[1] A negative (more than 10 mm of moisture on the filter paper in 5 minutes) test result is normal.

Schirmer's test uses paper strips inserted into the eye for several minutes to measure the production of tears.

Most often, this test consists of placing a small strip of filter paper inside the lower eyelid (inferior fornix).

After five minutes, the patient is asked to open both eyes and look upward so the test strips may be removed.

Because hypolacrimation occurs with aging, 33% of normal elderly persons may wet only 10 mm in 5 minutes.