Schirmer test
The Schirmer test (according to Otto Schirmer ) is used to objectively measure the amount of tear production in the eye. Here, a 5 mm wide and 35 mm long filter paper strip (litmus paper) is hung in the outer corner of the eyelid in the conjunctival sac . After 5 minutes, read off the distance that the tear fluid has covered in the paper strip. A distinction is made between two different tests.
Schirmer I.
This test is carried out on the unaesthetized eye, which tests the secretion of irritation. About 15 mm of the litmus strip should be colored here.
Schirmer II
The basal Schirmer test is carried out under local anesthesia so that there is no irritation of the eye. A lower value is measured here, which corresponds more to the basal tear secretion.
More than 10 mm is the normal finding, while less indicates that the amount of tear production is too low, and values below 5 mm in 5 minutes are pathological.
The test should only be carried out by ophthalmologists, as there is a risk of corneal erosion if used incorrectly.
A pathological Schirmer test can be found, for example, in the following diseases:
- Sjogren's Syndrome (Sicca Syndrome)
- Vitamin A deficiency
- Taking medication ( atropine or hyoscyamine , beta blockers, etc.)
- Trachoma
- Lagophthalmos
- Facial paralysis with paralysis of the major petrosal nerve
Individual evidence
- ^ Theodor Axenfeld (founder), Hans Pau (ed.): Textbook and atlas of ophthalmology. With the collaboration of Rudolf Sachsenweger and others 12th, completely revised edition. Gustav Fischer, Stuttgart et al. 1980, ISBN 3-437-00255-4 , p. 159.
