Dry Eye Questionnaire
Answer 12 quick questions about your symptoms to see how likely dry eye is and what to do next.
Dry eye disease is one of the most common reasons people visit an eye-care professional. It happens when the eyes do not make enough tears, or when tears evaporate too quickly because the oily layer produced by the eyelid glands (meibomian glands) is insufficient. Typical symptoms include burning, grittiness, a sandy feeling, redness, fluctuating blurred vision and, surprisingly, watery eyes. Screen work, air conditioning, contact lenses, ageing, hormonal changes and some medicines all make it more likely.
This questionnaire contains 12 original questions about how often you notice symptoms, how they affect activities such as reading, screen use and driving, and which situations make them worse, such as wind, air-conditioned offices or long screen sessions. It is written for this site and is not the OSDI or another clinical questionnaire. Based on your answers, you receive a score and an advice level, from self-care tips to a recommendation to see a professional.
A questionnaire measures symptoms, not the tear film itself. Several other conditions, including blepharitis, allergies and infections, produce similar complaints. Only an eye examination, with tests such as tear break-up time or staining of the eye's surface, can confirm dry eye and its type.
How to use
- Think about your eyes over the past week, not just today.
- Answer each of the 12 questions by choosing the option that best describes how often or how strongly you notice it.
- If you wear contact lenses, answer based on how your eyes usually feel during a normal day of wear.
- Do not skip questions; if one does not apply to you, choose the closest option.
- Read your score, advice level and the suggestions that follow.
- Repeat the questionnaire after a few weeks of changes, such as more breaks or artificial tears, to compare.
Reading your result
A low score means you report few symptoms; general eye-care habits are usually enough. A medium score suggests mild to moderate symptoms: regular screen breaks, conscious blinking, a humidifier, warm compresses and preservative-free artificial tears often help, and it is worth mentioning at your next eye check. A high score means your symptoms are frequent or are clearly affecting daily life; book an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist to find the cause and discuss treatment.
Regardless of your score, see a doctor promptly for severe pain, light sensitivity, a sudden drop in vision, pus-like discharge, or symptoms in one eye only, particularly if you wear contact lenses.
Caution: This questionnaire is a symptom check, not a diagnosis. A painful red eye, especially in contact lens wearers, marked light sensitivity or reduced vision needs urgent assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my eyes water if they are dry?
Irritation of a dry surface triggers reflex tearing. These reflex tears are mostly water and do not stay on the eye long enough to protect it, so watering and dryness often go together.
Do eye exercises help dry eye?
Blinking exercises and regular screen breaks can improve comfort, because we blink much less while concentrating on screens. They complement, but do not replace, treatment from an eye professional.
Is this the same as the OSDI?
No. It is an original questionnaire created for this site. Clinicians may use validated questionnaires such as the OSDI along with an eye examination.
Which artificial tears should I choose?
Preservative-free drops are generally preferred for frequent use. A pharmacist or eye-care professional can recommend a type that suits your symptoms.