The function of the tear film is to lubricate the ocular surface, provide protection against irritants and it plays a role in the refraction of light as it enters the eye.

Every time we blink the tear film is renewed. Under normal circumstances, the tear film can remain stable on the ocular surface for at least 10 seconds between blinks before it starts breaking down. An unstable tear film starts breaking down before 10 seconds, and this can be a sign of dry eye disease. Dry eye causes a gritty feeling, redness, tearing and can even affect the quality of your vision.

The MS39 anterior segment platform uses a placido disc technique to assess the stability of the tear film. It is able to detect a premature breakdown of the tear film and pinpoint the exact location on the cornea where the tear film is unstable. This provides an objective measure of dry eye disease which is not only useful in making the diagnosis, but also helps the ophthalmologist to monitor the response to treatment