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Understanding Dry Eye

Dry Eye Test

If you think you may have dry eye, a visit to your eye doctor is the next step, as they can perform the necessary tests to diagnose dry eye and determine its severity.

Even before you visit your eye doctor, however, you can use a simple indicator called the Symptomatic Tear Break-Up Time (SBUT) test to determine if you might be suffering from dry eye.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE DRY EYE TEST

Taking the dry eye test manually

  1. Obtain a stopwatch or clock.
  2. Blink 2 times, then stare straight ahead, taking care to start timing immediately after your second blink.
  3. Avoid blinking for as long as possible.
  4. Note the time on the clock when you begin to feel eye discomfort (burning, grittiness, dryness, etc.)
  5. The SBUT is the amount of time (in seconds) that passes between your last complete blink and the moment you experience eye discomfort.

If your SBUT is 5 seconds or less, you may have dry eye, because the tear film on your eyes is breaking up too quickly, leaving the surface of your eyes unprotected. If you think you may have dry eye, consult your eye doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment, and consider SYSTANE® ULTRA Lubricant Eye Drops.

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SYSTANE® Family of Products

SYSTANE® ULTRA

SYSTANE® ULTRA

SYSTANE® ULTRA Lubricant Eye Drops offers high performance dry eye therapy with extended protection and immediate comfort.

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SYSTANE® ULTRA Preservative-Free

SYSTANE® ULTRA Preservative-Free

SYSTANE® ULTRA Preservative-Free Formula offers high-performance dry eye therapy in convenient single-use vials — perfect for sensitive eyes!

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SYSTANE®

SYSTANE®

SYSTANE® Lubricant Eye Drops helps protect your eyes from dry eye and keeps them lubricated throughout the day.

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SYSTANE® Preservative-Free

SYSTANE® Preservative-Free

SYSTANE® Preservative-Free Formula, in convenient single-use vials, is recommended for dry eye patients with sensitive eyes.

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SYSTANE® NIGHTTIME Ointment

SYSTANE® NIGHTTIME Ointment

SYSTANE® NIGHTTIME Lubricant Eye Ointment offers overnight relief from the symptoms of dry eye, providing protection and comfort while you rest.

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SYSTANE® CONTACTS

SYSTANE® CONTACTS

SYSTANE® CONTACTS Lubricant Eye Drops moisturizes and soothes dry eyes caused by wearing contacts.

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For long-lasting dry eye relief, choose the brand that doctors recommend most†.

DO YOU HAVE DRY EYE?

This test will help you determine if you need to see your eye doctor to diagnose and treat a case of dry eye. Start the Test

Copyright © 2010 Alcon, Inc. a global company based in Hünenberg, Switzerland. The information and materials within this section pertain to the U.S. market only. Not all products are approved in every market, and approved labeling and instructions may vary by local country. See SYSTANE® product sites for other countries. See Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions for the use of this site.

This Website may contain general information relating to various medical conditions and their treatment. Such information is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for advice provided by a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing a health or fitness problem or disease. You should always consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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† Survey of Ophthalmologists and Optometrists, Harris Interactive®, December 2008.