How to Use the Dry Eye Risk Checker
Dry eye syndrome happens when your eyes don't produce enough tears or your tear film evaporates too quickly, causing grittiness, burning, light sensitivity, and other discomfort. This checker combines the frequency of five common dry eye symptoms with three lifestyle risk factors — screen time, contact lens wear, and A/C or heater exposure — into a 0-100 risk score and a four-level risk rating.
Spending 6+ hours a day on screens naturally reduces how often you blink, which lets your tear film dry out faster. Wearing contact lenses and frequent exposure to air conditioning or heating are also well-known aggravating factors. The more symptoms you experience and the more lifestyle risk factors that overlap, the higher your overall score.
Keep in mind this result is a reference screening indicator only and does not replace a medical diagnosis. If symptoms last more than two weeks or interfere with daily life, an ophthalmologist can confirm the diagnosis with a slit-lamp exam and other tests. Overusing artificial tears or self-treating without guidance can sometimes make symptoms worse, so proceed with care.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your risk is high or symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it's a good idea to see an eye doctor. This result does not replace a medical diagnosis, which requires a slit-lamp exam and evaluation by an ophthalmologist.
Blink consciously and often while looking at screens, and follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Using a humidifier in dry indoor air also helps.