The diagnosis of moderate degrees of tear depletion is difficult using conventional tests such as the Schirmer test, clinical evidence and even a confirmatory test such as the lysozyme test. We have refined the lysozyme test using quantitative techniques and calibrated standards. We found this satisfactory on a population basis, but not on an individual basis. We developed an ELISA test for assaying five tear proteins 'lysozyme, lactoferrin, ceruloplasmin, IgA and IgG' which gives a much more accurate assessment of dryness on an individual patient level.