AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of intense pulsed light(IPL)combined with meibomian gland massage and tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic ointment in treating dry eye(DE)with meibomian gland dysfunction after phacoemulsification(PHACO).

METHODS: A total of 100 cases(100 eyes)of DE patients with meibomian gland dysfunction after receiving PHACO in our hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 were selected and divided into control group(receiving meibomian gland massage + eye ointment)and observation group(receiving IPL + meibomian gland massage + eye cream treatment)according to different treatment methods, with 50 cases(50 eyes)in each group. The score of meibomian gland secretion, tear film break-up time(BUT), clinical efficacy and safety were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: After treatment, the scores of the meibomian gland secretion status decreased in both groups, and the observation group had lower scores(all P<0.05). After treatment, the BUT increased in both groups, and the observation group had higher BUT(P<0.05). The clinical efficacy of the observation group(98%)was higher than that of the control group(84%; P<0.05). In addition, the incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group(6%)was lower than that in the control group(20%; P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: IPL combined with meibomian gland massage and tobramycin and dexamethasone ophthalmic ointment can effectively improve the clinical efficacy of DE patients after PHACO surgery, reduce adverse reactions, and have high safety.