At Réspa – Optometry & Dry Eye Wellness Centre, the Schirmer assessment is one of the key tools used to understand how effectively your eyes produce tears. This simple, well-established test helps us evaluate whether eye discomfort may be associated with reduced tear volume — an important factor in certain dry eye profiles.

What the Schirmer Assessment Evaluates

The assessment measures natural tear production using a small, soft strip of medical-grade paper. As tears are absorbed along the strip, the length of moisture is measured, providing an indication of tear volume over a fixed period of time.

How the Test Works

• A thin paper strip is gently placed inside the lower eyelid of each eye

• You will be asked to relax with your eyes gently closed or blinking normally for approximately five minutes

• The strips are then removed, and the moistened length is measured in millimetres

• The results help indicate whether tear production appears adequate or reduced

  The procedure is brief and generally well tolerated.

  

Types of Schirmer Testing

To gain a clearer understanding of tear function, the assessment may be performed in one of two ways:

• Without anaesthetic (Standard Schirmer I)
  Evaluates overall tear production, including both baseline and reflex tearing.
• With anaesthetic
  Assesses baseline tear production alone, reducing the influence of reflex tearing.

Understanding the Results

While results can vary depending on individual factors such as age and ocular history, measurements are commonly interpreted within the following ranges:

• 0–5 mm: Significantly reduced tear production

• 5–10 mm: Moderately reduced tear production

• 10–15 mm: Mild reduction or borderline findings

• Above 15 mm: Tear production generally within normal range

Your optometrist will interpret these findings in context with other assessment results.

Why This Matters for Your Care at Réspa

Understanding your natural tear production helps us build a clearer picture of your overall tear film function. Schirmer assessment results allow our optometrists to:

• Better understand your dry eye profile

• Guide personalised management and eye wellness recommendations

• Determine whether tear volume may be contributing to your symptoms

• Monitor changes over time as part of ongoing care

This quick and informative assessment forms an important part of Réspa’s comprehensive, optometrist-led dry eye evaluation — supporting personalised comfort, clarity, and long-term ocular wellness.