Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions

If you’ve ever experienced burning, gritty, or tired eyes, you’re not alone. Dry Eye Syndrome is a common condition, but for many in Kennebunk and surrounding areas it’s more than just an occasional annoyance—it can affect daily life in ways that make simple tasks, like reading or driving, frustrating. At Michelle Blew, O.D. - Optometrist, we see many patients struggling with dry, irritated eyes, and we know how important it is to find real, lasting relief.
 

Recognizing the Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry Eye Syndrome often starts subtly but can become a persistent issue. If you’ve noticed any of the following symptoms, your eyes may not be producing enough tears or the right quality of tears to stay comfortable:

• A burning or stinging sensation

• Redness or irritation, especially in windy or dry environments

• Watery eyes 

• A feeling like something is stuck in your eye

• Blurred vision or eye fatigue after reading or screen time
   

Living in coastal Maine, where seasonal changes can be unpredictable, many residents experience flare-ups in the winter due to dry indoor heating or in the summer from increased sun and wind exposure.
 

What Causes Dry Eye?

There’s no single cause of dry eye—several factors can contribute to the condition:

• Aging – Tear production naturally decreases over time.

• Environmental conditions – Cold, dry air and wind can lead to moisture loss.

• Screen use – Staring at screens reduces blinking, leading to faster tear evaporation.

• Contact lens wear – Some lenses can contribute to dryness over time.

• Health conditions & medications – Autoimmune disorders, allergies, and certain medications (like antihistamines or blood pressure meds) can impact tear production.
   

For many patients, dry eye is due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)—a condition where the tiny oil glands along the eyelid get blocked, preventing tears from staying on the eye’s surface long enough to provide proper moisture. Fortunately, advanced treatments like IPL therapy offer an effective way to address this problem at the source.
 

Cutting-Edge Relief with the iLight Pro IPL

If artificial tears aren’t enough, it’s time to consider a treatment that tackles the root cause of dry eye. We offer Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy using the iLight Pro, a state-of-the-art system designed to unclog meibomian glands and improve the quality of your tears.
 

IPL works by delivering gentle pulses of light to the area around your eyes. This not only reduces inflammation but also helps stimulate proper oil flow in the tear film. The iLight Pro system is one of the most advanced IPL technologies available, offering precise and comfortable treatments tailored to your unique eye health needs. Many of our patients in Kennebunk notice a difference after just a few sessions—less irritation, clearer vision, and most importantly, lasting relief.
 

Say Goodbye to Dry, Irritated Eyes with Michelle Blew, O.D. - Optometrist

Every case of dry eye is different, and that’s why personalized care is essential. During your visit, we’ll take the time to evaluate your symptoms, examine your tear film and meibomian glands, and create a treatment plan designed just for you. Whether that includes IPL, specialty eye drops, or other therapies, we’re here to help you find long-term comfort.
 

If dry eyes are holding you back, schedule a consultation with Michelle Blew, O.D. - Optometrist to learn more about IPL therapy and how we can help you achieve lasting relief. Visit our office in Kennebunk, Maine or book your appointment online today through the Request An Appointment tab above.