Schirmer test performed with open and closed eyes: variations in normal individuals.

PURPOSE: To analyze the difference between measurements of Schirmer test I (STI) and basal Schirmer test (STB) with open and closed eyes.

METHODS: Sixty eyes of 30 normal volunteers, 12 males and 18 females aged 28 +/- 9 years were recruited for the study. All ST were carried out in a closed environment with the absence of airflow (humidity 60 +/- 2.34% and temperature 20.72 +/- 1.52 degrees C). STI and STB were performed with the individuals' both eyes open and closed with an interval of 6 hours. All ST were conducted in 5 minutes. For statistical analysis, the ST strip's wetting velocity (STV) (in millimeters per minute) was calculated, dividing the ST values by its wetting time. If ST values were 35 mm before 5 minutes, wetting time was recorded to obtain STV.

RESULTS: STV measurements of STI performed with closed eyes (10.30 +/- 11.55) were statistically different from those performed with open eyes (18.85 +/- 17.88) and STV measurements of STB performed with closed eyes (3.74 +/- 3.14) were statistically different from those performed with open eyes (6.19 +/- 5.86).

CONCLUSION: ST performed with open or closed eyes can have an important influence in the results of STI and STB in normal individuals.