woman with dry eye in front of a computer

Dry Eye Treatment in Pleasant Hills

Offering Lasting Relief For Dry, Itchy & Gritty Eyes

(412) 653-3000

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 Vision Care Associates for effective and lasting dry eye relief.

lady with dry eyes

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 Pleasant 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 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
4.0
21 Reviews
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- Dec. 03, 2024
Excellent staff knowledge and Dr is friendly and helpful!
- Aug. 08, 2024
Dr. McCord is the triple OG.
- Jul. 31, 2024
Customer service was good. Dr. McCord took the time to perform a very detailed eye exam. Highly re... commend.
- Apr. 29, 2024
Excellent customer service, wonderful staff, and great Dr.
- Jan. 17, 2024
Best customer service, they take time to listen to your concerns and you don't feel rushed. I hig... hly recommend
- May. 05, 2023
Best customer service I’ve had in years! From the moment you step in the door, they’re kind and ... welcoming. They’ll help you with any registration needs and work with you and your insurance for payment. The doctor was the first optician I actually felt comfortable with. He was friendly, personable and confident. He explained exam results with ease. I felt well taken care of every step of the way! My contacts arrived at my home as promised and my glasses (using my own beloved frames) arrived at the office just days later. Not to mention, the entire facility was crisp and clean. 10/10!
- Jan. 19, 2022
Had a great experience today With my eye exam and glasses purchase. My wife, my kids, and myself all... go there and always have a good experience. Very helpful, prompt, and friendly. I also get way more information about my eye health than other places I’ve gone. They also have a really good selection of frames.
- Mar. 22, 2018
Can’t say enough good things about Dr. Aulicino and his staff. Everyone takes their time to explai... n to you your eye health and eye care options. I’ve been seeing Dr. Aulicino for over 15 years, and he is by far and away the best eye doctor I’ve ever had. His staff are always polite and helpful. Thank you to everyone at Vision Care Associates for your professionalism and courtesy whenever we visit.
- Apr. 05, 2017
Dr. Aulicino is a great doctor - thorough, personable, and really cares about educating patients abo... ut their eyes and eye health. The staff is extremely friendly and professional. Great place!

View All 21 Reviews

Dry Eyes Treatment in Pleasant Hills

Our optometry practice in Pleasant Hills

Photograph of Jason McCord
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Davis Vision
  • Anthem
  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • VBA
  • Blue Cross
  • MetLife
  • Aetna
  • UPMC Health Plan

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

(412) 653-3000