Schirmer's Test
The Schirmer Test is a special test to measure the quantity of tears that are
produced by the eye. This test is usually used in conjunction with other tests
and patient symptoms before a diagnosis of dry eye is made. These patients may
complain of burning, stinging, tearing, itching or foreign body sensation. This
test is performed using a pair of sterile strips, made of special filter paper.
The tears are collected over a time period of approximately five minutes. If
very little tears are produced (less than 10mm wetting of the strip), then you
may have tear deficient dry eye. If you produce enough tears, but still have
symptoms of ocular discomfort, then you may have evaporative dry eye.
