Dry eye disease and other ocular surface diseases are complex multifactorial disorders often characterized by ocular surface inflammatory changes, instability of the tear film, and functional vision impairment. Recent research has led to new concepts regarding diagnosis and management, and therapeutic interventions now include ocular lubricants, secretagogues, topical and systemic anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents, tear preservation, and, for advanced cases, a variety of surgical approaches. This review considers contemporary procedures for treatment of advanced ocular surface diseases, including thermal and electrocautery of the lacrimal puncta, lid surgeries such as tarsorrhaphy, and multiple procedures to protect the exposed or compromised ocular surface.
