Schirmer 2 testing is performed with anesthetic and measures what tearing?

Schirmer 2 testing is performed with anesthetic and measures what tearing?

• A. Emotional tearing
• B. Basal tearing
• C. Reflex tearing
• D. Total tear volume

Answer: (B)

Schirmer II tests isolate reflex tearing. When a topical anesthetic is used, corneal sensation is blocked, which suppresses basal tear production. The tear output that is measured then comes from reflex tearing triggered by nasal stimulation. So this test specifically assesses the lacrimal gland’s ability to produce tears in response to a stimulus, rather than the constant, baseline lubrication (basal tearing) that occurs without such stimulation. Basal tearing is what you’d think of as the eye’s steady, everyday moisture, while reflex tearing is the response to irritation or stimulation. Total tear volume would include both components and isn’t isolated by this test.

Schirmer II tests isolate reflex tearing. When a topical anesthetic is used, corneal sensation is blocked, which suppresses basal tear production. The tear output that is measured then comes from reflex tearing triggered by nasal stimulation. So this test specifically assesses the lacrimal gland’s ability to produce tears in response to a stimulus, rather than the constant, baseline lubrication (basal tearing) that occurs without such stimulation. Basal tearing is what you’d think of as the eye’s steady, everyday moisture, while reflex tearing is the response to irritation or stimulation. Total tear volume would include both components and isn’t isolated by this test.