At Excel Eye Center, our ophthalmologists and optometrists bring years of comprehensive eye care experience to every condition we treat, including Dry Eye. We understand your frustration with the limitations of traditional therapies and are committed to bringing you the best technology available to treat this uncomfortable condition. Our Dry Eye Clinic serves patients throughout Provo and Utah County who are ready for the greatest possible relief.
It’s time for a revolutionary approach to Dry Eye treatment.
What is Dry Eye?
If you’ve been suffering with this painful condition – or think you may have it – we can determine the cause of your symptoms and apply therapy appropriate to your specific needs that may make your daily discomfort a thing of the past. We also offer the new LipiFlow® thermal pulsation treatment, if you suffer from evaporative Dry Eye you can now get this treatment in our office. With just one treatment, you may experience sustained relief.
If you suffer from any of these symptoms from time to time you may benefit from a visit to our Dry Eye clinic.
- Dryness
- Discomfort and irritation
- Grittiness or feeling of a foreign body in the eye
- Burning or stinging sensation
- Tearing
- Redness
- Discharge
- Tiredness
- Itching
- Vision disturbance
- Sensitivity to light
Dry Eye Treatments
LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation
Wondering what LipiFlow is? It’s an FDA-cleared lipiflow treatment for patients with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), the leading cause of evaporative dry eye. LipiFlow delivers gentle heat and pulsating pressure directly to the eyelids to clear blocked oil glands in a single in-office visit, and most patients feel lasting relief after just one 12-minute session. This lipiflow treatment is available right here in Utah County, and we’ll walk you through lipiflow cost and insurance coverage at your visit.
IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy
IPL dry eye treatment uses targeted pulses of light to calm inflammation around the eyelids and melt away blockages in the meibomian glands, restoring healthier oil flow to your tears. IPL for dry eyes is especially effective for patients whose symptoms are tied to rosacea or MGD that hasn’t fully responded to warm compresses alone.
Punctal plugs
Punctal plugs (sometimes called tear duct plugs) are tiny, virtually unnoticeable devices placed in the tear ducts to slow drainage and keep your own natural tears on the eye’s surface longer. Punctal plugs for dry eyes often start with a temporary, dissolvable option before moving to a longer-lasting silicone plug. Ask us about punctal plugs cost at your next visit.
Prescription dry eye drops
When over-the-counter drops aren’t enough, prescription eye drops for dry eyes target the inflammation driving chronic symptoms. Comparing restasis vs xiidra? Xiidra can bring relief in as little as two weeks, while Restasis builds effectiveness over three to six months but is available in a lower-cost generic. We’ll help you find the best prescription eye drops for dry eyes for your lifestyle.
Warm compress and lid hygiene
For many patients, a consistent warm compress for dry eyes routine is the foundation of relief. Warm compresses loosen thickened oils inside the meibomian glands, while gentle lid scrubs and eyelid massage clear away debris and bacteria that contribute to irritation. We can recommend the right warm compress eye mask for home use.
Autologous serum eye drops
For severe or treatment-resistant dry eye, serum eye drops are made from your own blood, processed to concentrate the natural growth factors and nutrients found in healthy tears. These serum tears closely mirror your body’s own chemistry, so many patients find relief when other treatments haven’t worked.
Want relief you can start today? Check out our guide: 4 ways to combat dry eye.
Not sure which treatment is right for you? Our Dry Eye Clinic evaluates your specific cause, not just the symptoms, so you get a plan built around you. Schedule your evaluation today.
Meet Our Dry Eye Treatment Doctors
Aaron D. Smalley, MD
Aaron D. Smalley, MD
Austin J. Woolley, MD
Austin J. Woolley, MD
Brad S. Henriksen, MD
Brad S. Henriksen, MD
Christopher J. Ricks, MD
Christopher J. Ricks, MD
Joseph S. Schmutz, MD
Joseph S. Schmutz, MD
Joshua J. Hansen, MD
Joshua J. Hansen, MD
Justin T. Wilkinson, MD
Justin T. Wilkinson, MD
Mason A. Schmutz, MD
Mason A. Schmutz, MD
Nathan D. Garlick, OD
Nathan D. Garlick, OD
Nathan G. Lambert, MD
Nathan G. Lambert, MD
Peter A. Ririe, MD
Peter A. Ririe, MD
Reese M. Loveless, OD
Reese M. Loveless, OD
Robert L. Simmons, OD
Robert L. Simmons, OD
Scott W. Yeates, MD
Scott W. Yeates, MD
William V. Hatch, OD
William V. Hatch, OD
Locations We Treat Dry Eyes
Dry Eye Treatment FAQs
What are the symptoms of dry eye?
Symptoms of dry eye vary from person-to-person. It’s common for people to experience a multitude of sensations in their eye including burning, scratchy, and an overall coarse feeling. One symptom people don’t often expect is watery eyes. This symptom is your body’s natural response to the lack of lubrication your eye is experiencing.
Why are dry eyes bad?
Dry eyes may not sound like a serious problem, and people sometimes push through the discomfort experienced from the dry eye. However, a dry eye is able to affect a person’s vision quality, since excessive dryness can cause corneal damage that can result in vision loss.
Can dry eyes be cured?
In most cases, dry eye can’t be fully “cured,” but it can be effectively managed. Think of it like allergies. With the right treatment, symptoms can dramatically improve, and many people go about their daily lives with little to no discomfort. The key is pinpointing the root cause and creating a personalized treatment plan that works for your lifestyle.
Who treats dry eyes?
At Excel Eye Center, our optometrists and ophthalmologists are both eye care specialists able to diagnose and treat dry eye. Our doctors can also help identify if there is an underlying medical condition causing the dry eye and offer treatment options with our cornea specialists and oculoplastic surgeons if needed. Our goal is to build a targeted strategy to bring you relief.
How to treat dry eyes?
There are many options to treat dry eyes. Some treatments, like lubricating eye drops or prescription medications, work quickly. Others, like heat-based therapies or lifestyle changes, take more time but offer longer-lasting relief. Our job is to guide you through each phase, so you know what to expect and when to expect it. For most people, it takes a few weeks to a few months to notice full improvement.
Can too much screen time really cause dry eyes?
Yes, and it’s more common than you think. Staring at screens reduces how often we blink by more than half. That’s a problem because blinking helps keep your eyes hydrated and your tear film balanced. Add in Utah’s dry climate, and it’s a recipe for digital eye strain.
Is dry eye more common with age?
It is. As we age, our tear production naturally slows down, and hormone changes especially during menopause can increase the risk of chronic dry eye.
The good news? No matter your age, there’s effective treatments for dry eye available and we at Excel Eye Center are here to help find the right treatment plan for you.
We Will Help You Stay Current
Our physicians are experienced in virtually every eye care specialty, and we’re committed to provided the very highest quality service and personal care.
AllAMD DoctorsAmerican Fork DoctorsBotox Cosmetic Injection DoctorsCataract Treatment DoctorsComprehensive Eye Care DoctorsContacts DoctorsCorneal Procedures DoctorsCosmetic Eye Surgery DoctorsCosmetic Facial Treatment DoctorsCosmetic SurgeriesDelta DoctorsDiabetic Eye Exam DoctorsDry Eye DoctorsEphraim DoctorsEye Care ServiceEye Glasses DoctorsFacelift Surgery DoctorFacial Surgery DoctorsFillmore DoctorsGlaucoma DoctorsGunnison DoctorsLaser Hair Removal DoctorsLaser Skin Treatment DoctorsLASIK DoctorsLehi DoctorsLipiflow DoctorsMount Pleasant DoctorsNephi DoctorsNews/UpdatesOrem DoctorsPayson DoctorsPediatric DoctorsProvo DoctorsRetinal Treatment DoctorsRichfield DoctorsSaratoga Springs DoctorsSkin Care Products DoctorSkincareSmartlipo DoctorsSpanish Fork DoctorsUncategorized
When Should Your Child Have Their First Eye Exam? A Parent’s Timeline
When Should Your Child Have Their First Eye Exam? A Parent’s Timeline
Read More
Do Blue Light Glasses Help? What the Research Really Says
Do Blue Light Glasses Help? What the Research Really Says
Read More
How Stellest Lenses at Excel Eye Center Are Helping Children See More Clearly
How Stellest Lenses at Excel Eye Center Are Helping Children See More Clearly
Read MoreLet Us Make Your Life Clearer
Whether it’s better vision or a confidence boost, we’re here to help you move through the world with clarity.
