Objective:

To propose an integrated management framework for the comorbidity of dry eye disease (DED) and depressive disorder, emphasizing the importance of addressing both ocular and psychological symptoms through shared pathophysiological mechanisms and treatment sequencing.

Key Findings:

• DED and depression frequently co-occur, with a bidirectional relationship influenced by shared biological pathways such as neurogenic inflammation.
• Current care models are fragmented and do not adequately address the comorbidity of DED and depression, leading to suboptimal patient outcomes.
• Therapeutic outcomes are compromised due to the lack of integrated management frameworks that consider both ocular and psychological symptoms, as evidenced by recent studies.

Interpretation:

The article advocates for a paradigm shift towards integrated approaches that address the whole patient rather than disconnected organ systems, highlighting the potential for improved clinical outcomes.

Limitations:

• Current clinical guidelines primarily focus on single-disease protocols, lacking evidence-based frameworks for managing the interactions between DED and depression, and facing potential barriers to implementation.

Conclusion:

An integrated mind–body therapeutic paradigm could improve long-term patient outcomes through holistic, patient-centered care, underscoring the need for interdisciplinary collaboration.