Schirmer's test

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Eye	Schirmer's test

Tear test; Tearing test; Dry eye test; Basal secretion test

There are no risks with this test.

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's test has been available for more than 100 years, several studies show that it does not properly identify a large group of patients with dry eye. Newer and better tests are being developed. One test measures a molecule called lactoferrin. Patients 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.

Review Date: 02/10/2011
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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