For Schirmer 2 testing, a normal value in 5 minutes is greater than how many millimeters?

For Schirmer 2 testing, a normal value in 5 minutes is greater than how many millimeters?

• A. > 5 mm
• B. > 2 mm
• C. > 8 mm
• D. > 10 mm

Answer: (A)

Schirmer 2 testing isolates basal tear production by applying topical anesthesia to block reflex tearing. In healthy eyes, the strip should wet more than 5 millimeters in 5 minutes, so the normal threshold is greater than 5 mm. Values at or below 5 mm indicate reduced basal tear secretion and possible dry eye. This cutoff is lower than Schirmer I, which measures total tear production (basal plus reflex) and has a higher typical normal range, around 15 mm in 5 minutes.

Schirmer 2 testing isolates basal tear production by applying topical anesthesia to block reflex tearing. In healthy eyes, the strip should wet more than 5 millimeters in 5 minutes, so the normal threshold is greater than 5 mm. Values at or below 5 mm indicate reduced basal tear secretion and possible dry eye. This cutoff is lower than Schirmer I, which measures total tear production (basal plus reflex) and has a higher typical normal range, around 15 mm in 5 minutes.