Objective To investigate the effect of bromfenac sodium combined with sodium hyaluronate eye drops on symptom scores, schirmer test (slt) and tear break-up time (BUT) in patients with dry eye after cataract surgery. Methods 110 patients (110 eyes) who underwent cataract surgery in our hospital from May 2021 to May 2024 were selected and divided into a control group (n=55, 55 eyes) and a combined group (n=55, 55 eyes) according to the random envelope method. The control group was treated with sodium hyaluronate eye drops after surgery. The combined group was treated with bromfenac sodium combined with sodium hyaluronate eye drops after operation, and the two groups were treated for 1 month. The symptom score, slt results, BUT, corneal fluorescein staining score (FL), inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β)] and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results Before treatment, there were no significant differences in symptom scores, slt results, BUT, FL and serum TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β levels between the two groups (P>0.05). After 1 week and 1 month of treatment, the symptom scores, FL and serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β in the two groups were lower than those before treatment, and those in the combined group were lower than those in the control group, and the slt results and BUT were higher than those before treatment, and those in the combined group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the total incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions Bromfenac sodium combined with sodium hyaluronate eye drops has a significant effect on patients with dry eye after cataract surgery, which can effectively reduce clinical symptoms, improve tear film stability and tear secretion, and reduce corneal damage. It is safe and worthy of popularization and application.