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Dry Eye Treatment in Columbia

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 Advanced Vision 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 Columbia 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 Columbia

Our optometry practice in Columbia

Photograph of Jill Radkowiec
Hours
  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Nov. 23 Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem
Patient Reviews
4.7
189 Reviews
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1
- Sep. 14, 2023
I feel I am receiving quality care.
- Aug. 19, 2023
Great care and service.
- Aug. 12, 2023
Friendly Staff and very knowledgeable
- Aug. 10, 2023
Fast and friendly
- Jul. 05, 2023
Making an appointment was easy and Dr. Radkowiec could see me within a few days. This was important ... to me as I had lost my glasses. Appointment went very well and the reading glasses were received with the time given and they are great.
- Jun. 28, 2023
Dr. Radkowiec and staff provide excellent care, and they were very attentive to my needs. I was a l... ittle concerned when I was told that Dr. Jalali had left, but Advanced Vision is still my first choice for eyecare.
- Jun. 16, 2023
Very professional all the way: from welcome to Dr consultation. I recommend.
- May. 31, 2023
I highly recommend Advanced Vision!
- May. 31, 2023
Amazing office and incredible staff! I highly recommend this location for all your eye care needs. T... hey really listen and care about your concerns and made me feel welcome!
- May. 21, 2023
👍👍
- May. 12, 2023
Wonderful folks at Advance Eye Care! I’m a former patient who was visiting Columbia and lost a con... tact. I went visit Advanced Eyecare as my former optometrist was there. He had retired but they took care of me at no cost! I felt so supported. If I ever move back to Columbia, no other option but Advance Eye Care for me! Thank you so much!!!!
- Feb. 16, 2023
They got us right in and helped with the problem . The doctor explained what was causing the problem... s and set my mind at ease.
- Jan. 20, 2023
Advanced Vision Center is a great place for eye care and DR Jill is the best
- Jan. 02, 2023
Everyone was very friendly and services were fast and exactly what I was looking for.
- Nov. 02, 2022
Dr. Radkowiec and her staff were professional, empathetic, knowledgeable, and efficient. Very glad I... chose this office!
- Sep. 16, 2022
We love Dr. Jalali.
- Aug. 09, 2022
Dr Jalali is an amazingly considerate and very thorough professional. He has been our family eye doc... tor for many years. I would encourage people who want a excellent experience and to truly feel well cared for to use Dr Jalali.
- Jun. 18, 2022
Professional! Friendly! Great selection of eyewear!
- Jun. 07, 2022
I recently started going to Dr Jalali after my previous eye Dr retired. He is very knowledgeable a... nd takes the time to explain everything so you understand. His staff is all really helpful and friendly too. I highly recommend Advanced Vision.
- May. 28, 2022
I drove 1 hr for his care and compassion for me as a person and patient. Worth the drive.

View All 189 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

senior couple with dry eye

Don't suffer in silence

Contact us for lasting dry eye relief!

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