Our Columbia Optometry Team Can Help You Manage Your Dry Eyes!

Dry eye is a common problem that can be caused by a wide number of issues. Our Columbia optometry team has seen people of all ages suffer from dry eye secondary to issues such as allergies, blepharitis (eyelid inflammation), tear gland dysfunction (leading to inadequate or low-quality tears), bacterial or viral infections, excessive computer use or contact lens use, changing weather, genetic predisposition, or even as a side effect of another underlying medical condition or medication.

Wondering what this condition feels and looks like? Read on.

Signs & Symptoms of Dry Eye

• Dry, itchy, red, puffy, and/or swollen eyes and eyelids
• Blurry vision
• Excessive watery discharge that can form a crusty residue on the eyelids and lashes
• Pain in the eyes
• A feeling of grittiness in the eye, or as if something is stuck
• Increased sensitivity to bright lights

How Our Columbia Optometrist Helps Prevent, Manage & Treat Dry Eye

Dr. Andrew Stone has been a Columbia optometrist for several years, and in that time he's worked with hundreds of people suffering from signs and symptoms of dry eye. Fortunately, and despite how frustrating this condition can be, dry eye can be treated and in many cases even prevented from occurring in the first place.

The first step in your personal recovery is a thorough eye exam. Dr. Stone and his team will evaluate the external and internal parts of your eyes and will review your current, past, and family medical history.

Wondering what a dry eye treatment plan might look like? Here are a few of the most common treatment methods utilized at our Columbia optometry clinic:

• Medication prescriptions - we may prescribe meds that will help reduce inflammation, restore normal moisture in your eyes, or resolve bacterial infections (these medications can come in the form of eye drops, eye ointments, or oral medications)
• Vision correction modifications - for instance, while your dry eye symptoms are being managed, you may need to forgo wearing contacts for a while and wear an updated pair of eyeglasses instead; equally, some people with dry eye benefit from hard-to-fit contact lenses such as scleral lenses
• Patient education for at-home management - this includes avoiding or minimizing exposure to known allergens and irritants (e.g., cigarette smoke and eye make-up), utilizing cool or warm compresses, dietary supplements, and home modifications such as air humidifiers

Are You Tired of Struggling with Dry, Itchy, Red, Watery Eyes? Contact us Today

Please don't hesitate to call Andrew Stone Optometry in Columbia. We can get you in as soon as possible to help you start seeing your world a little more clearly and comfortably! Call 573-445-7750 now to schedule your initial consultation with us!