Inflammadry Dry Eye Test | Inflammatory Markers MMP-9 | CLIA Waived

The insufficiency of correlation between clinical signs and symptoms of dry eye disease makes the diagnosis and treatment of patients a challenge. Oftentimes, inflammation is present even before the clinical signs and symptoms of dry eye manifest themselves. InflammaDry dry eye test is the first and only rapid result, in-office test which detects the elevated levels of MMP-9, an inflammatory marker that is continually elevated in the tears of patients who are battling dry eye disease. All other dry eye tests measure tear production and stability, but no other one tests for these markers. Using a four step procedure, InflammaDry recognizes elevated levels of MMP-9 to spot out patients who may otherwise be missed with other dry eye testing methods.

Inflammatory Markers and MMP-9

MMP-9 is a very important inflammatory marker for those battling with dry eyes. It is also a great maker for identifying inflammation that is associated with some of the most common chronic diseases out there, including heart disease, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and even chronic stress. But certain genes could make you more susceptible.

Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), sometimes referred to as 92 kDa gelatinase, 92 kDa type IV collagenase, or gelatinase B (GELB), is a class of enzymes which belongs to the zinc - metalloproteinase family associated in the degeneration of the extracellular matrix. In humans beings the MMP-9 gene encodes for a signal peptide, a propeptide, a catalytic domain with inserted three repeats of fibronectin type II domain accompanied by a C-terminal hemopexin-like domain. It is involved in the body’s natural tissue repair process, which is why it is so important as a marker for inflammation in dry eye disease.

The InflammaDry dry eye test is a disposable, low-cost test, which requires no extra equipment to interpret or administer results. Using four easy steps, InflammaDry dry eye test can be done in less than 10 minutes, aiding in the diagnosis of dry eye before the patient exits the office. It is definitely helpful in diagnosing those patients whom you may otherwise miss.

Other Chronic Dry Eye Tests

They are many other chronic dry eye tests that could be administered, and these tests are listed below. Keep in mind that none of these evaluate the patient for MMP-9 inflammatory markers, but rather look at symptoms as well as tear quality, quantity, and stability.

Dry Eye Causes

Sometimes, there is a lack of balance in the tear system. Or, it could be that your heater, air conditioner, vacuum, or other environmental factors around you are drying out your tear film. Some other causes of dry eye include the following:

●   The natural aging process, which is very common in menopause

●   Medications such as antihistamines, SSRIs, and those for high blood pressure

●   Diseases which affect your ability to make tears, such as Sjogren's syndrome, collagen vascular diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis

●   Problems that do not allow your eyelids to close fully

ICD-10 Code For Dry Eyes

The two most frequently used diagnosis codes for dry eyes include: 375.15 - Tear film insufficiency, unspecified. This code should be used only after a series of tear volume tests, such as the phenol red thread or Schirmer’s, demonstrate low tear volume. Otherwise, 370.33 - Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, not specified as Sjogren’s can be used.