[Analysis of the diagnostic efficiency of the Schirmer test versus the lacrimal meniscus biometric technique in impaired tear production].

The paper analyzes the diagnostic capacities of two studies (the routine Schirmer test and lacrimal meniscus biometry). It indicates the basic limitations of the Schirmer test and describes a procedure for lacrimal meniscus biometry. Based on the results of studying the lacrimal meniscus in healthy individuals from a control group, the authors revealed a relationship of the height of the lacrimal meniscus to the area and horizontal size of the palpebral fissure. Comparison of the results of studies of basal lacrimal secretion in the presence of dry keratoconjunctivitis and dry eye syndrome in the study patients with hypolacrimation defined the latter as mild, moderate, and severe. There was discordance between the values in 33.85% of cases. The Schirmer test has not shown to be the method of choice in examining basal lacrimal production; erroneous results may be obtained in a third of patients. Lacrimal meniscus biometry makes it possible to identify the degree of significant hypolacrimation more exactly and to minimize the indices of preserved basal secretion.