AIM：To investigate the relationship between ametropic asthenopia and dry eye syndrome, and the influences of correction with spectacles in middle-aged and aged patients with ametropic asthenopia on xerophthalmia． METHODS：A random survey was conducted according to unified standard in middle-aged and aged patients with asthenopia at out-patient department. The incidence of ametropic asthenopia and that of dry eye syndrome in patients with asthenopia were analysed. The relationship between ametropic asthenopia and dry eye syndrome was investigated. Patients of dry eye syndrome combined with ametropic asthenopia aged 40-65 years old were randomly divided into spectacles treated group, drug treated group and matched control group, and treated for 3 months. The treatment effect of dry eye syndrome were observed． RESULTS：The incidence of asthenopia induced by ametropia was 42.0%. There was a strong relationship between ametropic asthenopia and dry eye syndrome. After 3 months follow-up, the dry eye syndrome of spectacles treated group was obviously better than drug treated group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION：There is a strong relationship between ametropic asthenopia and dry eye syndrome.Spectacles treatment has better effect on improving symptoms and physical signs.