Which Schirmer test is performed with an anesthetic?

Which Schirmer test is performed with an anesthetic?

• A. Schirmer 1
• B. Schirmer 2
• C. Both
• D. None

Answer: (B)

The test done with an anesthetic is the one that isolates basal tear production by blocking reflex tearing. Applying a topical anesthetic to the cornea prevents sensory input that normally triggers tearing, so the resulting Schirmer test measures the eye’s basal tear secretion rather than tears produced reflexively. That’s Schirmer II. Without anesthetic, tearing includes both basal and reflex components, which is Schirmer I. This distinction helps differentiate aspects of tear production relevant to dry eye assessment.

The test done with an anesthetic is the one that isolates basal tear production by blocking reflex tearing. Applying a topical anesthetic to the cornea prevents sensory input that normally triggers tearing, so the resulting Schirmer test measures the eye’s basal tear secretion rather than tears produced reflexively. That’s Schirmer II. Without anesthetic, tearing includes both basal and reflex components, which is Schirmer I. This distinction helps differentiate aspects of tear production relevant to dry eye assessment.