AIM:To study the specificity of conjunctival blotting cytological examination in diagnosis of dry eye syndrome.METHODS:Totally 45 cases (90 eyes) with dry eye syndrome and 15 normal volunteers (30 eyes) were applied with conjunctival blotting cytological examination combined PAS staining. The number, morphology and change of conjunctival epithelial cells and goblet cells were observed．RESULTS:The normal volunteers presented the Nelson grade 0, the mild dry eye patients presented the Nelson grade 1, the moderate dry eye patients presented the Nelson grade 2, the severe dry eye patients presented the Nelson grade 3. The number of goblet cells was calculated, there was significant decrease in dry eye (mild:111.72±13.63/mm², moderate:53.66±6.15/mm², severe:10.18±3.2/mm²). The difference was statistically significant in the comparison of each groups（P<0.01）.CONCLUSION:The result of conjunctival blotting cytological examination is accurate and objective in diagnosis of dry eye syndrome. The method is worthy of promoting and applying.