Critical Facts To Know About Recognizing And Treating Dry Eye

Comprehensive Eye Exam

A comprehensive eye exam may be used if a doctor wants to check for underlying conditions that may be contributing to a patient's dry eye. With a normal vision screening, the doctor just tests the patient's vision. However, a comprehensive eye exam assesses an individual's overall eye health and the functioning of their entire visual system. This means several different tests will be used to get a working knowledge of the individual's eyes and vision. Each exam typically begins with a full and detailed patient history. After this, patients will undergo tests that measure their visual acuity, refraction, eye focusing, eye teamwork, and eye health. The doctor will also typically use a lamp to examine both the patient's internal and external eye in greater detail.

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Schirmer Test

Unlike a comprehensive eye exam or vision screening, the Schirmer test is specifically formulated to diagnose dry eye. This test helps determine whether the eye produces adequate tears to stay moisturized. If an individual's eye isn't producing enough tears, their doctor will typically proceed with treatment for dry eye. A Schirmer test is very simple to conduct. The doctor will place a slip of filter paper inside both eyes' lower eyelid. Then the patient will close their eyes. Once five minutes have passed, the doctor will remove the paper and determine how far the tears have moved. More moisture means the eyes produce more tears. Because the test is noninvasive and doesn't require advanced technology, it's been a go-to for diagnosing dry eye for more than a century.

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