Dry Eye Syndrome Diagnosis

Dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition caused by reduced lacrimal gland function or excessive tear evaporation, resulting in prolonged dehydration of the ocular surface. If early diagnosis and treatment are neglected, patients may experience corneal epithelial damage, chronic inflammation, and even vision loss. During diagnosis, doctors need to comprehensively evaluate the patient’s complaints along with multiple ophthalmic examinations, including tear secretion measurement, tear film break-up time test, and corneal-conjunctival staining assessment, to ensure diagnostic accuracy and provide a scientific basis for subsequent treatment.

Diagnostic Basis of Dry Eye Syndrome

1. Tear Secretion Test
Tear secretion is a key indicator for assessing lacrimal gland function. Patients with dry eye syndrome often present with insufficient tear secretion, causing dryness and foreign body sensation. Tear testing helps evaluate the severity of the disease.

2. Tear Film Break-Up Time
Tear film break-up time is a clinical indicator reflecting tear film stability. A shortened break-up time indicates poor tear film quality, which easily leads to ocular surface dryness and serves as an important reference for diagnosing dry eye syndrome.

3. Ocular Surface Staining Evaluation
Using fluorescein sodium and rose bengal staining techniques allows direct observation of corneal and conjunctival damage. The larger and stronger the staining area, the more severe the ocular surface damage.

4. Inflammatory Marker Detection
Measuring the levels of inflammatory factors in tears reveals the inflammatory state of the ocular surface. This indicator helps determine the severity of inflammation in dry eye syndrome and guide targeted treatment.

5. Imaging Examination
Modern imaging devices, such as confocal microscopy, can finely observe microstructural changes on the ocular surface, assisting in disease assessment and providing diagnostic support.

6. Symptom Scoring Scales
By combining patients’ subjective symptoms and lifestyle impact, standardized questionnaires are used to quantify the condition, which helps in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s situation and monitoring treatment efficacy.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis of dry eye syndrome is crucial for preventing ocular surface damage and vision deterioration. Experts at the United Life International Medical Center emphasize that clinicians should evaluate patients’ symptoms and examination data from multiple dimensions, scientifically formulate individualized treatment plans, and effectively improve patients’ eye health and quality of life.