Summary
We investigated in normal persons of different ages ranging from 4 months to 85 years the frequency of different ferning types as well as the results of the Schirmer I test, break-up time and tear protein profile. With increasing age, ferning types of higher degree were significantly more frequent. Furthermore, a correlation was found between the ferning test and low Schirmer test values (p < 0.05) as well as break-up time (p < 0.1). No correlation exists between ferning the test and tear protein pattern. These results indicate that tear ferning is independent from single tear proteins but in correlation with secreted watery volume and plays some role in tear film stability. Furthermore, these normal values of ferning and protein pattern can be used as references for different ages.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Tabbara, KF, Okumoto, M. Ocular ferning test. Ophthalmology 1982; 89: 712–4.
Rolando, M. Tear mucus ferning test in normal and keratoconjunctivitis sicca eyes. Int J Ophthalmol 1984; 2: 32–41.
Norn, M. Quantitative tear ferning. Methodologic and experimental investigations. Acta Ophthalmol 1988; 66(2): 201–5.
Golding, TR, Brennan, NA. The basis of tear ferning. Clin Exp Optometry 1989; 72(4): 102–12.
Tiffany JM. Discussion remark. Second meeting of the International Society of Dakryology 1990, Amsterdam.
McGill, JI, Liakos, GM, Goulding, N, Seal, DV. Normal tear protein profiles and age-related changes. Br J Ophthalmol 1984; 68: 316–20.
Stolze, HH, Sommer, HJ. Influence of secretagogues on volume and protein pattern in rabbit tears. Curr Eye Res 1985; 4: 489–92.
Lemp, MA. Breakup of the tear film. Int Ophthalmol Clin 1973; 13: 97–102.
Janssen, PT, van Bijsterveld, OP. Comparison of electrophoretic techniques for the analysis of human tear fluid proteins. Clin Chim Acta 1981; 114: 207–18.
Gachon, AM, Verelle, P, Betail, G, Dastugue, B. Immunological and electrophoretic studies on human tear proteins. Exp Eye Res 1979; 29: 539–53.
Bonavida, B, Sapse, AT, Sercarz, EE. A unique lacrimal protein absent from serum and other secretions: specific tear albumin. Nature 1969; 221: 375–7.
Gachon, AM, Lambin, P, Dastugue, B. Human tears: Electrophoretic characteristics of specific proteins. Ophthalmic Res 1980; 12: 277–85.
Gilbard, JP. Tear film osmolarity and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. In: Holly, FJ, ed. The preocular tear film in health, disease and contact lens wear. Lubbock, Tx: Dry Eye Institute, 1986: 127–39.
Janssen, PT, Van Bijsterveld, OP. Protein patterns in health and disease. In: Marquard, A, ed. Chronische Conjunctivitis - Trockenes Auge. Vienna, New York: Springer Verlag, 1982: 73–87.
Lauer, M, Stolze, HH. Funktionstests der Tränendrüse bei rheumatoider Arthritis. Sitzungsbericht Verein Rhein.- Westf. Augenärzte, 1989; 151: 139–44.
Snyder C, Fullard R. Non-dry eye patient tear film clinical characteristics: norms, correlation between tests, and comparison with tear protein profiles. Second Meeting of the International Society of Dakryology, Amsterdam 1990.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Puderbach, S., Stolze, H.H. Tear ferning and other lacrimal tests in normal persons of different ages. Int Ophthalmol 15, 391–395 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00137950
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00137950