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Dry Eye Treatment in Pittsburgh

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(412) 884-2020

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 Bittel Vision Care Center - Caste Village 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
4.6
183 Reviews
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- Sep. 27, 2024
Very friendly and on time appointments
- Sep. 20, 2024
Wonderful service! Excellent communication
- Sep. 20, 2024
I always enjoy going to Dr. Bittle's office. Everyone there is friendly and knowledgeable, and eager... to help you have a positive experience. Over the years I feel that I have gotten to know Dr. Bittle. He always remembers what is going on in my life. He is so comfortable to talk to.
- Sep. 13, 2024
Great people, warm environment, kind. Informative without being confusing or misleading. Never disap... pointed.
- Aug. 21, 2024
I will be honest and say I get more anxious for eye exams than I do for most other doctor visits. Fi... nding an office that feels inviting, comfortable, and welcoming is really important to me, and Bittel hit those marks. I had my exam done by Dr. Mehalik, and really appreciated that she took the time to answer my questions and discuss my previous issues with my vision. I didn’t feel rushed, or like just another number, and feel confident that she will work with me to find contacts that fit after a decade of hits and misses with other offices. I definitely recommend Bittel over larger chains if you’re seeking a more personalized, comforting atmosphere. Their selection of glasses is also really impressive, and other customers were leaving happy, too!
- Aug. 13, 2024
I would recommend this office to everyone. The staff is great the doctor was fantastic and I love m... y new glasses.
- Aug. 10, 2024
I have visited this location on a couple of occasions. Everyone I have encountered has been kind, kn... owledgeable, and attentive. These are professionals that do not take shortcuts, or leave questions unanswered.
- Aug. 03, 2024
The entire staff is very professional and friendly. I have been a patient for years and will continu... e to be. I had cataract surgery but for reading purposes wanted glasses. They helped me get the perfect frames!
- Jul. 18, 2024
Everyone was so friendly and efficient Very personable staff and doctors
- Jul. 10, 2024
Dr. Mehalik is very nice as are the staff. Only problem is when you try to call them, no one answer... s. What if you have an issue?
- Jun. 18, 2024
Highest recommendations for Dr. Bittel. Been here for 20 years and am a regular patient of Dr R. and... Dr M. Bittel. Very helpful in tracking a potential eye problem to ensure it is caught and treated if it worsens. Lessons the worry and stress on my part knowing they are actively monitoring to ensure it does not worsen.
- Jun. 13, 2024
Dr. Nault is a good, nice and friendly Doctor. The staff is great too.
- Jun. 07, 2024
Bittel Vision is great. The doctor Bittels are both fantastic. Everyone that works there is really n... ice and helpful. It's a good environment. I'd recommend it to anyone
- Jun. 02, 2024
Highly recommend Dr. Mehalik. She was sweet and caring while listening to concerns and using her pro... fessional opinion to get me what I needed. Thank you!
- May. 09, 2024
Excellent service, friendly and respectful staff. Roxanne is an asset to the business. Highly recom... mend.
- May. 02, 2024
I've been going to Bittel Vision for 27 years and will continue forever!!
- Apr. 30, 2024
My mom fell n destroyed her glasses Roxanne was so helpful and kind. Took the time to look up my mom... s name. Will get back to me snd offered to help find a fast place to get new glasses since mom is in the hospital and needs them. Outstanding customer service especially since it’s been 6 years that she was seen !!
- Apr. 01, 2024
Everyone is nice and efficient
- Mar. 06, 2024
I love getting my exam here. I just had dr. Mihalek hook me up with some contacts (nicely rebated) a... nd even adjusted my script so that my left and right are the same strength. Some a$$hole doctors frown upon this, but she was like, I get it, sometimes you get a pair mixed up and it’s hard to keep changing them to figure out which belongs where. Also, I didn’t want to have my pupes dialated (more like violated) because I need to drive tonight and she was cool once again and said we’ll, we can go there next time, then she did a quick look with a magnifying mirror just to make sure my poor decisions in life don’t allow me to go blind. Now that’s a good one there. A doctor that listens to you and then makes a compromise with you while still keeping u safe. Dr. Mihalek is very 😎! -Marc
- Mar. 03, 2024
My favorite eye care specialist to see. Life long patient.

View All 183 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Pittsburgh

Our optometry practice in Pittsburgh

Photograph of Robert  Bittel
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 7:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife
  • Aetna

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Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(412) 884-2020