To detect the effect of desmopressin on aqueous secretion of the lacrimal glands.

Sixteen male and sixteen female subjects with no systemic or ocular disease and no current or prior use of systemic or topical medications within 30 days were included into the study. We performed Schirmer test without topical anesthesia to right eyes and Schirmer test with topical anesthesia to left eyes of the subjects. We administered 20 µg desmopressin intranasally after 5 hour rest and performed Schirmer test without topical anesthesia to right eye and Schirmer test with topical anesthesia to left eye again at the end of first hour. Same procedures repeated for three consecutive days and the mean values of pre-desmopressin and post-desmopressin Schirmer test results were compared.

Right eyes pre-desmopressin Schirmer test results ranged between 5-47 mm (mean 18.2 mm) and post-desmopressin results ranged between 2-37 mm (mean 13.7 mm). Left eyes pre-desmopressin Schirmer test results ranged between 3-29 mm (mean 12.7 mm) and post-desmopressin results ranged between 1-30 mm (mean 11.2 mm). Right eyes postdesmopressin Schirmer test results were significantly decreased compared with pre-desmopressin Schirmer test results (-24.7%, p: 0.001). There was no significant difference between left eyes post-desmopressin Schirmer test results and pre-desmopressin Schirmer test results (-11.8%, p: 0.112).

Desmopressin reduced the reflex lacrimal aqueous secretion.