LASIK: What is a Schirmer's test?

A Schirmer’s test is used to measure the amount of tears your eyes produce. It involves placing a small strip of filter paper against the lower part of your eye, between your eyeball and your eyelid, and waiting five minutes with the eyes gently closed. The paper is then measured to see how “wet” it got. The test is usually done after numbing the eyes with eyedrops (but can be done without). Numbing the eyes will eliminate the “reflex” tearing you get when someone sticks a piece of paper in your eye! Results are measured in millimeters. A normal Schirmer’s test is 8-10mm or more.

Schimer's test is done only when the patient complains about the dry eyes. It can also be done where knowing the rate of tear production is one of the test. It is done during the Pre-Lasik work-up too mandatory vise. A bloating paper is placed below eyelid and the tear production rate is found out. The heavier the production of the tear the farther and faster the tear will travel on the blotting paper