The tears may also be examined for their content of lysozyme, an enzyme normally found in tears. Fluorescein eye drops contain a dye that is placed in the eye. The dye should drain with the tears through the lacrimal duct into the nose. The dye should be cleared from the eyes and found in the nose within 2 minutes. The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust.
Some people find that holding the paper against the eye is irritating or mildly uncomfortable.
Essentially, there are no risks. Both eyes normally secrete the same amount of tears. It is not specific as an indicator of the cause of tearing difficulties such as dry eye. Close the eyes gently during the test. Tight closing of the eyes or rubbing the eyes during the test can cause abnormal test results.