Development and Validation of the Dry Eye–Related Quality-of-Life Score Questionnaire

Abstract

Dry eye disease (DED) is a multifactorial disease of the tears and ocular surface that results in symptoms of discomfort, visual disturbance, and tear film instability, as well as potential damage to the ocular surface.¹ The report of the National Eye Institute/Industry Workshop on Clinical Trials in Dry Eyes² in 1995 emphasized the requirement of the presence of symptoms in the definition of DED, but this requirement was absent from the Japanese definition until recently.³ In 2006, the Japanese Dry Eye Society modified the definition and diagnostic criteria of DED.⁴ Because the new definition and diagnostic criteria incorporated symptoms, reliable assessment of symptoms has become necessary in Japan.