HealthInfo Canterbury
Diagnosing dry eyes
If you think you have dry eyes, see your GP, optometrist, or an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).
Your optometrist or doctor will talk to you about your dry eyes. They will examine your eyes and eyelids and test your vision. As part of this they may:
- examine the front surface of your eye (cornea, conjunctiva and lids) with a slit-lamp (microscope)
- assess how many tears you produce, and how quickly they evaporate, using filter paper or a special dye
- look at your cornea by using special dyes
- measure the salt content (osmolarity) of your tears
- order blood tests or other tests if they suspect a disease is causing your dry eyes.
Try this search if you wish to find a private optometrist. Or you may want to pay to see a private ophthalmologist.
On the next page: Treating dry eyes
Written by Canterbury optometrists. Adapted by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Endorsed by clinical director, Ophthalmology, Canterbury DHB. Last reviewed November 2019.
SourcesReview key: HIDRE-206293
