2019.10.20 01:35
2019.10.20 01:53
2019.10.20 02:02
A Schirmer's test has been used for around 100 years and measures tears, which keep the eye healthy and moist.
Image credit: Jmarchn, December 2014.
A Schirmer's test determines whether a person's eye produces enough tears to keep their eye moist and healthy. To conduct a Schirmer's test, a doctor places a piece of filter paper inside the lower eyelid of both eyes and the person closes their eyes.
After 5 minutes, the doctor removes the filter paper. The doctor then assesses how far the tears have travelled on the paper.
In general, the smaller the amount of moisture on the paper, the fewer tears that person has produced. The test is mainly performed on people experiencing symptoms of dry eye.
The test is noninvasive and has been used for around 100 years. Despite its long history of use, newer tests are being developed to catch additional cases of dry eye that the Schirmer's test cannot detect.
The Schirmer's test confirms and determines the severity of dry eye. Symptoms of dry eye include the following:
The Schirmer's test may also be used to help diagnose Sjögren's syndrome. This is an autoimmune disorder that causes decreased function in the eye and salivary glands, resulting in dry eyes and mouth.
In these cases, the Schirmer's test is often used in conjunction with other tests to determine if Sjögren's is present.
Anyone who suspects that they suffer from dry eye should see an eye doctor promptly. Additionally, anyone with any of the following symptoms should also consult an eye doctor:
A Schirmer's test may be used if someone is showing symptoms of dry eye such as sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and difficulty wearing contact lenses.
When any of these symptoms persist for longer than a week, a doctor may send the person to a specialist or do a Schirmer's test to determine whether dry eye is the cause of the symptoms.(from Internet)
Cequa (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution; Sun Pharma) 0.09% is now available for use in patients with
keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye disease.
Although a lot of people use artificial tear for dry eyes,
the true dry eye disease confirmed by Schirmer test is
uncommon, I believe.
I've seen only a few such patients who do suffer a great deal,
and hope this new drug works well for them as this article say.
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant most of us are familiar with.
It is interesting to note that they used a nanotechnology to deliver the drug.
One thing I'm afraid to ask is the price. bet it is expensive.