What does a Schirmer 1 test measure?

The Schirmer 1 test is specifically designed to measure tear production in an unanesthetized eye, which allows for the assessment of the natural tear secretion capacity of the eye without the interference of anesthesia. During the test, a small strip of filter paper is inserted into the lower eyelid, and the amount of moisture that seeps into the paper over a certain period of time is measured. This method is crucial for evaluating patients who may have dry eye syndrome or other conditions that affect tear production.

While other tests may assess different parameters such as corneal sensitivity or contact lens tolerance, they do not directly measure tear production in a natural state, which is the primary purpose of the Schirmer 1 test. Thus, understanding that it evaluates tear production in the absence of anesthesia is key to recognizing its role in diagnosing various ocular conditions.