Abstract
IntroductionOral and ocular dryness are the most common symptoms reported during ophthalmological and dental examinations. It is becoming a serious and growing problem due to the huge variety of affecting factors and with population aging.ObjectivesThe purpose was to demonstrate an application of the Schirmer test for xerostomia. Subsequently, to compare and correlate the results achieved from the lacrimal Schirmer test and salivary Schirmer test in non-Sjögren patients.MethodsStudy group consisted of 642 patients with/without subjective or/and objective symptoms of dry eye or mouth who did not fulfill the criteria for diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome. The lacrimal Schirmer test (lST) and the salivary Schirmer tests (sST) were performed (sSTm was put on the floor of the mouth, sSTp in front of the parotid gland duct). The results were recorded after 1 min (sSTm), 3 min (sSTp), and 5 min (lST).ResultsThe lST and sST test scores were considerably higher in the healthy group than in others, p < 0.001. The results of sST1 and sST2 decreased with the appearance of subjective and objective symptoms, p < 0.001. There were positive correlations between lST and sSTm outcomes between the groups, p < 0.001.ConclusionsWe present the Schirmer test adapted to measure salivary gland hypofunction that is a time-saving tool in our daily practice. Results of this study reveal an excellent correlation between the eye Schirmer test and the salivary Schirmer tests.Clinical relevanceThe salivary Schirmer tests seem to be rapid, convenient, and reliable objective screening tools for salivary gland hypofunction in non-Sjögren patients.
Highlights
Oral and ocular dryness are the most common symptoms reported during ophthalmological and dental examinations
We present an application of the Schirmer test for salivary gland hypofunction, compare, and correlate results obtained
The demographic data including age, number of patients in each group, and results of the lacrimal Schirmer test and the salivary Schirmer tests are presented in Tables 1 and 2
Summary
Oral and ocular dryness are the most common symptoms reported during ophthalmological and dental examinations It is becoming a serious and growing problem due to the huge variety of affecting factors and with population aging. In 1903, Otto Schirmer devised a tear test using a Whatman (number 41) special filter paper strip of 35 length and 5 mm width [5] that was hooked over the margin of the lower lid (without previous administration of anesthetic) with closed eyes. It was maintained for 5 min to measure basal tear secretion [6]. According to the literature, wetting of less than 5 or 10 mm/5 min without anesthesia is indicative of aqueous tear deficiency and is a classification criterion for Sjögren syndrome [7, 8]
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