Schirmer Tear Test
A tear test to measure the rate of tear production
Product description
The Schirmer Tear Test is used to measure the rate of tear production, which will help determine whether or not the eyes produce a sufficient amount of tears to maintain moistness. This test is useful if your pet has excessively watery or dry eyes. It should be used in the evaluation of conjunctivitis to diagnose tear deficiency as a contributing factor to ocular surface diseases including: Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), pigmentary keratitis, indolent corneal ulcers, exposure keratitis, and others. It can also be used to evaluate tear duct function before eye surgery. The Schirmer Tear Test is risk-free and has easy-to-read strips with blue dye to improve visibility in measuring tear production. For more convenience, this test is marked for left and right eyes. There are 10 envelopes per box, each envelope has 5 sets of 2 strips, each set of 2 in a sterile packet.
Indications for use
The Schirmer Tear Test is used to measure the rate of tear production, which will help determine whether or not the eyes produce a sufficient amount of tears to maintain moistness. This test is useful if your pet has excessively watery or dry eyes. It should be used in the evaluation of conjunctivitis to diagnose tear deficiency as a contributing factor to ocular surface diseases including: Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), pigmentary keratitis, indolent corneal ulcers, exposure keratitis, and others. It can also be used to evaluate tear duct function before eye surgery.
Administration and dosage
The Schirmer Tear Test is comprised of a paper strip that is folded and hooked over the lower eyelid. Once in place, tears begin to “wick” up the filter paper. The distance, in millimeters, that the tears wick up the test strip in one minute, represents the millimeters of tear production.
STT Result | Interpretation | Follow up* |
---|---|---|
≥ 15 mm/minute | Normal | No clinical signs - Retest at next exam; Clinical signs - Further diagnostics |
> 10-14 mm/minute | Early or sub-clinical KCS | No clinical signs - Retest in 4 weeks; Clinical signs - Start Treatment; Exophthalmic breeds - Start Treatment; Decreasing tear production has been documented - Start Treatment |
6-10 mm/minute | Mild to moderate KCS | Start treatment |
≤ 5 mm/minute | Severe KCS | Start treatment |
*The above graphic illustration is a general guide to Schirmer Tear Test interpretations and suggested follow-ups. It is recommended veterinarians make their own assessment for each individual case.