Survey of eye practitioners' attitudes towards diagnostic tests and therapies for dry eye disease

Background: There is a wide variation in the use of diagnostic tests for dry eye disease. The purpose of this study was to survey the attitudes of eye practitioners towards both tests and therapies available for dry eye disease. Method: An anonymous, web-based questionnaire was used, containing both quantitative and qualitative sections. Results: Thirty-eight respondents, evenly distributed in experience, confirmed the wide variation of diagnostic tests in use. History and staining techniques were significantly preferred to tests of tear flow (P < 0.05). 'Evidence' was the most valued test characteristic, and was regarded as significantly more important than 'comfort' or 'cost' (P < 0.003). However, 'evidence' was not valued significantly higher than 'ease of use' or 'time taken to perform'. Overall, there was poor satisfaction with diagnostic and therapeutic options in dry eye, for both quantitative and qualitative measures. Conclusion: This is the first qualitative study of attitudes towards dry eye disease. Attitudes towards the adequacy of diagnostic tests vary considerably. As evidence supporting a diagnostic test's validity is the most highly valued test characteristic, a systematic review of the topic is justified.