Schirmer test
Last reviewed 01/2018
This measures the rate of aqueous tear formation by the lacrimal gland during a fixed time period.
- performed by instilling a topical anaesthetic and then absorbent paper strips are placed with one end in the inferior cul-de-sac
- patient’s eyes are closed and the length of paper wetted in 5 minutes measured
- value of less than 6 mm of strip wetting in 5 minutes is accepted as diagnostic marker for aqueous tear deficiency
- Schirmer II test measures tear of lacrimal gland by stimulation of lacrimal relex arc while Schirmer I test (without use of a topical anaesthetic) measures both basic and relex tearing (1)
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