tears, and the length of the thread and strength of the dye can then be examined.