What you need to know about:

Schirmer’s Test

Fast Fact

85%

Worth It Rating

Average Cost:

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Recovery Period:

No downtime

Permanence:

Not specified

177

Doctors

Time it takes:

5-10 minutes

Hospitals & Clinics

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Anesthetize:

None

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Overview of

Schirmer’s Test

in Thailand

The Schirmer’s test determines whether the eye produced enough tears to keep it moist. It is an internationally recognized test for measuring the quantity of tears that a person has.

Goals of

Schirmer’s Test

The Schirmer’s test confirms and determines the severity of dry eye. Symptoms of dry eye include the following: -Excessive dryness in the eye -Persistent watering or tearing of the eye -Pain in the eye area -Feeling of something being in the eye -Chronic eye irritation -Sensitivity to light The Schirmer’s test may also be used to help diagnose Sjögren’s syndrome. This is an autoimmune disorder that causes decreased function in the eye and salivary glands, resulting in dry eyes and mouth. In these cases, the Schirmer’s test is often used in conjunction with other tests to determine if Sjögren’s is present.

Price of

Schirmer’s Test

Average Cost

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Price Range

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Pros and cons of

Schirmer’s Test

Pros

It is a quick and painless procedure

Cons

N/A

How it works:

Schirmer’s Test

The nurse will administer anesthetic eye drops (0.5% tetracaine hydrochloride) in both eyes. You will need to keep your eyes open, tilt your head up, and look up at the ceiling while the drops are being administered. After the drops are put in, close your eyes for 3-5 minutes, so the drops can work most effectively. The nurse will remove the Schirmer’s strips from their packaging. You will then be asked to open your eyes and the strips will be placed at the outer corners of the bottom of your eyes. Slowly close your eyes and keep them closed for about five minutes.

Preparation before

Schirmer’s Test

Pre - treatment

There’s no special preparation required for the Schirmer’s test. The test is not recommended for patients who wear contact lenses. The procedure takes approximately 5-10 minutes. Both eyes may not have the same results. The anesthetic eye drops given will not affect your ability to see. After the test, you can resume normal activities, including driving.

Recovery after

Schirmer’s Test

Post - treatment

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. You should not rub your eyes for at least 30 minutes after the test. Leave contact lenses out for at least 2 hours after the test.

Risks & side effects

There are no known risks to the Schirmer’s test since it is a very simple procedure. However, it should be noted that the Schirmer’s test does not always effectively diagnose cases of dry eye.

FAQs:

Schirmer’s Test

What are the travel restrictions?

There are no limitations for travel before or after the procedure.

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What do the results of the Schirmer’s test mean?

If your eyes are healthy, each strip of paper should contain more than 10 millimeters of moisture. Less than 10 millimeters of moisture indicates you probable have dry eye syndrome. Dry eye could just be a symptom of aging, or it could be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis. More tests will likely be required to diagnose the specific cause of your dry eyes. If your eyes produce more than 10 to 15 millimeters of moisture, further tests may also be required to determine the cause of your watery eyes.

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How will the test feel?

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

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What would count as an inadequate amount of tears?

Less than 10 millimeters/minute

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