Schirmer's test: its normal values and clinical significance

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology and Neurology

Background:

• Lacrimal secretion assessment is crucial for diagnosing facial nerve disorders.
• Facial nerve palsy can impact lacrimal function through parasympathetic pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate lacrimal secretion changes in various types of facial nerve palsy.
• To determine the diagnostic and prognostic value of lacrimation tests in facial nerve disorders.

Main Methods:

• Schirmer's method was used to measure lacrimal secretion in 99 healthy individuals and patients with facial palsy.
• Patients included those with geniculate ganglionectomy, traumatic, idiopathic, and herpetic facial palsy.

Main Results:

• A significant bilateral reduction in lacrimation indicated parasympathetic pathway interruption.
• Abnormal lacrimation was observed in 93% of traumatic, 53% of idiopathic, and 60% of herpetic facial palsies.

Conclusions:

• Reduced lacrimal secretion is a valuable indicator of facial nerve palsy.
• Lacrimation testing offers both topographic and prognostic insights into facial nerve dysfunction.