Schirmer Tear Test Strips

Overview - Schirmer Tear Test Strips are made of Whatman No 41 filter paper. It has a calibrated scale printed on the strip, on which a color line made of fluorescent dye will co-migrate with the tear flow. An easier and more precise reading will be provided. These strips are individually wrapped and are gauged so they can be easily read. 

Use – It is used to measure the amount of tear production. The Schirmer test is based upon mechanical reflex stimulation of the tear production and is actually a test of reflex tear production when performed without anesthesia. 

Direction - Not to apply any topical medication to the eye or perform any manipulation of the eye before performing this test. Place a dry Schirmer strip over the middle to lateral 1/3 of the lower eyelid. The patient is then instructed to look forward and blink normally. The strip is removed after 5 minutes and amount of wetting is recorded in millimeters.