Dry Eye Test; Basal Secretion Test – Indications, Procedures

Dry eye test; Basal secretion test; SjÃgren – Schirmer; Schirmer’s test

The Schirmer test determines whether the eye produces enough tears to keep it moist.

How the Test is Performed

The health care provider will place the end of a special paper strip inside the lower eyelid of each eye. Both eyes are tested at the same time. Before the test, you will be given numbing eye drops to prevent your eyes from tearing due to irritation from the paper strips.

The exact procedure may vary. Most often, the eyes are closed for 5 minutes. Close your eyes gently. Closing the eyes tightly or rubbing the eyes during the test can cause abnormal test results.

After 5 minutes, the doctor removes the paper and measures how much of it has become moist.

Sometimes the test is done without numbing drops to test for other types of tear problems.

The phenol red thread test is similar to the Schirmer test, except that red strips of special thread are used instead of paper strips. Numbing drops are not needed. The test takes 15 seconds.

How to Prepare for the Test

You will be asked to remove your glasses or contact lenses before the test.

How the Test will Feel

Some people find that holding the paper against the eye is irritating or mildly uncomfortable. The numbing drops often sting at first.

Why the Test is Performed

This test is used when the eye doctor suspects you have dry eye. Symptoms include dryness of the eyes or excessive watering of the eyes.

Normal Results

More than 10 mm of moisture on the filter paper after 5 minutes is a sign of normal tear production. Both eyes normally release the same amount of tears.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Dry eyes may result from:

  • Aging
  • Blepharitis
  • Climate changes
  • Corneal ulcers and infections
  • Eye infections (for example, conjunctivitis )
  • Laser vision correction
  • Leukemia
  • Lymphoma
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Previous eyelid or facial surgery
  • Sjögren syndrome
  • Vitamin A deficiency

Risks

There are no risks with this test.

Considerations

DO NOT rub the eyes for at least 30 minutes after the test. Leave contact lenses out for at least 2 hours after the test.

Even though the Schirmer test has been available for more than 100 years, several studies show that it does not properly identify a large group of people with dry eye. Newer and better tests are being developed. One test measures a molecule called lactoferrin. People with low tear production and dry eye have low levels of this molecule.

Another test measures tear osmolarity, or how concentrated the tears are. The higher the osmolarity, the more likely it is that you have dry eye.

FAQ

Can opticians detect dry eyes?

  • An optician will be able to tell you if you have dry eyes, but here are some of the warning signs you can spot yourself: Stinging eyes. Burning sensation in eyes. ‘Scratching’ feeling.

What is a normal Schirmer test result?

  • Without anesthesia, wetting of less than 15 mm of a Schirmer strip indicates dry eyes. With anesthesia, the interpretation is as follows: 0 to 5 mm of wetting, severe dry eyes; 5 to 10 mm of wetting, moderately dry eyes; 10 to 15 mm of wetting, mildly dry eyes; and greater than 15 mm of wetting, normal tear function.

Is dry eye serious?

  • If left untreated, severe dry eyes may lead to eye inflammation, abrasion of the corneal surface, corneal ulcers, and vision loss. Decreased quality of life. Dry eyes can make it difficult to perform everyday activities, such as reading.

Does drinking water help dry eyes?

  • Drinking more water can help your body produce a healthy volume of tears, which is important to prevent dry eyes. It’s also important to have healthy lacrimal glands to produce tears and oil glands so that the tears don’t evaporate too quickly. Beverages containing caffeine or alcohol can be dehydrating.

Can dry eyes be cured?

  • Dry eyes can often be managed, but not completely cured. Some treatments can be used permanently to manage your symptoms. Prescription medications and over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops, such as artificial tears, can help you manage this condition.

Can dry eyes cure themselves?

  • Currently, there is no permanent cure for dry eye disease. However, a number of options can help maintain moisture in the eyes. These can reduce symptoms and protect vision.

What do dry eyes look like?

  • People with dry eyes may experience irritated, gritty, scratchy, or burning eyes; a feeling of something in their eyes; excess watering; and blurred vision. Symptoms include Redness. stinging, scratching, or burning sensations.

What is the best home remedy for dry eyes?

Simple Home Remedies For Dry Eyes

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