Schirmer Test, Sterile Strips for Tear Production Measurement, No Color Indicator, 100 Pieces

Schirmer tear test strips are graduated ophthalmic test strips designed for the quantitative measurement of tear production. The strips are made from Whatman number 41 filter paper, feature millimeter graduations and are individually sterile packaged. The test strip has a white surface with black graduations and does not contain a color indicator.

The Schirmer strips are intended for ophthalmic testing and can be used to determine total tear production or basal tear secretion, depending on the testing method. After the standardized 5 minute testing period, the length of the moistened area on the graduated strip is measured to determine the tear production value.

Features
• Made from Whatman number 41 filter paper
• Millimeter graduated scale
• Individually sterile packaged
• Test strip without color indicator
• White strip with black graduations
• Rounded end for placement in the conjunctival sac
• Zero graduation for folding and positioning

Applications
Schirmer tear test strips are used in ophthalmology for the quantitative assessment of tear secretion. Depending on the testing procedure, the strips are used for:
• Measurement of total tear production, including basal and reflex secretion, using Schirmer I without topical anesthesia.
• Measurement of basal tear secretion using Schirmer II with topical anesthesia of the conjunctival sac.
• Measurement of the length of the wetted area formed on the strip during the standardized testing period.

Instructions for Use
• For Schirmer I, used to measure total tear secretion without anesthesia, do not apply topical medication or perform procedures on the eye before the test.
• For Schirmer II, used to measure basal tear secretion with anesthesia, instill local anesthetic twice and wait 2 to 3 minutes. With the eye closed, clean the eyelid margin and adjacent skin, particularly the temporal area where the strip will be positioned.
• Position the patient in the examination chair with the head supported against the backrest and reduce the intensity of the lighting.
• Fold the packet along the zero graduation line marked on the Schirmer strip.
• Separate the two parts of the packet to release the test strip, with the rounded end folded at the zero graduation.
• With the patient looking upward, gently retract the lower eyelid and place the folded rounded end of the strip into the conjunctival sac toward the outer corner of the eye, with the graduations facing upward.
• Keep the eye closed during the testing period.
• After 5 minutes, remove the strip and measure the length of the wetted area.

Result Interpretation
For Schirmer I, the indicated values are:
• 15 to 25 mm: normal total secretion
• 10 to 15 mm: incipient condition
• 6 to 10 mm: intermediate condition
• 2 to 5 mm: severe condition
• Below 2 mm: almost complete dryness
For Schirmer II, the indicated values are:
• 15 mm: normal secretion
• 10 to 15 mm: mild condition
• 6 to 10 mm: moderate condition
• 1 to 5 mm: severe condition
• Below 2 mm: almost complete dryness

Safety Instructions
• For external use only.

The Schirmer test strip is intended for use in ophthalmic examinations for the quantitative assessment of tear secretion.