SCHIRMER TEAR TEST

The Schirmer tear test determines whether the eye is producing enough tears to keep it moist. This test is carried out when a person has very dry eyes or excessive tearing. There is no risk involved whatsoever for the patient. A normal test result (negative result ) is usually a length of more than 15 mm of dampness on a filter paper in a space of 5 minutes. Both eyes normally secrete the same quantity of tears. The test is named after the ophthalmologist Otto Schirmer who came up with the idea for it.