Optimum dry eye classification using questionnaire responses.

For the diagnosis of dry eye, global criteria are required that recognize a commonality among all forms of dry eye, even though they do not necessarily identify a particular etiology. 1 A dry eye questionnaire2 can serve as a screening instrument with clinic populations and has been shown to be capable of delivering valid sensitivity and specificity information.3 In dry eye research a questionnaire can be used to define treatment groups according to symptoms.4 The feasibility of dry eye related epidemiological surveys of population-based samples may depend on the use of a self-reporting questionnaire. 5 Ideally, classification into dry eye and non-dry eye samples is preferred, but a third group with an equivocal diagnosis is usually present for which the terms questionable6 and marginaf dry eye have been used. The marginal dry eye classification is appropriate for the common presentation of individuals whose tear function is adequate only in favorable conditions and is otherwise deficient in provocative circumstances of air conditioning, central heating, with use of dehydrating medications, following alcohol consumption, and/or with contact lens wear. This investigation is concerned with how dry eye questionnaire responses should be weighted to achieve optimum classification into dry eye, marginal dry eye, and non-dry eye groups.