The tear stability test is the second test, next to the Schirmer test, that allows you to check whether tears remain in the eyes for too short. The tear stability test is used in the diagnosis of dry eye syndrome. What is the Tear Stability Test? How to interpret its results?

Tear Stability Test,OtherTear Film Break Test (BUT) , allows you to determine how long a tear stays on the surface of the eye. It is the second - next to the Schirmer test - basic test that assesses the amount of tears produced. The tear film is a thin protective film that covers the surface of the eye that performs many important functions, including moisturizes and nourishes the conjunctiva and the cornea, allows the eyelids to move freely, protects the eye against infections (the tear film contains substances that have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties), and regulates visual acuity.

Tear Stability Test - Indications

The tear stability test is performed primarily in the case of suspected dry eye syndrome, the essence of which is insufficient tear production. The disorder is indicated by symptoms such as feeling of sand under the eyelids, painful blinking, photophobia.

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Tear stability test - what is it about?

The patient is seated in front of the biomicroscope (a device used to examine the eye in a slit lamp). The ophthalmologist instills a drop of a dye (fluorescein) into the conjunctival sac. He then asks the patient to blink to spread the dye and illuminates the eye with a beam of blue light. From then on, the patient cannot blink as the doctor must measure the time between the blink and the appearance of pigment-free spots on the eye surface.

Tear Stability Test - Result

Correctly the tears should remain on the eyeball for more than 10 seconds. If the dye drains from the eye for less than 10 seconds, the test is negative and indicates a disorder of the tear film.

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