Dry eye syndrome
Diagnosing dry eye syndrome
Your high-street optician (optometrist) or GP can examine your eyesto confirm whether you have dry eye syndrome, and give you advice about treatment.
If the diagnosis is uncertain or specialist tests and treatment are required, you may be referred to a surgeon specialising in eye conditions (ophthalmologist) inhospital.
The tests carried out to assess the quality and quantity of tears are described below.
Fluorescein dye test
Eye drops containing a special yellow-orange dye are used so your specialist can see your tears more clearly. This helps them find out how long it takes for your eye to start drying out.
If there's damage to the surface of the eye, the fluorescein dye test may show upaffected areas.The dye is only temporary and won't change the colour of your eye.
Schirmer's test
Small strips of blotting paper are hooked over your lower eyelid. After five minutes, the strips are removed and studied to determine how wet the paper is.
If the paper has wetted less than 10mm infive minutes, this indicates dry eye syndrome.
Lissamine green test
Lissamine green is a special dye in a paper strip. The strip is diluted with saline and dropped on to the surface of your eye.
The distinctive green colour of the eye allows the specialist to see early damage to the surface of the eye.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 28 Nov 2016
Introduction
Dry eye syndrome, or dry eye disease, is a common condition that occurs when the eyes do not make enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly.
Causes of dry eye syndrome
Dry eye syndrome can occur if your eyes do not produce enough tears or your tears evaporate too quickly.
Diagnosing dry eye syndrome
Your GP should be able to diagnose dry eye syndrome based on your symptoms and medical history. They may also examine you to check for other conditions.
Treating dry eye syndrome
There is no cure for dry eye syndrome and some people have recurring episodes for the rest of their lives, but there are treatments to help control the symptoms.
Self-help advice for dry eye syndrome
There are a number of things you can do to prevent dry eye syndrome or ease your symptoms.
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