Using tear ferning to diagnose dry eye

Application of Tear Ferning Test for Clinical Dry Eye Diagnosis

NA · Chung Shan Medical University · NCT06364943

This study is testing a new way to diagnose dry eye by looking at tear patterns to see if it works better than current methods.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorChung Shan Medical University (other)
Locations1 site (Taichung,)
Trial IDNCT06364943 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the tear ferning test in diagnosing dry eye syndromes by comparing the tear ferning patterns of patients with dry eye to those without. The goal is to establish a simple and cost-effective diagnostic protocol for use in ophthalmology. Participants will be assessed based on specific criteria related to their tear production and ocular health. The study aims to improve the accuracy of dry eye diagnosis, which can often be challenging.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 20 to 65 who exhibit specific symptoms of dry eye disease.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension, or those with other significant ocular conditions, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more accurate and accessible diagnosis of dry eye syndrome for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar diagnostic methods, but the tear ferning test's application in this context is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged between 20 and 65 years
* For dry eye disease group:
* Schirmer's test results between 5 - 10 mm
* Tear Film Break Up Time less than 10 seconds
* Ocular Surface Disease Index of more than 25

Exclusion Criteria:

* Those have diabetes, hypertension or other chronic diseases
* No evident ocular diseases such as cornea disease, cataracts, vitreous degeneration, glaucoma, and retinopathy.
* Belong to vulnerable groups(pregnancy woman, prisoner, ethical minorities, economic or educationally disadvantaged subjects, disabled individuals such as those at terminal stage of tumorigenesis, blindness, terminal ill individuals)

Where this trial is running

Taichung,

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Dry Eye Syndromes, Dry Eye diagnosis, Tear ferning

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.