GREENVILLE, N.C., Aug. 14, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Carolina Vision Care announced the arrival of new technology for diagnosing dry eye. Dry eye is a condition where a person's eyes either do not produce enough natural tears, or where the eyes do not produce the correct components of tears needed to adequately lubricate the eye. This results in irritation, a feeling of sandiness in the eye, and can be a precursor to more frequent eye infections. Prompt and proper diagnosis allows treatment to begin sooner and possibly prevent further problems.
Diagnosis of dry eye is sometimes difficult because most current methods simply measure tear production. In the early stages of the condition, the total production of tears often seems to be normal, at least in terms of volume, so these tests are misleading. Carolina Vision Care has therefore added a new diagnostic test to its arsenal to better serve its dry eye patients.
InflammaDry, a diagnostic test, measures markers of inflammation on the surface of the eye rather than tear production. Inflammation often results from dry eye, but it can also be a cause of it. In either case, there is a strong correlation between the two.
"People with dry eye disease consistently have higher levels of an inflammatory marker called MMP-9. The new test looks specifically for this marker. InflammaDry only takes four steps to get the results, which are derived by examining tear fluid from the patient. Best of all, it has an 85 percent sensitivity, meaning that it will catch the vast majority of cases in one test. The results allow us to tailor a treatment plan unique for the individual patient," explained Dr. Thomas C. McIntosh, of Carolina Vision Care.
InflammaDry a single use, noninvasive, disposable test that detects for inflammation in the tears. After the results are in, the doctor will inform the patient and recommend a custom treatment plan exclusive to the particular patient. Typically, results are obtained during the same visit so there is no need to wait and wonder.
About Carolina Vision Care
Carolina Vision Care is family owned and operated providing comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages in Eastern North Carolina. Convenient appointment times are available Monday through Friday.
For more information visit www.carolinavisioncare.com.