Refractive, Cataract & Comprehensive Eye Care · Reston & Leesburg, VA Board-Certified Ophthalmologists · Trusted Since 1999
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★ Google Rating Board-Certified Ophthalmologists Reston & Leesburg, VA
A Message from Dr. Callahan
Welcome, and thank you for taking a few minutes to check in on your eye comfort. Dry eye is one of the most common concerns we see in clinic, and it is also one of the most treatable once we understand the specific pattern behind it. This short assessment is built on the same questionnaire we use with patients here, and it is a useful first step toward a plan suited to your eyes. If your results point to something worth a closer look, I would be glad to see you for a full evaluation.
Claiborne M. Callahan, MDBoard-Certified Comprehensive Ophthalmologist
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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 eye care professionals 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 prescription drops and in-office tear-conservation options.
Care guidance from our board-certified eye doctors, serving Reston & Leesburg in Northern Virginia.
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.
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 with your eye doctor — including tear break-up time and ocular surface staining — is recommended.
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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. Warm-compress therapy, lid hygiene, and prescription drops target 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 (Restasis®, Xiidra®) 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 gentle eyelid cleansing to remove debris and bacteria.
Environmental Control
Maintain 40–60% indoor humidity. Position screens at or below eye level to reduce strain.
Clinical Intervention
Recommended
In-office evaluation and prescription therapy to calm inflammation and address the root causes of dry eye.
Dry Eye EvaluationRx Drops
Comprehensive Dry Eye Evaluation
In-office assessment — tear break-up time, ocular surface staining, and Schirmer testing — to confirm your dry eye pattern and guide treatment.
Anti-Inflammatory Prescription Drops
Cyclosporine (Restasis®) or lifitegrast (Xiidra®) to calm the ocular-surface inflammation that drives chronic dry eye.
Advanced Options
If needed
DEWS II Step 3–4 tear conservation and ocular-surface support — for when foundational and clinical care provide insufficient relief.
Punctal PlugsAmniotic Membrane (Prokera®)
Punctal Plugs
Tiny biocompatible inserts placed in the tear-drainage puncta to conserve your natural tears and keep the surface moist longer.
Amniotic Membrane (Prokera®)
A self-retained amniotic membrane that calms inflammation and supports healing of a damaged ocular surface.
Dry Eye Disease — Comprehensive Care
A dedicated team of board-certified ophthalmologists focused on diagnosing and treating all forms of dry eye disease.
Physician Expertise
Ophthalmology Ocular Surface Disease Board-Certified Top Doctor Recognized
Specialized Procedures & Techniques
Amniotic Membrane (Prokera®)
Punctal Plugs
Specialized Capabilities & Patient Types
Chronic Dry EyeLong-term management for patients with persistent, refractory symptoms.
Ocular Surface DiseaseComplex ocular surface conditions including MGD, blepharitis, and conjunctival disease.
Why NewView Eye Center?
Castle Connolly Top Doctor
Washingtonian & NoVA Top Ophthalmologist
4.7★ Google Rated
Reston & Leesburg Northern Virginia
Ready for a Comprehensive Dry Eye Evaluation?
Our eye doctors will confirm your dry eye pattern using tear break-up time testing and ocular surface staining — then create a personalized treatment roadmap.
