Barbara K. Tylka, O.D.

Barbara K. Tylka, O.D., FAAO, is a board-certified optometrist who leads advanced dry eye care, perioperative management, and ocular surface disease services at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Tylka founded the Mayo Dry Eye Clinic, introducing specialized procedures such as intense pulse light therapy, thermal gland expression, microblepharoexfoliation, advanced punctal occlusion, and amniotic membrane therapy to expand treatment options and optimize patient outcomes. She holds a Fellowship with the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Tylka's clinical expertise includes management of complex dry eye syndromes, corneal pathology, neuro-ophthalmic symptoms, cataract care, ocular rosacea, and blepharitis. She is deeply involved in resident education, mentoring clinicians in evidence-based practice and integrating clinical guidelines to advance patient-centered care. She regularly presents at national conferences and contributes to clinical research and guideline development at Mayo Clinic.

Her professional interests encompass innovative dry eye therapies, continuous quality improvement, clinical research, education, and multidisciplinary teamwork. Dr. Tylka is committed to improving outcomes through procedural excellence and collaborative care.

Clinical Interests and Conditions Treated:

• Dry eye disease
• Blepharitis
• Cataract co-management
• Corneal pathology
• Ocular rosacea
• Neuropathic eye pain

Procedures Performed:

• Dry eye therapies (amniotic membrane, punctal occlusion, IPL, microblepharoexfoliation, thermal expression)
• Pre- and post-operative management
• Comprehensive eye exams
• Team-based referrals