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Dry Eye Treatment in Pittsburgh

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(412) 825-5300

Tired of your eyes constantly watering?

Want to find a solution for your red, dry, itchy eyes?

Dry eye disease can seriously harm your quality of life. It can cause severe irritation and even infection in severe cases.

Symptoms of dry eye disease include:

  • Red, dry eyes
  • Itchiness in and around the eye
  • A gritty-feeling in the eye
  • Light sensitivity
  • Excessive watering of the eyes

Visit Eyetique - Wilkins for effective and lasting dry eye relief.

lady with dry eyes

How Dry Eye Disease Develops & How to Treat It

man with dry eye sneeze

Dry eye disease is an increasingly common eye condition that can happen either because the eye is not producing enough tears, or because tears are evaporating too quickly, leaving the eyes without enough moisture to function comfortably.

This can happen for several reasons including allergies, side effects from medications, hormonal changes, and illness.

Depending on the cause and exact symptoms of your dry eyes, our Pittsburgh eye doctors will be able to prescribe treatments and medications aimed at increasing the amount of tears your eye produces and/or slowing the evaporation of tears to better hydrate your eyes.


What Are the Main Causes of Dry Eye?

  • Aging

    Dry eye disease tends to affect people over the age of 50. This is because tear production slows as we age. As the lacrimal glands produce fewer tears, dry eye develops.

  • Hormonal changes

    It's not uncommon for some women to experience dry eye symptoms during pregnancy, menopause, or while using birth control pills. That's because hormone imbalances can reduce tear production.

  • Autoimmune disease

    Certain autoimmune diseases, like Sjögren’s syndrome, can cause white blood cells to attack your tear glands, thus reducing tear production. Other diseases like arthritis, lupus, and diabetes can also cause poor or insufficient tear production.

  • Medications

    Certain medications can reduce mucus production (one of the 3 tear components) thus contributing to chronic dry eye.

    They include antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics, and beta-blockers.

Note that this is just a handful of causes. There are many other factors that can contribute to dry eye, including pollution and dry air, allergies, poor tear quality, dehydration, contact lens wear, and more.


Dry Eyes FAQs

Can I still wear contact lenses if I have dry eye syndrome?

Yes, some people can still wear contact lenses with dry eye syndrome. However, depending on its severity, you may need to carefully select the adequate contact lens for optimal clarity and comfort.

Oftentimes, because contact lenses sit on the eye, it's difficult for vital oxygen to reach the eye. This can worsen dry eye symptoms, and increase the risk of scratching or otherwise damaging your eye. Make sure to ask your eye doctor which contact lenses are most adapted to your condition.

Can dry eye syndrome be cured?

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for dry eye syndrome. There are, however, many treatment options that offer lasting dry eye relief.

Can dry eye syndrome cause blindness?

In rare extreme cases, dry eye syndrome can cause corneal ulcers. These ulcers can result in scarring on the eye, making it difficult for the cornea to focus light accurately. If left untreated, corneal ulcers and the associated scarring can result in blindness.

How can I prevent dry eye symptoms?

Below are a few tips that will help prevent dry eye symptoms:

  • Point fans, heaters, and air vents so that they don’t directly blow into your eyes
  • Eat foods high in omega-3 fatty acids
  • Stay properly hydrated
  • Take breaks during long tasks, especially those that require extended visual focus
Patient Reviews
4.8
240 Reviews
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- Sep. 13, 2024
Would give 10 stars if I could! Got me in the next day, the doctor was beyond great but holy cow the... receptionist Jessica (I hope I’m remembering that correctly — worked until closing on 9/12) was amazing!! Definitely coming back in the future just for her. She stayed after closing to help me find the perfect frame, didn’t judge me for how many pair I needed to try on, and made sure I understood the cost breakdown and all that good stuff before leaving. Very happy & can’t wait to rock my new pair of glasses.
- Jul. 18, 2024
The real difference in Eyetique is in their service: (a) I didn't realize that if their glasses don'... t work for you within the first 30 days ... Eyetique replaces them at no charge. (b) The Eyetique eye exams are more accurate and more thorough than others = better seeing experience. And (c) I always allow the sales associate to pick my eyeglass solution for me - after all - they are the 'doctors' in this situation. Eyetique - I find your service amazingly undervalued ... congrats ... you are the greatest!!!
- May. 03, 2024
I love the remodel as well as the staff. They are really friendly with great customer service. I’m... also able to take my younger children there as well which is a great plus. They always make us feel welcome 🤗
- Apr. 09, 2024
Great staff fabulous/ A + product !
- Mar. 12, 2024
The young guy that helped me was awesome!
- Mar. 07, 2024
Sophia is absolutely awesome.
- Feb. 10, 2024
First time coming here. The first time was good, friendly, professional. Help me pick out my frame... s.second time I went to pick up glasses, they were an little stand off. I got an stuck up vibe from them. But other then that it was good.
- Jan. 24, 2024
Extremely welcoming staff. Dr Wooste has excellent bedside manner! 10’s across the board!
- Dec. 19, 2023
The staff at Wilkins is exceptional and spot on with suggestions. They are extremely helpful and c... ourteous, and they make you feel like family. We have been going here for years and have never had a bad experience!
- Nov. 27, 2023
My daughter and I had a great experience at Eyetique! The staff was friendly and efficient. Thank yo... u!
- Nov. 22, 2023
They remodeled since I was in last. Very nice, not cosy but crisp, professional with a stylish flare... . I f my insurance did not cover a healthy chunk for glasses would not be able to afford this place. Good docs and staff, I tell everyone I know who's looking for an eye doc or just glasses, to check this place. Pick your style, they probably have or can get. I'm getting a different color frame than was available in the style I wanted, but the color was available from the manufacturer. So I'm getting the color and shape I want. Simple but it makes me happy. And who doesn't like new glasses for the holidays?
- Oct. 27, 2023
I just went here today and every staff member was great. Never seen people work so well together to... deliver a patient needs. I never had a bad eye doctor visit but this was by far the best one. Thanks again.
- Oct. 19, 2023
My family has been going to this location for over 15 years. Everyone is very personable and patient... . Denise is wonderful and will only recommend frames that fit your face and not based off of the price. I highly recommend!
- Oct. 13, 2023
Polite and professional.
- Jun. 21, 2023
Very experienced, friendly and knowledgeable staff.
- Mar. 13, 2023
The Doctor and Staff are incredibly kind and patient. They took every care to make sure my prescript... ion was right and the frames I picked looked great.
- Dec. 18, 2022
Great customer service from the person who helped me select frames.
- Dec. 11, 2022
The staff is always upbeat, friendly, and they make selecting glasses so easy!
- Dec. 05, 2022
I love my glasses and great service
- Aug. 29, 2022
Dr. Woeste and James are exceptional and the new inventory is amazing! I’ve been to many eye offic... es over the past 25 years, and this is the best in my experience! 🙂

View All 240 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Pittsburgh

Our optometry practice in Pittsburgh

Photograph of Jeffrey  Duncan
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • Eye Med
  • Anthem
  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • VBA
  • Aetna
  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(412) 825-5300