Symptoms of ocular irritation in patients diagnosed with dry eye

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a pilot survey to evaluat e ocular irritation symptom frequency, severity, and impact on daily activi ty in patients previously diagnosed with dry eye. Methods: Forty-five patie nts previously diagnosed with dry eye (ICD-9 code 375.15) completed the 17- item symptom survey. Analog-scale response questions concerning the frequen cy, severity, and effect on daily activity were asked for the following sym ptoms: dryness, scratchiness and soreness, burning and stinging, light sens itivity, blurry vision, and ocular itching. Results: Dryness and soreness w ere the most frequently reported symptoms of ocular irritation. Although th e occurrence of symptoms of ocular irritation was reported as frequent by p atients diagnosed with dry eye, the symptoms had minimal to moderate impact on daily activity. Conclusions: Patient expression of the symptoms of dryn ess and soreness at more frequent and/or more severe levels may lend more v alidity to a diagnosis of dry eye.