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 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 holistic therapy for the health and improvement of the affected ocular surface.

Do you suffer from dry eyes?

Nearly 1 one out of every 10 Americans does. Dry eye disease is one of the most common eye problems today. People suffering from dry eye are 2 to 3 times more likely to experience discomfort, blurred vision and other problems when reading, using a computer, watching television and driving. Dry eye can also affect the way we look and cause our eyes to appear more “aged.”

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 blepharoexfoliation, meibomian gland expression, and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) treatments. Often, a combination of treatments provides the best results as dry eye is multifactorial.

In-office procedures for dry eye include IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), blepharoexfoliation, meibomian gland expression, and radio frequency can be used to address the inflammatory and cosmetic (red eyes, red lids) components of dry eye disease with incredible results. We are so excited to be able to over these treatments at our Pittsburgh office.

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