Which statement describes a positive Jones 1 test?

• A. Patent canalicular drainage system
• B. Obstruction of nasolacrimal duct
• C. No drainage
• D. Needs Jones II test

Answer: (B)

A Jones I test is used to assess whether tears can drain from the eye through the canaliculi into the nasal cavity. Fluorescein dye is placed in the conjunctival sac and, after a few minutes, the clinician checks for dye in the inferior nasal meatus. Finding fluorescein there means the lacrimal drainage pathway is open, so the test is considered positive. If no dye appears in the nose, drainage is obstructed. Therefore, a positive Jones I test describes a patent canalicular–nasolacrimal drainage system, not obstruction.