A Simple Dry Eye Test

Your doctor may ask you a number of questions and ask you to describe the symptoms you are having to determine if you have dry eye. In addition, your doctor may perform one or more tests to confirm a diagnosis of dry eye, and how serious it is.

Non-Invasive Tear Break-up Time Test

Even before you visit your doctor, you can use a simple indicator called the Non-Invasive Tear Break-up Time (NIBUT) test to see if you are possibly suffering from dry eye. NIBUT is determined using the following steps:

1. Obtain a stop watch or clock;

Try a sample NIBUT Test

2. Blink 2 times then stare straight ahead, taking care to start timing immediately after your second blink;
3. Avoid blinking as long as possible;
4. Note the time on the clock when you begin to feel ocular discomfort (itchiness, foreign body sensation, etc.);
5. The NIBUT is the amount of time (in seconds) that passes between your last complete blink and the instant you experience ocular discomfort.

If your NIBUT¹ is 5 seconds or less, you may have dry eye, because the tear film on your eye(s) is diffusing ("breaking up") too soon and leaving your eye's surface unprotected. If you think that you have dry eye, consult your eyecare practitioner for diagnosis and treatment.

1. Nally L, Ousler GW, Abelson MB. Ocular discomfort and tear film break-up time in dry eye patients: a correlation. IOVS 2000 41;4(ARVO Abstract):1436.