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Schirmer's Test
Dr Rajeev Raut Eye Clinic Raut Eye Care

Read the article to know more about Schirmer's Test

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Dr. Aditya Raut M.B.B.S D.O.MS
Updated on Mar 13  •  2 mins read

Table of contents

What is Schirmer's Test
When to do Schirmer's Test
Diseases in which Schirmer's Test is done
Symptoms that require Schirmer's Test
How Schirmer's Test is done
How long will Schirmer's Test take
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What is Schirmer's Test

Schirmer's Test is an eye exam used to measure tear production.It involves inserting a piece of blotting paper or a strip with a colored dye on it into the lower eyelid.

The paper absorbs the tears and the amount of moisture absorbed after five minutes is measured and recorded.This measurement can help diagnose conditions such as dry eye, inflammation and allergies.

It can also help to identify the underlying cause of the dry eye.The test is non-invasive and does not cause any pain or discomfort.

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When to do Schirmer's Test

  1. Schirmer's Test is an eye test used to diagnose dry eye syndrome, a condition in which eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. It is usually performed in people with symptoms of dry eye syndrome such as burning, itching, and redness of the eyes.
  2. The groups of people who should have a Schirmer's Test done include those who are over the age of 50, those with a history of dry eye syndrome, those who are taking medications that can cause dry eye syndrome, and those who have a history of chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
  3. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should consult your doctor urgently for a Schirmer's Test: sudden or rapidly worsening vision loss, severe eye pain, eye redness, or discharge from the eye. These may be signs of a more serious condition, such as a corneal ulcer or infection, and require immediate medical attention.
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Diseases in which Schirmer's Test is done

  1. Dry Eye Syndrome: Schirmer’s Test helps detect the presence of dry eye syndrome by measuring tear production.
  2. Sjogren's Syndrome: Schirmer’s Test is used to measure tear production in patients with Sjogren's Syndrome.
  3. Blepharitis: Schirmer’s Test helps measure tear production, which can help diagnose blepharitis.
  4. Chronic Allergic Conjunctivitis: Schirmer’s Test can help measure the production of tears and diagnose chronic allergic conjunctivitis.
  5. Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca: Schirmer’s Test can measure tear production and aid in diagnosing Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca.
  6. Infectious Conjunctivitis: Schirmer’s Test can measure the amount of tears produced and help diagnose infectious conjunctivitis.
  7. Corneal Abrasion: Schirmer’s Test helps detect the presence of corneal abrasions by measuring tear production.
  8. Glaucoma: Schirmer’s Test can measure tear production to help diagnose glaucoma.
  9. Uveitis: Schirmer’s Test can measure tear production and help diagnose uveitis.
  10. Ocular Trauma: Schirmer’s Test can measure tear production to help diagnose ocular trauma.
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Symptoms that require Schirmer's Test

  1. Dry Eye Syndrome: Schirmer's Test can be used to measure tear production in the eyes, which can help diagnose Dry Eye Syndrome, a condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears.
  2. Irritation: Schirmer's Test can help determine if the eyes are producing enough tears to prevent irritation and discomfort in the eyes.
  3. Soreness: Schirmer's Test can help diagnose if tear production is low, which can cause soreness in the eyes.
  4. Redness: Schirmer's Test can be used to measure tear production, which can help diagnose if the eyes are not producing enough tears and as a result are becoming red.
  5. Burning: Schirmer's Test can help diagnose if tear production is low, which can cause a burning sensation in the eyes.
  6. Itching: Schirmer's Test can help diagnose if tear production is low, which can cause itching in the eyes.
  7. Blurred Vision: Schirmer's Test can help diagnose if tear production is low, which can cause blurred vision.
  8. Eye Fatigue: Schirmer's Test can help diagnose if tear production is low, which can cause eye fatigue.
  9. Foreign Body Sensation: Schirmer's Test can help diagnose if tear production is low, which can cause a foreign body sensation in the eyes.
  10. Light Sensitivity: Schirmer's Test can help diagnose if tear production is low, which can cause sensitivity to light.
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How Schirmer's Test is done

  1. The Schirmer's Test is a simple procedure that we use to test for dry eye. During this test, you will be asked to sit with your chin in a chin rest and your forehead against a forehead rest. Next, a strip of filter paper will be placed on the lower eyelid. This strip will be held in place with a special clip.
  2. Once the strip is in place, the machine will start to measure the amount of tears produced by your eyes over a period of 5 minutes. You may feel a slight pressure as the clip holds the paper in place but it should not be uncomfortable. During the test, you should not blink or rub your eyes.
  3. After 5 minutes, the strip will be removed and the results will be recorded. The results will be used to determine if you have dry eye, and to monitor the effectiveness of any treatment you may be receiving.
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How long will Schirmer's Test take

  1. .
  2. The Schirmer's Test typically takes about 5 minutes. The results of the test will usually be available within a few hours of completion. However, if the test results need to be sent to a lab for further analysis, it may take a few days for the final results to be ready.
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Reviewed By

Dr.Aditya Raut, MBBS, DOMS, Cataract and Refractive Surgeon, with experience of over 3000 cataract surgeries.
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Article Reviewed by Dr. Aditya Raut M.B.B.S D.O.MS Cataract Lasik and refractive surgeon
Specialist in number reduction surgery, Refractive Lens exchange and ICL surgery.
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