Schirmer's test. A closer look.
In 50 normal subjects, results of kinetics studies of Schirmer's test demonstrated nonlinear wetting with an initial rapid phase of wetting followed by a progressive reduction in rate. This initial rapid phase of wetting indicated a reflex secretion of tears. In the majority of subjects, topical anesthesia with 0.5% proparacaine hydrochloride dampened the initial reflex secretion but could not completely suppress it. The data indicated that Schirmer's test with anesthesia was not capable of measuring a basic tear secretion independent of reflex components.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011430:Propoxycaine / Q000494:pharmacology; D012018:Reflex; D013666:Tears / Q000378:metabolism*
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; C005717:proxymetacaine; D011430:Propoxycaine