Dry Eye Treatment in
Scarborough, ME 

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Dry, burning, gritty, or watery eyes can make reading, using screens, driving, and getting through the day uncomfortable. Our dry eye doctors provide personalized dry eye treatment in Scarborough to help identify what is causing your symptoms and find meaningful relief.

Our experienced eye care team evaluates your tear quality, eyelid health, and other factors that may be contributing to your discomfort. If you are looking for a dry eye specialist in the area, we can recommend a treatment plan designed for your specific needs.

What is dry eye?    

Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when your tears evaporate too quickly. Your tear film helps lubricate and protect your eyes while supporting comfortable, clear vision. When it is not working as it should, you may experience ongoing irritation and visual discomfort.

Dry eye can be mistaken for allergies or everyday eye strain because the symptoms can overlap. A dry eye doctor can evaluate the quality and quantity of your tears, identify what may be contributing to your symptoms, and recommend personalized dry eye treatment to help you find relief.

Dry eye treatment options in Scarborough

The right dry eye treatment starts with understanding what is causing your symptoms. During a comprehensive eye exam, our dry eye doctors evaluate your symptoms, tear quality, and eyelid health to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Personalized dry eye treatment

Depending on the cause and severity of your dry eye, your treatment plan may include:

  • Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops: These products can supplement your natural tears and help keep your eyes more comfortable throughout the day.
  • Prescription medications: For some patients, prescription eye drops or medications may help reduce inflammation and support healthier tear production.
  • Punctal plugs: These tiny devices are placed in the tear ducts to slow tear drainage and help keep natural tears on the eye longer.
  • Lifestyle recommendations: Simple changes — such as using a humidifier during the winter, taking screen breaks, and staying hydrated — can support your dry eye treatment plan.

Advanced dry eye treatments

When dry eye is related to meibomian gland dysfunction, eyelid inflammation, or debris along the eyelid margins, we may recommend advanced in-office treatment options.

OptiLight IPL Therapy

OptiLight IPL therapy is an FDA-approved treatment for dry eye disease associated with meibomian gland dysfunction. It uses targeted pulses of light to support healthier gland function and help improve tear-film stability. OptiLight sessions are quick and require no downtime.

ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment)

ZEST® is a gentle, in-office deep-cleaning treatment for the eyelids and lashes. It helps remove oils, debris, and irritants that can contribute to dry eye symptoms, including those associated with blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, and Demodex mites. 

Signs and symptoms of dry eye

Dry eye symptoms can range from mild to severe and may come and go throughout the day. Common signs of dry eye include:

  • Burning, stinging, or eye discomfort

  • Red, itchy, or irritated eyes

  • A gritty feeling, as if something is in your eye

  • Blurry or fluctuating vision

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Eye fatigue, especially during screen use or reading

  • Excessive tearing or watery eyes

If your symptoms persist or interfere with everyday activities, a dry eye doctor can identify what may be causing them and recommend dry eye treatment to improve your comfort. Without appropriate care, severe dry eye can sometimes lead to corneal irritation, infection, or scarring.

Common causes of dry eyes in Scarborough, ME 

One significant cause of dry eye is meibomian gland dysfunction, which affects the oil-producing glands in your eyelids that help keep the tear film stable. When your meibomian glands become blocked or clogged, they can no longer produce an essential part of your tears, leading to dry eye.  

Other causes of dry eye include aging, hormonal changes, and environmental factors like air conditioning or heating. Dry eye can also be a side effect of certain medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications. Additionally, dry eye is linked to many underlying health conditions, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea, and Sjogren’s syndrome. 

How Scarborough’s climate can affect dry eye

Dry eye symptoms can feel worse when the environment puts added stress on your tear film. In Scarborough and across Southern Maine, cold temperatures, wind, and low humidity can leave eyes feeling dry, irritated, or watery — especially during the winter.

Dry indoor heat can further reduce moisture in the air, while air conditioning, long hours on screens, and contact lens wear may contribute to symptoms throughout the year. If dry or irritated eyes are affecting your daily life, a dry eye specialist can identify the cause and recommend personalized treatment.

Visit our dry eye doctors in Scarborough

Dry eye is often an ongoing condition, but personalized dry eye treatment can help improve your comfort, vision, and day-to-day quality of life. Your dry eye doctor will monitor your symptoms, adjust your treatment plan as needed, and help you manage the factors contributing to your dry eye.

If dry, irritated, or watery eyes are getting in the way of your routine, contact us to schedule dry eye treatment in Scarborough.

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