The effect of unilateral corneal anesthesia on the Schirmer test.

Abstract

Unilateral corneal anesthesia (or hypesthesia) caused by trigeminal nerve disease has an unknown effect on the Schirmer test. Using topical anesthesia, we found that unilateral corneal anesthesia reduces tearing bilaterally, with a greater decrease on the anesthetized side. Clinicians should be aware that trigeminal nerve deficit may alter Schirmer test results, and use bilateral topical corneal anesthesia or alternative methods to stimulate tearing in these cases.

• Authors: G Crabtree, R A Dobie
• Journal: Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg) Vol. 100 Issue 6 Pg. 631-2 (Jun 1989) ISSN: 0194-5998 [Print] England
• PMID: 2501743 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Anesthesia, Local (adverse effects)
• Cornea (drug effects)
• Cranial Nerve Diseases (diagnosis, physiopathology)
• Facial Nerve Diseases (diagnosis, physiopathology)
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Tears (metabolism)
• Trigeminal Nerve (physiopathology)