Tearful Information

Gland function testing, a primary diagnostic method for Dry Eye Disease (DED)1, is expected to maintain its prominence among ophthalmologists and optometrists in the US, with a similar global share. i-Onion™ introduces maximal tear reserve capacity evaluation method, enhancing gland function evaluation for precision diagnostics and treatment. Tearful’s patented technology, i-Onion™ introduces a new solution in the maximal tear reserve capacity testing, a specific and promising diagnostic in assessing whether the gland still possesses a tearing reserve volume large enough to supply the tear flow. This test allows for more comprehensive treatment plans and follow-ups. The i-Onion™ device bases its technology on a 3-second, 200ml/min, 99.9% medical grade CO2 gas jet release onto the surface of the explored eye, producing a total excitation that causes a controlled, transient maximal reflex production of tears by the lacrimal glands. This approach allows for detecting whether the gland still possesses a tearing reserve volume large enough to supply the tear flow required. A few of the relevant uses are: i-Onion™ assessment of lacrimal gland reserve values aids early prediction of pathologies like DED/Sjögren and VDT-associated DED. i-Onion™ assessment before lens fitting provides quantitative data on the patient's tearing capacity. i-Onion™ exploration of maximal tear reserve offers pre-surgery insights for Photorefractive procedures, including risk assessment for nerve injury-induced decreased tear flow. i-Onion™ aids objective evaluation of pets' lacrimal gland tear capacity, valuable in veterinary medicine.