Jones Dye Test I and II are used to evaluate lacrimal drainage patency. A positive Jones I test result means:

• A Dye is not recovered from the nose, confirming complete nasolacrimal duct obstruction
• B Fluorescein dye is recovered from the nose, confirming functional (physiological) nasolacrimal drainage ✓
• C Saline irrigation washes dye from the inferior meatus, confirming patency at the canaliculus only
• D Dye refluxes from the punctum, indicating canalicular obstruction

Explanation

In Jones I test, fluorescein is instilled in the conjunctival sac and after 5 minutes a cotton applicator is passed under the inferior turbinate; recovery of dye in the nose is a positive result indicating functional lacrimal drainage — both anatomy and lacrimal pump are working. A negative Jones I (no dye recovered) proceeds to Jones II: the sac is irrigated with saline after washing residual fluorescein; dye-tinged saline in the nose = partial obstruction (sac absorbs some dye but drainage impaired); clear saline = complete obstruction of canalicular or duct level.

Reference: Khurana Comprehensive Ophthalmology, 7th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.