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Schirmer Tear Test

A tear test to measure the rate of tear production

Species: Dog
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Schirmer Tear Test

A tear test to measure the rate of tear production

Species: Dog
Count:
FREE shipping over $99
Ships Free!
cached
Autoship available
during checkout
Product images:

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.

Prescribing information

picture_as_pdf Schirmer Tear Test