Tears are essential for the proper functioning of the eye and any alteration in its production can generate an eye health problem.
When the tear apparatus does not produce enough tear or, on the contrary, the tearing is excessive, it is convenient to perform a Schirmer test to study the tear duct.
The Schirmer test is a diagnostic instrument widely used to detect and study the Dry eye syndrome.
En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We explain, then, what the Schirmer test consists of and how its result is interpreted.
What is the Schirmer Test?
Tears are essential to keep the eye hydrated and clean and are part responsible for nourishing the eyeball.
The Schirmer test is a test that allows us to study the functioning of the tear duct by analyzing the amount of tears that it secretes.
The Schirmer test is useful to determine if the patient suffers from the syndrome of Dry Eye (SOS) in a classic way.
Currently, the technology for diagnosis of dry eye It has evolved a lot. Today, the centers dry eye specialists we have specific equipment for the diagnosis of dry eye such as Keratograph, which allows us to classify very accurately what type of dry eye it is and if we are facing a severe dry eye. This is achieved thanks to high resolution digital cameras and software that incorporate this type of specific technology for the study and classification of dry eye.
All of this additional information is especially important to address the dry eye treatment in a successful way.
SOS is a chronic condition that occurs when the tear duct does not produce enough tear or the one it produces is of poor quality. People with this condition feel irritation, burning, and the feeling of grit or a foreign body inside the eye.
How is the Schirmer Test performed?
To perform the Schirmer test, the ophthalmologist must insert a thin strip of filter paper into the lower sac of the eye (behind the lower eyelid).
The moistened amount of paper gives the doctor information about tear production.
The test is performed as follows:
- Before starting the test, anesthetic drops are applied to both eyes to prevent tearing during the penetration of the paper into the lower sac.
- The ophthalmologist will insert a strip of filter paper into the lower eyelid of each eye.
- The patient should remain with eyes closed while having the paper strip on each eyelid. In this way, the humidity level is set on the paper.
- Finally, the ophthalmologist removes the paper and immediately analyzes the result.
Results analysis
The Schirmer test must be performed on both eyes and, if the person is in normal conditions, both structures will report the same level of tear production.
Ideally, the test will show negative values, which confirms that the area moistened in the paper strip exceeds 10 millimeters in length.
Otherwise, the interpretation of the Schirmer test would imply that the person has some kind of abnormality in the functioning of the tear duct.
In conclusion, young people with normal tear production get a result of 15 mm of moisture on the paper strip. When a person suffers from severe dry eye, the result of the Schirmer test can be 5 mm.
When is it recommended to take a Schirmer test?
The Schirmer test should be performed whenever it is suspected that a person may present ocular dryness. In these cases, the doctor performs the test to be able to diagnose dry eye syndrome.
In addition, it is also used for other purposes, such as measuring the evolution of the conjunctivitis, a condition that is characterized by causing excessive tearing.
You can also perform this test to assess the health of Eyelids and discard one Blepharitis.
Do you need to take a Schirmer test? In Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We are experts in carrying out this test and in the treatment of dry eye syndrome. Contact us!
