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Dry Eye Treatment in Jefferson Hills

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

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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 - Jefferson Hills for effective and lasting dry eye relief.

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Give Your Eyes the Care They Deserve

How Dry Eye Disease Develops & How to Treat It

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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 Jefferson Hills 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 Treatment in Jefferson Hills

Our optometry practice in Jefferson Hills

Photograph of Robert Bittel
Hours
  • Monday 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday Closed
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Medicaid
  • Anthem
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife
  • Aetna
Patient Reviews
4.5
15 Reviews
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- Mar. 27, 2024
Went for a routine eye exam and prescription check. Dr. Mehalik was great!
- Dec. 21, 2022
Excellent service as usual. Dr Bittel has always treated our family with great care and professiona... lism
- Sep. 21, 2022
The whole staff was so friendly and kind. Everything went easy and smooth for being a first time pat... ient. The doctor is amazing! She is very kind.
- Jul. 21, 2022
I just went there yesterday for my first appointment and was very pleased with the staff there. They... were very friendly and the doctor there was super nice and helpful. It was a nice experience for me.
- Feb. 23, 2022
Great vision care by Dr Bittel for over 30 yrs!!! I wouldn’t go anywhere else!
- Sep. 16, 2021
They found a problem I didn’t know I had & sent me to an excellent laser surgeon & did the follow ... up at Coal Vally Rd. The office staff is outstanding along with Dr Robert Bittle.
- Jan. 16, 2020
I’m embarrassed to admit but I hadn’t had an eye exam for probably 10+ years...partly because of... no vision insurance and then when I did have insurance, I just kept putting it off...then I broke my glasses on Christmas Day and had to super glue one of the ear pieces, so the time had come. But I started to fear the unknown. Well, today I had my appointment (with a wonderful new eye doctor) and after a thorough dilated (that was the worst part!) exam with digital imaging done, my vision is perfect for someone my age - no glaucoma, no macular degeneration. New glasses ordered...all is good!!
- Sep. 10, 2019
Staff is always so pleasant and accommodating. Doctors are excellent.

View All 15 Reviews

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

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Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

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