The Schirmer test is used to diagnose chronic dry eye disorders by measuring the amount of moisture absorbed by a strip of filter paper placed between the eyeball and lower eyelid. Results can vary based on age and other factors, and further investigation may be needed to confirm a diagnosis.
The Schirmer test is an established clinical procedure performed to help diagnose chronic dry eye disorders, such as Sjogren’s syndrome. The test involves inserting a strip of filter paper between the eyeball and lower eyelid for several minutes to collect natural tears. Based on the amount of moisture absorbed, a doctor can determine the severity of the dryness. The procedure usually takes about ten minutes to complete and can be done in an optometrist’s office, eye center, hospital, or specialty laboratory.
A patient who is scheduled for a Schirmer test is usually instructed to avoid using eye drops and to wear contact lenses on the day of the exam to ensure that the results are accurate. During the procedure, a small, thin strip of sterile filter paper is inserted into the lower eyelid. The patient is then instructed to keep their eyes gently closed for at least five minutes. Anesthetic eye drops may be applied if the test causes discomfort or irritation. The paper is removed after the allotted time so that the ophthalmologist can assess how much moisture has been collected.
Evaluating the results of a Schirmer test isn’t an exact science, but most doctors agree that if the wet spot is less than about 0.4 inches in diameter (about 1 centimeter), there’s reason to conclude that it can have a dry eye condition. If the spot is larger, the tear discharge is considered normal and other causes of a patient’s symptoms should be considered. Not all clinics and optometrists agree on the threshold between normal and abnormal readings, so a person may be declared healthy even if the Schirmer test shows less than average moisture diffusion. Furthermore, the ranges of values can be changed according to the age of the patient. People over the age of 60, for example, generally have less tear production than younger people without cause for concern.
By itself, a Schirmer test is not sufficient to make a clinical diagnosis. Dry eye symptoms can be caused by a number of different factors, and the test simply indicates whether further investigation is needed. Before testing, a doctor usually asks about medication use, any known allergies, family history of dry eye, and how long a patient has had symptoms. If a Schirmer test suggests the possibility of Sjogren’s syndrome, a tissue sample from the tear duct may need to be taken and analyzed to confirm the diagnosis.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
