PUBLICATION EXCLUSIVE: Interpreting tear film osmolarity: One test is not enough

Welcome to another edition of CEDARS/ASPENS Debates. CEDARS/ASPENS is a joint society of cornea, cataract and refractive surgery specialists, here to discuss some of the latest hot topics in ophthalmology. Tear film osmolarity has become a commonly used test to diagnose and monitor dry eye patients. Despite the understanding of elevated osmolarity as an indicator of dry eye disease, the value of the test and the interpretation of the results have been widely debated. This month, I will discuss how I use and interpret tear film osmolarity testing for dry eye patients. I hope you enjoy the discussion.Dry eye disease is among the most common conditions the eye care professional encounters. It has been estimated that nearly 30 million people in the U.S. suffer from dry eyes. Due to a growing understanding of the effect of dry eyes on vision and surgical outcomes, there has been an increased emphasis on diagnosing and treating dry eye disease. The FDA finally approved another medication for the treatment of dry eye disease, and several other medications are in the pipeline. In addition, numerous diagnostic tests have become available to help diagnose and grade dry eye disease. This has led to confusion among eye care professionals as to which tests to use and how to interpret these tests.