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Dry Eye Treatment in Jefferson City

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 Eyes On Missouri - Jefferson City 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 Jefferson City 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 Jefferson City

Our optometry practice in Jefferson City

Photograph of Elizabeth Hedgpath
Hours
  • Monday 7:15 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 7:15 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 7:15 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
  • Nov. 24 Closed
  • Dec. 25 Closed
Insurance Plans
  • Aetna
  • Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • VSP
  • Medicare
  • United Healthcare
  • Spectera
  • Anthem
  • Medicaid
  • MetLife
Patient Reviews
4.8
616 Reviews
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- Nov. 19, 2023
Always a great experience!
- Nov. 08, 2023
Dr. Zahn was fantastic! Very thorough and easy to talk to about any issues I was having with my eyes... . The staff was inviting as well! I will definitely continue to go to Eyes on Missouri and recommend to any of my friends/ family!
- Nov. 03, 2023
Always a great experience with Dr. Shan! He is professional, courteous, and wicked smart. Always fun... to get my eyes checked bc the conversation always makes me smarter!! Would def recommend for your eyesight needs.
- Oct. 31, 2023
So thankful and Happy. I was having an eye issue and they were very quick to get me in before the we... ekend so I didn’t have to spend the weekend miserable. The issue was fixed in less then 24hrs like I was told and they have always taken great care of my eyes. Friendly staff and friendly doctors, definitely there for the patients.
- Oct. 25, 2023
Professional staff. Dr. Zahn too his time in explaining everything to me and answering my questions.... He was not rushed in his time and I appreciate that.
- Oct. 08, 2023
Love the team at that location!
- Sep. 19, 2023
Great service, very friendly, listened well and explained assessment thoroughly
- Sep. 16, 2023
Excellent service and very nice staff. It’s professional but laid back. Everyone working was polit... e and helpful. I loved it. Easy to find and lots of good parking which comes in handy on busy week days!
- Aug. 30, 2023
Like the staff, the service they provided and the selection of glasses they have. Meagan helped me ... get me glasses this time and Dr. Zahn is a very good eye doctor!
- Jul. 28, 2023
Wonderful experience!
- Jul. 28, 2023
They are not only professional but friendly as well. I went in nervous but left calm and informed of... everything they had done. They are great with kids to as my boys love going there.Definitely will be referring them to everyone i know.
- Jul. 26, 2023
Supreme quality eye care! Pro level friendly services from the moment you walk through the door! J... ulie started me with what I call "optic vitals" like reading eye charts, medical updates and the dreaded "puff" machine. Dr. Hedgepath is very thorough with your history, present situation and realistic future prognosis. Nikki helped me with selecting the very best from a great selection of glasses with a quick seven to ten day delivery. All the staff is friendly and supportive of our unique individual needs.
- Jul. 24, 2023
Dr. Zahn is a wonderful optometrist. I'm about to move and I'll miss two things in JC: my optometris... t, and my dentist. Dr. Zahn is patient and answered any question that came to mind. I also very much appreciate that he is still wearing a mask. It's so rare nowadays, even for something as close in proximity as an eye exam. Their new location on Missouri Blvd makes parking easier than at their old location. Highly recommend this practice.
- Jul. 17, 2023
Easy to find, good parking, thorough exam, and excellent staff.
- Jul. 16, 2023
Beautiful new office in a great easy location with plenty of parking! Dr. Zahn was very polite and w... ell spoken, very wise and knowledgeable as well as had great listening skills and a sense of humor! Definitely will be keeping my business here!
- Jul. 15, 2023
Amazing!
- Jul. 04, 2023
The doctor and staff is extremely friendly and listen when you talk.
- Jul. 02, 2023
Great friendly and helpful staff. Doctors are very thorough and have great patient manners.
- Jun. 23, 2023
Dr. Hedgepath is the best, she genuinely cares about your health. Everyone who works there is so kin... d, and their customer service is amazing. Love going here!
- Jun. 14, 2023
Very efficient, helpful and explanatory. Will recommend.

View All 616 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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