Test Your Knowledge: The CDE Clinical Deep Dive
Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: November 2025 | Last updated: November 2025
Key Takeaways:
- Test your knowledge of the "vicious cycle" of CDE pathophysiology as defined by TFOS DEWS II.
- Review the clinical utility of key diagnostics, including MMP-9 biomarkers and lissamine green staining.
- Assess your ability to identify complex presentations like neuropathic pain and CDE-inducing systemic medications.
Effectively managing chronic dry eye requires a deep understanding of its underlying pathophysiology. This quiz is designed to test your expertise in key clinical concepts, including interpreting advanced diagnostic biomarkers like MMP-9, differentiating staining patterns, and recognizing clinical disconnects suggestive of neuropathic pain, as well as identifying causative systemic medications.
Quick Quiz
In the "vicious cycle" of CDE pathophysiology (as defined by TFOS DEWS II), what is the core driver that both initiates and perpetuates the cycle of inflammation and surface damage?
Quick Quiz
An in-office test that detects elevated levels of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) on the ocular surface is a direct biomarker for:
Quick Quiz
A patient presents with severe, debilitating eye pain and photophobia, but minimal to no corneal staining or objective clinical signs. This "signs vs. symptoms" disconnect is highly suggestive of:
Quick Quiz
Lissamine green staining is clinically superior to fluorescein for clearly identifying:
Quick Quiz
All of the following systemic medication classes are well-known for exacerbating or causing CDE by reducing tear production, EXCEPT: