Artificial eyes and tear measurements

Ninety-four consecutive persons with unilateral enucleations or eviscerations were tested by the Schirmer I and Schirmer II tests for tear production. The findings on the artificial eye were compared with those on the companion, living (control) eye. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis. The control eyes were shown to respond in the normal manner, more tears without topical anesthetic than with it. The sockets of artificial eyes produced no more tears without anesthetic than with it. The control eyes produced a normal amount of reflex tears, whereas the sockets of many artificial eyes produced practically no reflex tears. Tear production in persons with no complaints was compared to those with noteworthy problems. Persons with problems had only half as much basic tear secretion as those without problems. Elimination of the stimulus to reflex tear production by removal of the cornea and by the presence of the prosthesis is suggested as the cause of dryness of the eye socket. The potential value of aqueous or oily artificial lubricants is mentioned.