Dry Eye Center

At Shadyside Eye Associates, we recognize that dry eye is chronic disease that traditionally has been overlooked and under-cared for. We know how debilitating severe symptoms can be to daily life and can affect how we feel, how we see, and how we look…that is why we have specialized in advanced diagnostics, treatment, and procedures for over 10 years.

Dry eye is an inflammatory disease that can result in severe discomfort, contact lens intolerance, redness, pain, tearing, and even a decrease in clarity of vision. There are a variety of factors that play key roles in causing and exacerbating this condition from our environments to our systemic health, with many factors in between. We will help by prescribing a comprehensive treatment plan to address each factor and start feeling and looking better.

Dr. Telega, OD has studied and specialized in dry eye for her entire 20-year career. We know that with proper diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to improve — and even eliminate — these symptoms. We are committed to going far beyond standard “artificial tear” treatment and into real medical and lifestyle therapy for the health and improvement of the entire ocular surface.

Do you suffer from dry eyes?

Dry eye disease is one of the most common eye problems today and is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory condition that can progress in severity of symptoms. Symptoms people can experience includes discomfort, blurred vision, burning, tearing, red eyes, difficulty wearing contact lenses, etc. Oftentimes, the causes for dry eye are usually multifactorial and treating the condition often invovles a customized multifaceted approach. Dry eye can also affect the way we look and cause our eyes to appear more “aged" and Dr. Telega has a special interest inrestoring youthfulness along with treating inflammation.

Treating Dry Eyes

Each case of dry eye is unique. Successful alleviation of symptoms can be achieved through a number of treatment options. After a thorough exam and diagnostic techniques, we will educate and choose the treatment options that are best for your specific needs. Treating other medical conditions such as eye lid disease, allergies, rosacea, etc are often necessary to address the symptoms associated with dry eyes. Lid diseases can include blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, and ocular rosacea.

Possible treatments include artificial tears, medicated eye drops, anti-inflammatory medications, punctal occlusion, diet modification, dry eye contact lenses and scleral lenses and nutritional supplements. In-office procedures are becoming the gold standard for treatment and can be hugely successful. These include meibomian gland expression, Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatments, radio frequency treatment, DMST (Optilift) and LLLT (low level light therapy), and blepharoexfoliation. Often, a combination of treatments provides the best results as dry eye is multifactorial.

We are so excited to be able to offer all of these treatments at our Pittsburgh office.

Advanced Dry Eye Treatments

At Shadyside Eye Associates, we specialize in advanced therapies designed to treat the root causes of dry eye disease, restore comfort, and protect long-term ocular health. Beyond artificial tears, we offer leading technologies that target meibomian gland dysfunction, poor blinking, and ocular surface inflammation.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy

IPL uses gentle pulses of light to treat the skin around the eyelids, reducing inflammation and targeting abnormal blood vessels that contribute to chronic dry eye. By improving meibomian gland function, IPL helps restore the natural oil layer of your tears—leading to longer-lasting comfort and reduced dependence on drops. There is a huge aesthetic benefit as well as IPL is rooted in improving skin redness and tone and you can see those side effects in younger healthlier looking eyelids and lashes.

Meibomian Gland Expression (MGX)

Meibomian gland dysfunction is a leading cause of evaporative dry eye. With in-office expression, we use controlled heat and pressure to unclog and rehabilitate the glands, improving tear film stability. Regular MGX treatments can protect against gland loss and significantly reduce dry eye symptoms.

Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT)

LLLT delivers soothing, non-invasive red and near-infrared light to the eyelids. This light penetrates deep into the tissue, improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and stimulating gland activity. LLLT is painless, relaxing, and highly effective for patients with persistent dry eye caused by meibomian gland dysfunction or inflammation.

OptiLift™ Technology

OptiLift is a cutting-edge treatment that gently stimulates eyelid muscles to improve blinking efficiency and eyelid positioning. By encouraging more complete blinks, OptiLift enhances natural tear distribution and helps relieve dry eye associated with aging eyelids and reduced blink quality. It also offers aesthetic benefits, creating a more refreshed appearance.

Customized Treatment Plans

Every patient’s dry eye journey is unique. Dr. Telega will create a tailored treatment plan, often combining multiple therapies for maximum results. Whether your dry eye is driven by inflammation, gland dysfunction, incomplete blinking, or systemic etiologies - we have advanced solutions to help restore your comfort and vision.

What factors play a role in causing/exacerbating Dry Eye Disease?

• Environment
• Daily activities (i.e., computers, screens)
• Medications
• Hormonal changes
• Systemic conditions (skin disorders, arthritis, Lyme disease, etc.)
• Lid anatomy
• Aging
• Insomnia
• Stress

Symptoms of Dry Eye

• Burning, sore and red eyes
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Contact lens discomfort
• Eyelids sticking together
• A gritty, itchy feeling
• Dry eyes or excessive tearing