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Dry Eye Testing / Inflammation
InflammaDry is a quick in-office test that checks your tears for MMP-9, a molecule that signals inflammation on the surface of the eye. Tear collection takes under a minute, results come back in about ten, and they help your doctor choose the right therapy. Here is how it works and how to find a provider.
Key takeaways
Quick answer
InflammaDry is an in-office tear test for MMP-9, a marker of inflammation on the eye's surface. A small, soft piece of fabric is dabbed along your lower eyelid to collect tears, which takes less than a minute. Results are ready in five to ten minutes and help your doctor decide whether inflammation is part of your dry eye and which therapies fit.
How InflammaDry works
InflammaDry is a diagnostic test that is performed in the office to test your tears for a molecule called MMP-9 that causes inflammation in the eye. Inflammation is associated with dry eye disease and can lead to a chronic and progressive condition. If left untreated, inflammation can cause damage to the cells on the surface of your eye and interfere with your vision.
During the test
During the InflammaDry test, tears are collected from your lower eyelids. A small, soft piece of fabric is gently dabbed along your lower eyelid to collect tears. The tear collection process takes less than a minute and is not painful. Results take only five to ten minutes and are discussed before you leave the office.
The manufacturer reports 81% sensitivity and 98% specificity for the test, a four-step procedure, and results in as soon as 10 minutes. Source: InflammaDry product information.
Four things the manufacturer highlights about the test.
The test is quick, done in the exam chair, and needs nothing from you beyond holding still.
Warm compresses that keep the oil glands flowing between visits.
Artificial tears for everyday comfort, whatever else your plan includes.
Daily lid hygiene that supports a calmer lid margin.
Dry Eye Rescue Tip
If your test is positive for MMP-9, ask your doctor what that changes in your plan. A positive result usually means addressing inflammation, not only adding lubrication, and knowing that helps you understand why the next steps are what they are.
InflammaDry testing is available only through an eye care professional. Dry Eye Rescue works with a network of over 5,000 providers. Use the Doctor Locator to find one near you.
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Every test and in-office treatment offered across our network.
Read the guideA rapid in-office tear test. It looks for MMP-9, a molecule that rises when the surface of the eye is inflamed, and gives a result while you are still in the chair.
Because it can be part of why dry eye becomes chronic. Knowing whether MMP-9 is present in your tears tells your doctor whether to address inflammation directly rather than only adding lubrication.
A small, soft piece of fabric is gently dabbed along your lower eyelid. It takes less than a minute and is not painful.
Five to ten minutes. Your doctor discusses them with you before you leave the office.
The manufacturer reports 81% sensitivity and 98% specificity. Your doctor interprets the result together with your exam.
Through an eye care professional whose office offers the test. Use the Dry Eye Rescue Doctor Locator to find a provider near you.
This page is educational and does not replace medical advice from your eye care professional. The test described here is performed in an office by a licensed professional, individual results vary, and only a doctor can determine whether it is appropriate for you. Talk with your provider about intended use, candidacy and risks. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Dry Eye Rescue connects patients with independent eye care professionals who may offer this test and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any device manufacturer. Product and brand names referenced on this site are trademarks of their respective owners.
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