Tear Film Stability
TFS
Description
"Tear Film Stability" test checks how long your tear layer stays intact between blinks. Your doctor applies fluorescein dye and examines your eye with blue light to measure tear breakup time. A fast breakup may suggest dry eye, inflammation, or meibomian gland issues. Results help tailor treatments such as eye drops, lid hygiene routines, or behavioral changes. Ongoing testing supports consistent eye comfort and helps prevent surface damage from unstable or inadequate tear film layers.
Category
Eye Function
Procedure
Non-Invasive
Sample Type
No biological sample is needed for this test.
Units
Seconds
Procedure Category
Measure
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:
Conventional Unit: Not Available
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: ≥ 10.0 sec
SI Unit: Not Applicable
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Aging
Allergies
Blepharitis (Eyelid inflammation)
Congenital lacrimal gland disorders (Inherited abnormalities of the tear-producing glands)
Conjunctivitis (Inflammation of the conjunctiva)
Contact lens wear
Dry eye syndrome (Insufficient tear production or poor tear qualit...
Key Reasons For Testing
Dry Eye Diagnosis: Identifies inadequate tear production or poor tear quality to diagnose dry eye syndrome.
Contact Lens Evaluation: Assesses tear stability for contact lens wearers, preventing discomfort and intolerance.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): Diagnoses and manages evaporative dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction.
Pre-Operative Screening: Ensures tear stability before surgeries like LASIK to improve post-operative outcomes.
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.
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