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Dry Eye Treatment in Pittsburgh

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(412) 788-4664

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 VisionMakers - Pittsburgh for effective and lasting dry eye relief.

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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
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75 Reviews
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- Nov. 01, 2024
I used to come to VisionMakers until I graduated college in 2013 due to my parents using them while ... growing up. Recently I returned to the area due to difficult circumstances and reached out to them for help. VisionMakers, Maggie in particular went above and beyond to help me out. She was so thoughtful and caring and it showed. You can really tell how good a business or branch is based on the people that work there and from my experience today, words honestly can’t describe the warmth and care this branch gives out.
- Oct. 26, 2024
Loved the friendly atmosphere! The staff and doctor made me feel comfortable. The staff helped me w... ith making sure my insurance was correct the spelling of my name was incorrect. They helped me also picking out glasses which I truly appreciated !! The doctor was so sweet and answered any questions I had for her! I felt comfortable!
- Oct. 24, 2024
Very friendly and helpful staff. Doc was great.
- Aug. 21, 2024
Dr. Emma Thompson is very kind and understanding. As a college student suffering from Dry Eye with n... o insurance, she has been very helpful in minimizing my required medication and appointments. Overall a very positive and kind woman! Recommend 🙂
- Jul. 04, 2024
Very friendly, very helpful and accommodating highly recommend!
- Jun. 13, 2024
Continue the great work!
- Jun. 07, 2024
Great place for glasses I would recommend them
- Mar. 27, 2024
I absolutely love my new glasses! Jess is fabulous and very intuitive. She has a great sense of what... the clients styles are. She helped me pick my glasses out. She was very patient and understanding with my own indecisiveness. They were all so kind towards me. The Doctor was very thorough and explained everything to me as she did the exam. I have been worrying about possibly having an underlying issue with my eyes the last yr.. yr and a half. But unfortunately I’m just getting old and need readers (in my own words ofc)😆. I read a lot and evr since I’ve been trying to read with my glasses on it makes such a difference. I don’t get the headaches I was getting and the blurry vision afterwards is gone. Also the woman at the front desk that does the scheduling was just a very nice and helpful person. Oh and I dnt want to forget about the 1st woman I seen that did the picture of the back of my eyes and the vision test.. she’s the best! She helped me SO much and was just a joy to talk to while I was with her. It’s like a big family there. The staff is what makes Visionmakers. Truly top tier. I would recommend this office to a family member. Thanks Jess and all the women at Vision makers that I seen that day!🥰. Ps I apologize for being horrible with names!🤦🏼‍♀️
- Mar. 22, 2024
Great staff!!
- Mar. 15, 2024
Great service, friendly staff. They could use a better sign out front.
- Mar. 06, 2024
Got called the day before to confirm my insurance and the day of the visit it was some quick paper w... ork and in to see the eye doctor. Out and looking thru glasses in the next 30m I think and giving great explanations on everything and what my insurance covers. Glasses came in a week later and didn't need to worry about anything with the fittings. Overall very glad I chose them.
- Feb. 21, 2024
Dr Emma Thompson is great. She was able to quickly do my eye exam and then explained the results to... me in a clear and concise manner. Additionally, she laid out my options for vision care as well as gave her recommendation. The front office staff was friendly and efficient as well. I will be recommending VisionMakers to my friends and family
- Feb. 15, 2024
I have been a customer for years--and have always been pleased with the service and the staff. My w... ife and older son both wear glasses and have been using them as well. Jess is always over the top with ideas and insurance questions are answered while you wait. I can't recommend them enough! Certainly worth the trip to Robinson Township! FIVE STARS!!!
- Jan. 20, 2024
I recently got 4 glasses from Vision Markers, the staff was 10/10. They put me in the right lenses f... or the correct use. I got the blue light and glare reduction lenses for my everyday glasses, and it’s a game changer! Worth every penny. The staff seemed to care about my glasses as much as I did. It was truly amazing!
- Dec. 18, 2023
They were kind and knowledgeable. I will return to them for sure
- Jun. 02, 2023
Very professional, great service!
- Sep. 06, 2022
Was there today, the one by Settlers Cabin Park, Jess did a fantastic job taking care of my problem ... with my glasses, Thankyou so very much , Five Stars!!!!!!!!!!!
- Sep. 06, 2022
I will start by saying this is kind of a double sided review. Suzanne was not kind and had a very sn... ooty attitude. She sounds like she has no personality but the other office members were so kind to me about picking out glasses options. Jessica was always my go to, but Jake seems to be a great addition to the office. Not everyone can be perfect, but she really needs to watch her language in front of customers. Suzanne swore a lot and there were children there.
- Sep. 01, 2022
I came in towards the end of the day and Jake was kind enough to take his time and explain what cont... acts I could order. He was very knowledgeable and helped me understand my lens options as well. Keep up the good work!
- Aug. 31, 2022
Always have a great experience at VisionMakers!

View All 75 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Pittsburgh

Our optometry practice in Pittsburgh

Photograph of Emma  Thompson
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday Closed
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

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Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(412) 788-4664