What is the primary purpose of the Schirmer test?

The primary purpose of the Schirmer test is to assess tear production, which is vital for diagnosing various ocular conditions associated with dryness. This test quantifies the amount of tears produced by the lacrimal glands over a set period. It typically involves placing a small strip of filter paper in the lower conjunctival sac, where the wetting of the paper is measured after five minutes.

This evaluation is particularly important in conditions like dry eye syndrome, where there is insufficient tear production to maintain a healthy ocular surface. Adequate tear production is crucial for proper eye function, comfort, and protection against environmental factors, and identifying issues in this area helps guide appropriate treatment options.

The other options, while relevant to different aspects of ophthalmic care, do not relate to the Schirmer test's primary purpose. Measuring eye pressure is typically done with techniques such as tonometry, testing for color vision involves different assessments like the Ishihara plates, and evaluating corneal sensitivity is commonly done with a cotton wisp or esthesiometer. Each of these diagnostic tests serves its specific function but does not pertain to measuring tear production as the Schirmer test does.