The Schirmer test is the basic test for suspected dry eye syndrome. It allows you to estimate the number of tears produced in 5 minutes. Check how the Schirmer test works, how to interpret its results and if it causes dangerous complications?

Schirmer's testis one of the tests that are used to diagnosedry eye syndrome . The test is performed to assess the secretion of the water component of the tear film. There are three variants of the Schrimer test:

  • Schirmer's test I without anesthesia - this is the basic test in which the total amount of water released in tears is measured.

Since the total amount of water produced in tears is the sum of basic and reflex water secretions in the tears, you can also do:

  • Schirmer I test with anesthesia - assessing the basal water secretion in tears after pharmacological anesthesia of the conjunctival sac
  • Schirmer's II test - evaluating reflex water secretion in tears by irritation of the nasal mucosa.

Schirmer's test: indications for the test

  • dry eye syndrome
  • disorders of the surface of the eye moisturizing

How does the Schirmer test work?

There is no need to prepare in any special way for this study. The doctor places the conjunctival sac on the side of the outer corner of the eye, at a distance of 1/3 of the eyelid's length, a special, slightly bent strip of tissue paper, marked with a 5 mm graduation, and leave it for 5 minutes.

If the redness of the eyes does not disappear and is associated with the appearance of purulent discharge from the eyes, consult a doctor.

Then the length of the wetted strip is measured. The patient looks straight ahead during the test. He must not close his eyes or keep them too wide open. He should also refrain from blinking as much as possible. Redness of the eyes and a temporary sensation of a foreign body in the eye are possible at the end of the test.

Results and interpretation of Schirmer's test I without anesthesia

  • wetting>15 mm of the strip is interpreted as a correct result
  • wetting of 10-15 mm means initial, and 5-10 mm an increased deficit of the water component of tears
  • value<5 mm oznacza zaawansowany zespół suchego oka z niedoborem filmu łzowego

Teamdry eye

Category:

Research