top of page

Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

Essential4Health

Get Healthy ~ Stay Healthy

lab-scientists-blood-urine-test-analysis

Ocular Surface Staining

blue-eye-close-up

OSS

Description

"Ocular Surface Staining" test uses dyes such as fluorescein or lissamine green to reveal damage on the eye’s outer layer. After applying dye, doctors use a blue or white light to spot dryness, inflammation, or irritation. This test helps diagnose dry eye disease, corneal injuries, or contact lens–related discomfort. Results identify which part of the surface needs support. Treatment options may include artificial tears, prescription drops, or lifestyle changes that protect and restore ocular surface health.

"Ocular Surface Staining" test uses dyes such as fluorescein or lissamine green to reveal damage on the eye’s outer layer. After applying dye, doctors use a blue or white light to spot dryness, inflammation, or irritation. This test helps diagnose dry eye disease, corneal injuries, or contact lens–related discomfort. Results identify which part of the surface needs support. Treatment options may include artificial tears, prescription drops, or lifestyle changes that protect and restore ocular surface health.

Category

Eye Function

Procedure

Non-Invasive

Sample Type

No biological sample is needed for this test.

Units

Not Applicable

Procedure Category

Instill, Assess

Test Group

Ophthalmological System Group

Test Group Description

Ophthalmological System Group: Tests within this group focus on evaluating the health and function of the eyes and visual system. These assessments provide insights into visual acuity, eye anatomy, and ocular health.

Optimal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.

Normal Range

For All Individuals:

  • Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.

Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)

Abnormal results may indicate:


  • Allergic conjunctivitis (Allergic reaction causing inflammation of the conjunctiva)

  • Blepharitis (Inflammation of the eyelid margins)

  • Chemical burns

  • Conjunctivochalasis (Loose conjunctival tissue folds)

  • Corneal abrasions (Scratches on the surface of the cornea)

  • Corneal ulcers (Open sores on the cornea)

    ...

Key Reasons For Testing

  • Ocular Surface Evaluation: Assesses the integrity of the cornea and conjunctiva by highlighting areas of damage.

  • Diagnosis of Ocular Conditions: Identifies conditions such as dry eye syndrome, corneal abrasions, and conjunctivitis.

  • Assessment of Tear Film Quality: Reveals tear film abnormalities, aiding in the diagnosis of evaporative dry eye.

  • Monitoring Disease Progression: Tracks disease progression and evaluates treatment effectiveness.

Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess

Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.

Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test

Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.

References

Important Note

Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.


Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.

Disclaimer

This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.


Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.

[1] Bron AJ, Evans VE, Smith JA. Grading of corneal and conjunctival staining in the context of other dry eye tests. Cornea. 2003;22(7):640-650.
[2] Pflugfelder SC, Jones D, Ji Z, Afonso A, Monroy D. Altered cytokine balance in the tear fluid and conjunctiva of patients with Sjögren’s syndrome keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Curr Eye Res. 1999;19(3):201-211.
[3] Nichols KK, Mitchell GL, Zadnik K. The repeatability of clinical measurements of dry eye. Cornea. 2004;23(3):272-285.
[4] Begley CG, Chalmers RL, Mitchell GL, Nichols KK, Caffery B. Characterization of ocular surface symptoms from optometric practices in North America. Cornea. 2001;20(6):610-618.
[5] Sullivan BD, Crews LA, Sönmez B, et al. Clinical utility of objective tests for dry eye disease: variability over time and implications for clinical trials and disease management. Cornea. 2012;31(9):1000-1008.
[6] Lemp MA. Report of the National Eye Institute/Industry workshop on Clinical Trials in Dry Eyes. CLAO J. 1995;21(4):221-232.
[7] Kojima T, Wakamatsu TH, Dogru M, et al. Evaluation of dry eye by tear film break-up time, staining, and Schirmer's tests after best correction surgery for refractive errors. Am J Ophthalmol. 2008;146(6):922-929.
[8] Jones L, Downie LE, Korb D, et al. TFOS DEWS II Management and Therapy Report. Ocul Surf. 2017;15(3):575-628.
[9] Nelson JD, Craig JP, Akpek EK, et al. TFOS DEWS II introduction. Ocul Surf. 2017;15(3):269-275.
[10] Sharma A, Hindman HB. Aging: a predisposition to dry eyes. J Ophthalmol. 2014;2014:781683.
[11] Schaumberg DA, Sullivan DA, Buring JE, Dana MR. Prevalence of dry eye syndrome among US women. Am J Ophthalmol. 2003;136(2):318-326.
[12] Craig JP, Nichols KK, Akpek EK, et al. TFOS DEWS II Definition and Classification Report. Ocul Surf. 2017;15(3):276-283.
[13] Bron AJ, Yokoi N, Gaffney EA, Tiffany JM. Predicted phenotypes of dry eye: proposed consequences of its natural history. Ocul Surf. 2009;7(2):78-92.

If You Found This Test Helpful, You Might Also Like..

bottom of page