MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Schirmer's test

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Schirmer's test

Schirmer's test is used to determine whether the eye produces enough tears to keep it moist. The test is performed by placing filter paper inside the lower lid of the eye. After a few minutes, the paper is removed and tested for its moisture content. Fluorescein eye drops are also used to test if tears can flow through the lacrimal duct into the nose.

Update Date: 2/22/2007

Updated by: Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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