Dry Eye Symptom Self-Assessment

Dry eye disease isn’t one condition — it’s a category that covers at least six distinct underlying patterns, each with different treatments. Most people who use artificial tears for years without lasting relief have a specific pattern that was never properly identified.

If you’d prefer to read about the full range of dry eye symptoms first, see our comprehensive dry eye symptoms guide.

This 8-question self-assessment is based on clinical pattern questions from the TFOS DEWS II Diagnostic Methodology Report. It won’t diagnose you — only a comprehensive evaluation can do that. But it will show you which underlying patterns most closely match your symptoms, and which information on this site is most relevant to your situation.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Y. Shira Kresch, OD MS · Last reviewed: May 26, 2026

This is informational, not diagnostic. Only a comprehensive in-person evaluation — with slit lamp examination, meibography, tear film analysis, and Schirmer/TBUT testing — can identify which dry eye condition you actually have. This quiz helps you understand which patterns are most consistent with your symptoms and which pages on this site are most relevant to your situation.

Question 1 of 8

How long have you had dry eye symptoms?

Pick the one that best matches.

Less than 3 months 3–12 months 1–3 years More than 3 years

Question 2 of 8

Which symptoms do you experience? (check all that apply)

Multi-select. Pick everything you've noticed regularly.

Burning or stinging sensation Gritty or sandy feeling — like something is in my eye Blurred vision that improves when I blink Eye fatigue that gets worse with screen use Persistent redness or bloodshot appearance Sensitivity to bright light Watery or reflex tearing (paradoxical — eyes overflow but feel dry) Eyelid crusting or sticky lashes on waking

Question 3 of 8

When are your symptoms worst? (check all that apply)

Multi-select.

At the end of a workday or after long screen sessions First thing in the morning, on waking In windy or dry weather In air conditioning or forced-air heating After reading or focused near-work Around pets, dust, or in dusty environments Constant — symptoms don't vary much by situation

Question 4 of 8

Have you had any of these procedures or conditions? (check all that apply)

Multi-select. Select all that have applied to you.

LASIK, PRK, or other refractive eye surgery Cataract surgery Sjögren's syndrome, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis Thyroid disease (Graves', Hashimoto's, or thyroid eye disease) Rosacea or chronic facial flushing/redness None of these

Question 5 of 8

How does artificial tear relief work for you?

Pick the one that best matches your experience.

Drops provide relief for several hours Drops help for about an hour, then symptoms return Drops help for 15 minutes or less Drops don't really help at all anymore

Question 6 of 8

Do you notice any of these eyelid signs? (check all that apply)

Multi-select. These are signs you can see in a mirror.

Crusty cylindrical deposits at the base of my lashes, especially on waking Lash loss, thinning lashes, or misdirected lashes Red or inflamed eyelid margins (where the lashes meet the skin) Recurrent styes, chalazia, or eyelid bumps Itchy eyelids, especially in the morning None of these

Question 7 of 8

Are you a contact lens wearer?

Pick the one that best applies.

Yes, and my lenses are comfortable Yes, but they're uncomfortable by mid-afternoon I gave up on contacts because of discomfort No, I've never worn contacts (or not currently)

Question 8 of 8

How much daily screen time do you average?

Including work and personal use of laptops, phones, and tablets.

Less than 2 hours per day 2–6 hours per day 6–10 hours per day More than 10 hours per day

Your Symptom Patterns

Based on your answers, here are the underlying patterns most consistent with your symptoms — and the pages on this site that explain each one in depth.

The next step

Self-assessment is the start, not the answer. A comprehensive dry eye evaluation is the only way to confirm what's actually driving your symptoms — and which treatments will give you durable relief. Most patients book an evaluation as their first appointment.

Call 1-800-DRY-EYES Schedule a Consultation

Methodology & References

The pattern questions used in this self-assessment are derived from the clinical diagnostic literature on dry eye disease, particularly the diagnostic decision framework published by the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) in DEWS II. This is not the OSDI questionnaire or any other validated clinical instrument — it is a routing tool designed to help you understand which information on this site is most relevant to your symptoms.

Wolffsohn JS, Arita R, Chalmers R, et al. TFOS DEWS II Diagnostic Methodology Report. Ocul Surf. 2017;15(3):539-574. doi:10.1016/j.jtos.2017.05.001
Craig JP, Nichols KK, Akpek EK, et al. TFOS DEWS II Definition and Classification Report. Ocul Surf. 2017;15(3):276-283. doi:10.1016/j.jtos.2017.05.008
Bron AJ, de Paiva CS, Chauhan SK, et al. TFOS DEWS II Pathophysiology Report. Ocul Surf. 2017;15(3):438-510. doi:10.1016/j.jtos.2017.05.011
Trattler W, Karpecki P, Rapoport Y, et al. The prevalence of Demodex blepharitis in US eye care clinic patients as determined by collarettes: a pathognomonic sign. Clin Ophthalmol. 2022;16:1153-1164. doi:10.2147/OPTH.S354692

This self-assessment reflects current evidence-based practice as of May 2026. It is informational only. Only a comprehensive evaluation can identify which dry eye condition you actually have.