The Lactoferrin Test is a groundbreaking tool for diagnosing dry eye disease. By measuring lactoferrin levels in tear fluid, eye doctors can quickly assess tear production and ocular surface health.
The Lactoferrin Test for Dry Eye is a rapid, in-office diagnostic test that measures lactoferrin levels in tear fluid to help detect dry eye disease. This test offers a fast and reliable way to assess lacrimal gland function and differentiate between various ocular surface disorders. With quick results available while you are still in the office, this test enhances our ability to provide prompt and accurate care.
Lactoferrin is a multifunctional glycoprotein naturally present in tears, mucus, and even in breast milk. It plays a vital role in protecting the ocular surface by exerting anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral actions. By binding free iron, lactoferrin prevents bacteria from accessing the nutrients they need to grow while also supporting the innate immune response on the eye’s surface.
In a healthy eye, lactoferrin helps maintain an effective tear film that lubricates and defends the ocular surface. However, studies have shown that patients with dry eye disease often have reduced levels of lactoferrin. As a result, monitoring lactoferrin concentration in tears offers an insightful marker for evaluating tear production and overall lacrimal gland function.
The Lactoferrin Test utilizes a small sample of tear fluid—typically only one to two microliters—collected from the inferior tear meniscus using a capillary tube. Once the sample is gathered, it is tested using microassay technology, which is designed to yield results within minutes while the patient is still in the office.
Depending on the specific device used, such as the Tear Touch Lactoferrin Microassay System or the TearScan Microassay System from Advanced Tear Diagnostics, the assay quantifies the lactoferrin concentration in the tear sample. In many clinical settings, a result below approximately 0.9 mg/mL is considered indicative of dry eye; other systems may use a normal cutoff value such as 1.4 mg/mL. This variation in cutoff values reflects slight differences in assay methods, but the underlying diagnostic principle remains the same—low lactoferrin levels signal compromised tear production and ocular surface health.
For personalized eye care and to explore the Lactoferrin Test, find a top optometrist near you through Specialty Vision today.
Here’s how the lactoferrin test is typically performed in a clinical setting:
This streamlined process allows our eye doctors to quickly gather meaningful data about tear composition, facilitating prompt and targeted treatment for patients suffering from dry eye symptoms.
The concentration of lactoferrin in tear fluid is a direct reflection of lacrimal gland function. Healthy tear production is essential not only for lubrication but also for protecting the ocular surface against microbes and environmental stressors. When tear production diminishes, lactoferrin levels drop as well, which means the eye’s protective barrier is compromised.
Dry eye can exist in various forms, including aqueous-deficient dry eye (where the lacrimal glands produce insufficient tears) and evaporative dry eye (where the tears evaporate too quickly due to lipid layer deficiencies). Although these conditions have different underlying mechanisms, both are associated with decreased lactoferrin levels. This makes the lactoferrin test a valuable tool for assessing dry eye severity and potentially guiding treatment decisions tailored to the specific type of dry eye.
For personalized eye care and to explore the Lactoferrin Test, find a top optometrist near you through Specialty Vision today.
The Lactoferrin Test for Dry Eye provides quick insights into tear fluid health, aiding in accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
