Is surgery necessary for dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome does not necessarily require surgery. Most patients can effectively control their symptoms through conservative treatments. Only a small number of individuals with severe conditions, ineffective response to conservative therapy, or accompanying ocular surface structural damage may need to consider surgical intervention, and treatment plans should be individually tailored. If dry eye symptoms persist or worsen, timely medical evaluation is recommended to clarify the condition.

Treatment of dry eye syndrome follows a stepwise approach. Mild cases can be managed conservatively by improving eye-use habits, using artificial tears, and applying warm compresses to the eyelid margins, which help replenish tears and reduce tear evaporation, thereby relieving discomfort such as dryness and foreign body sensation—surgery is not needed.

For moderate to severe cases where conservative treatment is ineffective, or when complications such as corneal epithelial damage or severe meibomian gland dysfunction occur, surgical options may be evaluated. Procedures such as punctal plug insertion or meibomian gland repair aim to improve tear retention or restore ocular surface function, but these are not mandatory for all patients.

In daily life, avoid prolonged use of electronic devices, take short breaks every hour, maintain appropriate indoor humidity, consistently clean and apply warm compresses to the eyelid margins, minimize the use of eye drops containing preservatives, consume more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, and reduce eye irritation.