Objective To investigate the efficacy of meibomian gland massage assisted with intense pulsed light (IPL) on dry eye syndrome after cataract surgery. Methods A total of 82 patients diagnosed with dry eye syndrome after undergoing cataract phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in Henan General Hospital from January 2022 to December 2024 were selected. Using a random number table method, 82 patients were divided into observation group and control group, 41 cases in each group. The control group received simple IPL treatment, while the observation group received meibomian gland massage assisted with IPL treatment. Both groups underwent continuous treatment for 3 courses (6 weeks). The tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer I test (SⅠt), meibomian gland yielding secretion score (MGYSS) ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score, clinical efficacy, and incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results After treatment, TBUT and SⅠt in both group were significantly longer than those before intervention within the same group (all P＜0.05). The MGYSS and OSDI score were significantly lower than those before intervention within the same group (all P＜0.05). After treatment, TBUT and SⅠt in the observation group were significantly longer than those in the control group (all P＜0.05), while the MGYSS and OSDI score were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P＜0.05). There was no significant difference in the adverse reactions between the two groups (P＞ 0.05). Conclusion Meibomian gland massage assisted with IPL in the treatment of dry eye syndrome after cataract surgery can effectively improve the stability of the tear film, increase tear secretion, alleviate meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and dry eye symptoms. The clinical efficacy is definite and the safety is good.