Comprehensive Ophthalmology · Washington, DC Metro Area Board-Certified · Fellowship-Trained Specialists
Dry Eye Symptom Assessment
Complete the clinically validated OSDI questionnaire used by eye doctors worldwide and discover your dry eye pattern in about 3 minutes.
4.7 Stars · 862 Reviews Fellowship-Trained Specialists Washington, DC Metro Area
Important Disclaimer: This assessment is a screening tool only — it is not a medical diagnosis. Results are for informational purposes and cannot replace a comprehensive eye examination. Please consult our doctors for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
OSDI-Based Assessment: This quiz uses the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), a 12-item validated questionnaire developed by Schiffman et al. (2000) and endorsed by the TFOS DEWS II International Task Force and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. It is not a medical diagnosis professional evaluation is required for diagnosis and treatment.
Privacy: No personal data is transmitted or stored. All responses are processed entirely in your browser and are never sent to any server. This tool does not collect, store, or share any identifiable health information.
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Clinically Validated Screening Tool
Assess Your Dry Eye Symptoms
The OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index) is the gold-standard questionnaire used by ophthalmologists and optometrists to assess dry eye severity. Answer 12 questions to receive your score and personalized treatment guidance.
12 OSDI Questions ~3 Minutes Clinically Validated No Account Required
About the OSDI: The Ocular Surface Disease Index was validated in a US clinical population (Schiffman et al., 2000, Archives of Ophthalmology) and is the primary symptom screening tool recommended by TFOS DEWS II (2017) and the AAO Preferred Practice Pattern for Dry Eye (2023). Scores range from 0–100. A score ≥13 may suggest dry eye symptoms warranting professional evaluation (Miller et al., 2010).
What You'll Receive
Your OSDI score with severity band — Normal, Mild, Moderate, or Severe based on validated US clinical thresholds.
Pattern analysis across 4 dry eye subtypes: evaporative, inflammatory, aqueous deficiency, and environmental.
Treatment guidance tailored to your score from at-home care to IPL therapy and prescription options.
Specialist bios for Dr. Summerfield and Dr. Chu, our board-certified specialists serving the Washington, DC metro area.
Section A — Ocular Symptoms
Questions 1–3 of 12 · How often did you experience these symptoms in the past week?
1
Eyes that are sensitive to light?
Think about the past week. Select how often this occurred.
OSDI subscale: Ocular Symptoms. Light sensitivity (photophobia) is a validated OSDI indicator associated with tear film instability and ocular surface inflammation.
Section A — Ocular Symptoms
Questions 1–3 of 12 · How often in the past week?
2
Eyes that feel gritty?
A sandy or gritty sensation is one of the most common dry eye symptoms.
OSDI subscale: Ocular Symptoms. Gritty sensation (foreign body sensation) is strongly associated with evaporative dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Section A — Ocular Symptoms
Questions 1–3 of 12 · How often in the past week?
3
Painful or sore eyes?
Include any burning, stinging, or aching discomfort in or around your eyes.
OSDI subscale: Ocular Symptoms. Burning and pain suggest inflammation of the ocular surface — a key driver of the dry eye cycle identified in TFOS DEWS II (2017).
Section B — Vision-Related Function
Questions 4–9 of 12 · Did problems with your eyes limit you doing these activities in the past week?
Note: If an activity does not apply to you (e.g., you don't drive), select "N/A – does not apply to me."
4
Reading?
Did dry eye symptoms limit your ability to read books, documents, or other printed material?
OSDI subscale: Vision-Related Function. Reading reduces blink rate by up to 66%, accelerating tear evaporation.
Section B — Vision-Related Function
Questions 4–9 of 12
5
Driving at night?
Did dry eye symptoms make it difficult or uncomfortable to drive, especially after dark?
OSDI subscale: Vision-Related Function. Night driving difficulty reflects tear film instability.
Section B — Vision-Related Function
Questions 4–9 of 12
6
Working with a computer or bank machine?
Include laptops, tablets, phones, and other screens.
OSDI subscale: Vision-Related Function. Screen use >4 hours/day has an OR of 1.83 for dry eye.
Section B — Vision-Related Function
Questions 4–9 of 12
7
Watching TV?
Did dry eye symptoms make watching television uncomfortable or difficult to sustain?
Did wind or strong air movement make your eyes uncomfortable, teary, or irritated?
OSDI subscale: Environmental Triggers. Wind significantly increases evaporative stress on the tear film.
Section C — Environmental Triggers
Questions 10–12 of 12 · Final question!
12
Areas with low humidity (very dry conditions)?
Did dry environments — like heated rooms in winter, airplanes, or desert climates — worsen your eye symptoms?
OSDI subscale: Environmental Triggers. Low-humidity environments reduce the ambient water vapor that helps maintain the tear film.
Your OSDI Assessment Results
Based on your 12 responses, here is your validated dry eye symptom score and personalized guidance.
Important: This screening tool is not a medical diagnosis. The OSDI questionnaire provides an indication of symptom severity only. Only a qualified eye care professional can diagnose dry eye disease following a comprehensive clinical examination.
Note on digital administration: This digital version of the OSDI has not been independently validated for score equivalence with the paper questionnaire in a US population. Use these results as a starting point for discussion with your eye doctor, not as a standalone clinical decision.
Clinical Flag: Possible Aqueous Deficiency — Consider Sjögren's Screening
Your OSDI score is in the Severe range with strong aqueous deficiency signals. We recommend discussing anti-SSA/SSB antibody testing with your eye care provider or rheumatologist.
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Pattern Analysis
Your Dry Eye Signature
OSDI subscale signals mapped across four dry eye phenotypes. Click any card to see clinical context.
Educational only — This pattern mapping is interpretive, not a validated subtype diagnosis. Clinical confirmation via TBUT, meibography, and osmolarity testing is required.
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Evaporative (Meibomian Gland)
Lipid layer instability
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Inflammatory Component
Ocular surface cascade
Evaporative Dry Eye — MGD
The most prevalent dry eye subtype (up to 86% of cases). Meibomian gland blockage reduces lipid layer thickness. IPL therapy directly addresses this root cause.
Signals from your responses
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Aqueous Deficiency
Lacrimal gland output
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Environmental Sensitivity
Trigger-driven burden
Inflammatory Component
Ocular surface inflammation as both cause and consequence — a self-perpetuating cycle. Prescription anti-inflammatory drops and IPL can interrupt this cycle.
Signals from your responses
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Aqueous Deficiency
Occurs when lacrimal glands produce insufficient tear volume. ~10% with significant aqueous deficiency have Sjögren's syndrome.
Signals from your responses
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Environmental Sensitivity
OSDI Section C triggers — air conditioning, wind, low humidity — accelerate tear evaporation. Responds well to humidity control and screen-time adjustments.
Signals from your responses
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Treatment Plan
Your Personalized Roadmap
DEWS II stepwise approach aligned with AAO PPP 2023. Click any tier to expand treatment details.
Foundational Care
Recommended
Daily eyelid care and environmental adjustments — the essential base of DEWS II Step 1 management.
LifestyleWarm CompressesOTC Tears
Preservative-Free Artificial Tears
For use >4×/day, preservative-free formulas prevent surface inflammation. Hyaluronic acid–based drops provide longer-lasting lubrication.
Warm Compress + Lid Hygiene (10 min daily)
Sustained heat softens meibum blockages. Follow with hypochlorous acid lid scrub to remove biofilm and bacterial debris.
Environmental Control
Maintain 40–60% indoor humidity. Position screens at or below eye level. Position screens at or below eye level to reduce strain.
Clinical Intervention
Recommended
In-office procedures to clear meibomian gland blockages, reduce inflammation, and address root causes directly.
IPL TherapyRx Drops
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) Therapy
Targets abnormal lid margin blood vessels driving inflammation. Typically 4 sessions, 2–4 weeks apart.
Anti-Inflammatory Prescription Drops
Cyclosporine (Restasis®, Vevye® 0.1%), lifitegrast (Xiidra®), or short-course loteprednol (EYSUVIS®).
Advanced Options
If needed
DEWS II Step 3–4 tear conservation and regenerative biologics — indicated when foundational and clinical tiers provide insufficient relief.
Punctal PlugsScleral LensesSerum TearsProkera®
Punctal Plugs
Biocompatible devices placed in tear drainage puncta to conserve tear volume.
Scleral Contact Lenses
Large-diameter gas-permeable lenses maintaining a constant fluid reservoir over the cornea.
Chronic Dry EyeLong-term management for patients with persistent, refractory symptoms.
Ocular Surface DiseaseComplex ocular surface conditions including MGD, blepharitis, and conjunctival disease.
Meet Our Dry Eye Specialist
Our fellowship-trained physician are certified in advanced dry eye diagnostics and treatment, including advanced dry eye diagnostics and thermal management.
Our eye doctors will confirm your dry eye pattern using tear break-up time testing, meibography, and ocular surface staining — then create a personalized treatment roadmap.
Washington Eye Institute combines cutting-edge diagnostics with a patient-first philosophy.
Individualized Care
Every treatment plan is tailored to the patient — our team takes time to hear concerns and openly discusses all available options.
State-of-the-Art Technology
Advanced diagnostic imaging and the latest surgical technology for precise, effective outcomes.
Clinical Trials & Research
Active participation in clinical trials and breakthrough treatments keeps our practice at the forefront of eye care.
Hospital Affiliations
Our surgeons serve on staff at major hospitals across Washington and Maryland for comprehensive surgical care.
Patient Convenience
Online bill pay, appointment requests, and a patient referral system — managing your care has never been easier.
Transparent Communication
We openly discuss all treatment options so patients can make confident, informed decisions about their eye health.
Clinical Disclaimer
This digital assessment uses the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), a validated 12-item questionnaire (Schiffman et al., 2000). This quiz is not a medical diagnosis. A score of ≥13 may suggest dry eye symptoms requiring professional evaluation. Washington Eye Institute — Washington, DC Metro Area.
