InflammaDry
What is InflammaDry?
InflammaDry is a non-invasive diagnostic test designed to measure inflammation on your eye’s surface, providing objective information that complements traditional dry eye exams.
The test detects a protein called matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which increases when your eyes are inflamed. Elevated MMP-9 levels indicate ocular surface inflammation contributing to dry eye symptoms.
During the test, a small sterile swab collects a sample of your tears from the lower eyelid. The sample reacts with a test cassette that shows results in about 10 minutes, similar to a home pregnancy test.
Quidel Corporation created InflammaDry to provide eye care professionals a standardized way to objectively identify inflammation in dry eye disease. The test has been used clinically worldwide for over a decade.
Eye doctors often use InflammaDry alongside other evaluations, such as tear film analysis and gland imaging, to fully understand your dry eye condition and customize treatment.
The procedure is quick, painless, and requires no special preparation. It is suitable for adults and children and can be done during a routine office visit without numbing drops.
Why Might You Need an InflammaDry Test?
This test is recommended for patients with ongoing eye discomfort or irritation, especially when symptoms persist despite initial treatments like artificial tears.
- Burning or stinging sensations
- Redness that does not resolve
- Watery or tearing eyes
- Grittiness or a feeling like sand in the eyes
- Fluctuating or blurry vision especially after screen use
Individuals with autoimmune conditions (such as Sjögren’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis), allergies, contact lens wearers, and those exposed to dry or windy environments may have higher risk of inflammatory dry eye.
Regular dry eye tests often focus on tear production but may miss inflammation. InflammaDry fills this gap by detecting inflammation even when tears are normal.
The test is particularly useful before eye surgeries like LASIK or cataract procedures to identify and treat inflammation that could affect healing.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause and environmental factors such as pollution or low humidity can worsen inflammation, making InflammaDry especially relevant in these cases.
How Does the InflammaDry Test Work?
The test involves a simple, painless process to collect and analyze tear samples during your office visit, with results available immediately.
A technical staff member gently swabs the inside of your lower eyelid to collect tears. The swab is placed in a test device that reveals inflammation status within about 10 minutes through visual lines.
Most patients feel only a slight, brief touch with no discomfort or need for numbing drops. The test is quick and well tolerated, including in children and sensitive eyes.
A positive result indicates elevated inflammation and may mean you need prescription anti-inflammatory treatments. A negative result suggests other causes such as tear quantity or quality issues might be involved.
Your eye care provider will discuss results and recommend treatment options or further assessments. Regular follow-ups may be scheduled to track treatment progress.
InflammaDry can be repeated to measure how well treatment is controlling inflammation or to reassess if symptoms return.
Benefits of Using InflammaDry
InflammaDry enables faster, more accurate diagnosis and treatment personalization, helping protect long-term eye health and improving quality of life.
Results are available in about 10 minutes, offering a quick alternative to traditional lab tests and allowing prompt treatment decisions.
Identifying inflammation helps your provider select targeted therapies such as prescription drops, supplements, warm compresses, or environmental adjustments.
Early detection of inflammation prevents scarring, worsening dry eye, and vision complications that can occur with untreated ocular surface inflammation.
For patients preparing for eye surgery, controlling inflammation beforehand improves healing, recovery time, and overall outcomes.
By tailoring treatment based on test results, patients often experience quicker relief, clearer vision, and better comfort during daily activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the test involves a gentle, quick touch on the eyelid and is well tolerated by most patients without discomfort.
Costs vary by provider and insurance coverage, generally ranging from $50 to $100. Many insurance plans cover the test as part of dry eye evaluations.
Yes, it is safe and typically well tolerated by children, especially those with persistent eye irritation or autoimmune conditions.
A positive result indicates inflammation that usually requires anti-inflammatory treatments to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
No, it specifically detects inflammatory dry eye. Other types may require additional tests for diagnosis and treatment planning.
The test is highly reliable when interpreted along with clinical exams and patient history, offering valuable objective data for diagnosis.
Schirmer’s test measures tear production, whereas InflammaDry assesses inflammation. Both tests provide complementary information for comprehensive dry eye evaluation.
Yes, dry eye symptoms can arise from other causes like low tear volume or oil gland dysfunction even if inflammation is not detected.
Yes, repeat testing can help track inflammation changes over time and guide adjustments in therapy.
The test reflects your eye’s inflammation status at the time of testing; inflammation levels can fluctuate and repeat testing may be needed if symptoms change.
Inflammation from allergies, infections, or autoimmune diseases can also raise MMP-9 levels and affect results, so providers consider your full clinical picture.
It is best to avoid contacts immediately before testing as they can alter tear quality and affect results. Follow your provider’s instructions.
Certain medications, especially anti-inflammatory drops, can affect results. Your provider may advise withholding some drops to ensure accuracy.
Yes, detecting and treating inflammation prior to procedures like cataract or LASIK improves healing and surgical outcomes.
Yes, treatments containing anti-inflammatory agents may lower MMP-9 levels. Always inform your provider about all medications you use.
Coverage varies, but many insurance plans reimburse the test when done as part of dry eye assessment. Check with your insurer and provider.
Testing frequency depends on symptom severity and treatment response. Chronic cases may require periodic monitoring, while mild cases may not.
InflammaDry has no known significant side effects. Rarely, mild irritation can occur but usually resolves quickly.
Your provider may recommend additional evaluations to determine other causes of dry eye and tailor further treatment plans.
Taking Care of Your Eyes
If you have symptoms of dry eyes, discuss InflammaDry testing with your eye care professional to get a clear diagnosis and targeted treatment. Along with proper medical care, eye-friendly habits like regular breaks from screens, allergy management, hydration, and avoiding dry environments support healthy eyes.