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 LipiFlow® and prescription options.
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 LipiView®, 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. LipiFlow® and IPL directly address 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 the 20-20-20 screen rule.
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 Tears20-20-20 Rule
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. Use the 20-20-20 rule during sustained screen work.
Clinical Intervention
Recommended
In-office procedures to clear meibomian gland blockages, reduce inflammation, and address root causes directly.
Expand each section to learn about specific approaches aligned with your pattern and OSDI score.
Additional Options
— Consider if initial treatments are insufficient
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. your eye care provider | 2046 West Main Street, Suite 2, 06906 | (203) 635-2097
Dry Eye Symptom Quiz (OSDI)
This free dry eye quiz uses the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), a clinically validated questionnaire trusted by eye doctors worldwide. In about 3 minutes, you can screen for dry eye symptoms and get a better understanding of how they may be affecting your daily life.
Understanding Dry Eye Disease and the OSDI
Dry eye disease happens when your eyes do not make enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. It is one of the most common reasons people visit an eye doctor. The OSDI questionnaire was developed by Schiffman et al. in 2000 and is recommended by the TFOS DEWS II international task force as a primary screening tool. It measures how often you experience symptoms and how much they get in the way of everyday activities like reading, driving, and using a computer.
Common Dry Eye Symptoms This Quiz Screens For
The OSDI dry eye self-assessment asks about symptoms such as light sensitivity, gritty or sandy sensations, eye pain, and blurred vision. It also screens for discomfort triggered by wind, air conditioning, and low humidity. Many people with dry eye notice that reading, screen use, or driving becomes harder over time. If any of these sound familiar, this dry eye symptoms test can help you put a number on what you are feeling.
What Your Dry Eye Quiz Results Mean
After you complete the quiz, you will receive an OSDI score from 0 to 100. Scores of 0 to 12 fall in the normal range. Scores of 13 to 22 suggest mild dry eye, 23 to 32 suggest moderate dry eye, and 33 or above suggest severe dry eye symptoms. Keep in mind that this ocular surface disease index quiz is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Bring your results to your next eye exam so your eye care provider can combine them with clinical tests for a complete picture.
Who Should Take This Dry Eye Quiz?
Anyone who experiences frequent eye dryness, irritation, or visual discomfort can benefit from this dry eye self-assessment. It is especially helpful for heavy screen users, contact lens wearers, and people over 50, since these groups often have a higher risk for dry eye. Scroll up to start the quiz and find out where your symptoms fall on the OSDI scale.