Vision Therapy in Columbia

Scleral Lenses: Breaking Barriers for Sjogren's Syndrome

(573) 447-2020

Understanding Sjogren's Syndrome: An Autoimmune Condition

Sjogren's syndrome is an intricate autoimmune condition that launches an immune system attack on the body's own moisture-producing glands. While it can affect multiple organ systems, it commonly impacts the eyes and mouth.

The result? Persistent dryness in these crucial areas causes not only daily discomfort but also a host of potential complications, with the eyes being particularly vulnerable to its effects.

embracing couple


man rubbing eye

Sjogren’s Impact on Daily Life

Living with Sjogren's syndrome is akin to waging a daily battle against one's own body. The dryness experienced in the eyes and mouth causes constant discomfort, affecting every facet of life.

Dry Eyes: The absence of tears leads to a gritty, burning sensation, making simple tasks like reading or blinking painful. Over time, it can damage the cornea — the eye's clear front surface.

Dry Mouth: Beyond affecting the enjoyment of food and drink, a dry mouth can hinder speech, alter taste, and trigger recurrent mouth infections. Saliva plays a crucial role in digestion and dental health, and its absence has far-reaching consequences.


Scleral Lenses 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
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • EyeMed
  • Anthem

How Scleral Lenses Counter Sjogren's Syndrome

Sjogren's disease can significantly affect the eyes, leading to persistent dryness, discomfort, and potential complications. Traditional approaches to vision correction, such as glasses or standard contact lenses, often don’t provide relief and can exacerbate symptoms. This is where scleral lenses offer a groundbreaking solution.

The unique design of scleral lenses allows them to arch over the cornea, forming a space that is filled with saline solution. This maintains ocular moisture and acts as a protective shield.

Scleral lenses are tailored to fit individuals’ eyes, ensuring optimal comfort and effectiveness. Think of it as wearing a perfectly tailored suit for your eyes, designed to match their unique contours.

Here are four compelling reasons why individuals with Sjogren's disease find relief and comfort with scleral lenses:

  • Increased Moisture

    Scleral lenses cover a greater portion of the eye's surface. This design ensures that the eye remains in a moisture-rich environment throughout the day, alleviating dryness and discomfort.

  • Optimal Comfort

    Scleral lenses provide superior comfort due to their unique design. They vault over the cornea, avoiding direct contact with sensitive areas of the eye.

  • Consistent Clarity

    Unlike traditional lenses, scleral lenses offer consistent vision clarity. Dry eyes can cause fluctuations in vision, but scleral lenses help maintain stable and clear eyesight.

  • Protection and Relief

    Scleral lenses act as a protective barrier, shielding the eyes from external irritants and reducing the need for excessive blinking or eye rubbing.

Patient Reviews
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214 Reviews
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- Apr. 10, 2024
Amazinggggg staff, customer service like no other. Amazing group of ladies who run the show and mak... e you feel so great. Thanks for all that you do
- Mar. 14, 2024
All the staff worked together to bring my vision back to normal!
- Mar. 06, 2024
Very nice team!
- Jan. 15, 2024
They are very nice & polite.. very helpful.
- Dec. 09, 2023
Great experience! Friendly and thorough
- Nov. 30, 2023
Very friendly and attentive staff!!
- Nov. 10, 2023
Appointments are easily made. If urgent situations arise, the office is accommodating and supportiv... e. The staff are professional and the equipment is modern. Dr. Jill is excellent. Thank you for helping me with my vision needs.
- Oct. 10, 2023
Dr. Jill and her team are not only professional but engaging. I appreciate the attention to detail, ... particularly the testing they did, in an effort to provide a baseline for my vision moving forward. From the initial call to schedule the visit all the way through picking out glasses the staff was exceptional. Their commitment to providing excellent customer service and optical care in a professional yet comfortable environment makes me give them a grade of A. I will highly recommend them to my clientele and look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Jill and her staff. On a side note I read many previous reviews on this business before deciding to contact and go with this office. I would encourage people to give this office a chance. When Dr. Jalali and his office became affiliated with another company change was bound to happen. Growing pains are always going to part of the process but I felt as though they were trying to improve on their short comings. Dr. Jill believes eye care is important and made me feel that from the moment she began our testing. If something were wrong I believe she would address it then even if it may put another appointment behind. While not always convenient I take comfort in knowing something isn’t being rushed and missed. I’m not a paid endorser rather an actual patient who happens to own a business myself. Reviews, be them good or bad, can cause people to miss out on a service or a provider who would be a perfect fit for them.
- 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.

View All 214 Reviews


How Can I Get Scleral Lenses for My Sjogren's Syndrome?

Getting scleral lenses for Sjogren's syndrome is a journey toward comfort and an enhanced quality of life.

  • Step 1: Consultation with an Expert

    Begin your journey with a consultation with a scleral lens expert who will evaluate your symptoms, assess your specific needs, and determine if scleral lenses are the right option.

  • Step 2: Custom Fitting

    Scleral lenses are not one-size-fits-all; they are tailored to fit your eyes perfectly. Advanced technology takes precise measurements and maps your eye's surface.

  • Step 3: Trial and Adjustment

    Fitting scleral lenses is an iterative process that involves trying on a trial pair for assessment, with adjustments made to achieve optimal comfort.

  • Step 4: Training and Education

    Wearing scleral lenses requires training in insertion and removal and proper care and maintenance to ensure their longevity and effectiveness.

  • Step 5: Ongoing Care and Monitoring

    Scleral lenses require ongoing care and monitoring through regular appointments with your eye doctor to ensure they continue to fit well and meet your needs. At Advanced Vision, we support you on your journey to relief and comfort.


smiling woman

Experience Relief with Scleral Lenses from Advanced Vision

Scleral lenses have the potential to provide significant relief and comfort for individuals dealing with the challenges of Sjogren's disease. 

If you or a loved one has Sjogren's disease and is interested in exploring the benefits of scleral lenses, schedule a consultation with Advanced Vision today. Your journey to relief and visual comfort begins here.

(573) 447-2020