What does the Schirmer tear test assess?

The Schirmer tear test is a diagnostic procedure designed to measure tear production in the eyes, specifically assessing both baseline and reflex tear production. This is crucial in understanding the functioning of the lacrimal (tear) glands and determining if a patient is suffering from conditions like dry eye syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

During the test, a strip of filter paper is placed between the lower eyelid and the cornea for a specific duration, after which the amount of wetting on the strip is measured in millimeters. If the tear production is inadequate, it can lead to discomfort and other ocular surface disorders. The test thus provides valuable information for diagnosing and managing various ocular diseases related to tear film insufficiently, emphasizing its significance in veterinary ophthalmology.

The other options assess different ocular components unrelated to tear production: corneal epithelium quality relates to the health of the surface of the eye, intraocular pressure measures fluid pressure within the eye, and corneal clarity refers to the transparency of the cornea. Each of these represents distinct aspects of ocular health that are not directly related to tear production assessment.