Do I Have Dry Eye Disease?

Common symptoms of dry eye disease

If you have the following symptoms, you could have dry eye disease (DED):

Eye irritation and discomfort^1a,b
A scratchy or ‘gritty’ feeling in the eyes^2a
Itching and redness^1a,b
Sensitivity to light^1a,b
Blurred vision^1a,b
Mucus discharge^1a,b
Watering eyes (especially when exposed to wind)^2a

You may experience DED symptoms occasionally or often,^1b and they may get worse throughout the day.^2a

Is dry eye disease a serious condition?

DED ranges from mild to severe.^3a Your ophthalmologist (eye doctor) will ask you about your symptoms, how often they occur and how badly they affect you, to help determine how serious your DED is.^3a

Your ophthalmologist will also run some tests to determine the severity of your DED.^4a These include:

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Slit lamp test:^4b A microscope called a slit lamp is used to check if your eyes are producing enough tears. Your ophthalmologist will put drops into your eyes to make your tears easier to see, and then shine a light into your eyes to examine them.

Schirmer's test:^4c This is another test to check whether your eyes are making enough tears. Your ophthalmologist will give you drops to numb your eyes, and then place a small piece of paper at the edge of each eyelid, while you keep your eyes closed for 5 minutes. After this, your doctor will check how moist the paper has become.

Tear break-up time (TBUT) test:^4d Measures how long the protective layer of tears over your eyes (tear film) lasts after you blink. Your ophthalmologist will drop a small amount of dye into your eyes. Once each eye is fully covered with the dye, you’ll need to stare straight ahead without blinking, so your doctor can see how long your tear film takes to evaporate.

If DED isn’t treated, your symptoms will become more persistent^1b and may get worse over time.^5aIf you’re experiencing dry, red and itchy eyes regularly, you should make an appointment for a check-up with an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

Tips and Resources for Dry Eye Disease

Treating and Managing Dry Eye Disease