Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Diagnosis of Dry eye syndrome

Dry eye can be proved by the Schirmer test. For this, two thin strips of filter paper are cut. Each is folded near one end, and one strip is hooked over the lower lid of each eye near the outer corner. After five minutes the length of the wet area is measured. Less than 10 mm indicates dry eye.

A feature of even a small degree of dry eye is a shortening of the time between a blink and the time the tear film surface breaks. When testing this, the eye must be kept open until the break occurs. This is called the break-up time and is measured using a yellow dye called fluorescein that clearly shows up the tear film.

• DandruffDeafblindnessDecongestant drugsDeep vein thrombosisDehydrationDementiaDental abscessDental care for babies and childrenDental decayDepressionDEXA scanDiabetesDiabetes insipidusDiabetic retinopathyDialysisDiaphragms and capsDiarrhoeaDietDifferential testDilatation and curettage (D&C)DiphtheriaDiverticular problemsDouble visionDown's syndromeDrug misuseDry eye syndromeDupuytren's contractureDysenteryDyslexiaDysphagiaDyspraxia

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