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Most surgeons say Schirmer testing to evaluate blepharoplasty should not be standard of care
Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. 2009;25(3):197-200.
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A survey of oculoplastic surgeons found that while most of those performing tear production tests use Schirmer testing with or without an anesthetic, 74% do not think that Schirmer testing should be the "medical standard of care in evaluating blepharoplasty patients."
"Current tear production tests are unreliable in detecting dry eye," study authors said. "The ideal approach to the evaluation of the blepharoplasty patient remains controversial."
The study was a literature review of tear production tests, followed by an anonymous survey sent to all members of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Of the 544 ophthalmic plastic surgeons queried, 263 responded.
The study found that all 263 physicians conducted a preoperative clinical history and examination to determine dry eye symptoms. Of those, 36% did not perform an additional tear production test, 33% performed a test if required, 29% performed a test with every patient and 1% used testing if more than one procedure was needed.