Diabetes mellitus(DM), as one of the most serious health problems all over the world, can cause the corneal nerve damage, changes in tear composition, tear film dysfunction, increased tear osmotic pressure, immune inflammation, and apoptosis in the eye, thus increasing the risk of ocular surface diseases. Among which, the ocular surface disease is marked by the high incidence of dry eye. In this article, the relevant factors, prevalence and pathogenesis of diabetes-related dry eye are reviewed to provide ideas for clinical treatment.