Vision Therapy in Elgin

Dry Eye after Menopause

(847) 888-1555

Restore Your Eye Comfort and Quality of Life

Menopause, a natural phase in a woman's life, brings many changes, some of which can affect your eye health. As hormonal shifts occur, one common issue many women face during menopause is dry eyes. Understanding the causes and seeking relief becomes essential during this transitional period.

woman with sore eyes


Menopause and Dry Eyes: Understanding the Causes and Seeking Relief

Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 and marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. During this time, the body undergoes significant hormonal changes, primarily decreased estrogen levels. While this hormonal shift is a normal part of aging, it can lead to various uncomfortable symptoms, including dry eyes.


Why Does Menopause Lead to Dry Eyes?

smiling woman with drink

Estrogen plays a vital role in maintaining the health of your eye's tear film, which is crucial for keeping your eyes moist and comfortable. As estrogen levels decline, the tear film may become less stable, leading to symptoms of dry eye syndrome.

Dry eyes can be more than just an inconvenience. They can significantly impact your daily life, making it difficult to focus on work, enjoy your favorite activities, or socialize.


Symptoms of Dry Eye after Menopause

Dry eye symptoms can vary from person to person. Here are some common symptoms you might experience:

  •  Persistent dryness and discomfort in your eyes.
  • Grittiness or a feeling of something in your eyes.
  • Excessive tearing.
  • Blurred vision, particularly when reading or using digital screens.
  • Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia).

Elgin Family EyeCare offers several dry eye treatments that can effectively alleviate these symptoms and restore your visual comfort.


Risk Factors of Dry Eyes During Menopause

Several factors can increase the risk of dry eyes in women during menopause. Understanding these risk factors is essential for effective prevention and management.

  • Medical Conditions and Medications

    Medical conditions such as thyroid conditions, diabetes, and regular use of antihistamines and autoimmune disease can elevate the risk of dry eyes in women experiencing menopause.

  • Contact Lens Use

    Contact lens wearers may experience exacerbated dry eye symptoms during menopause, necessitating proper care and hydration.

  • Environmental Factors

    Dry climates and excessive air conditioning can create unfavorable conditions for women in menopause, increasing their susceptibility to dry eye symptoms

  • Lifestyle Factors

    Dietary choices and smoking can impact eye health during menopause, making it essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce dry eye risks.

Patient Reviews
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390 Reviews
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- Jun. 09, 2025
Elgin Family Eye Care is the best of the best. I've been a patient for a few years now, and have had... some issues come up with my vision. All of the staff is always so friendly and helpful. From front desk to check out. I've had the pleasure of being seen by both Doctor Brauer and Kennedy (I had a chance in work schedule that forced me to switch) and both are extremely patient and thorough. They go above and beyond to answer any/all questions to make sure I feel comfortable and informed. Can't recommend this office enough. Best of the best.
- Jun. 02, 2025
I absolutely love Elgin Family Eye care. I have always been treated very well by all the staff and I... have been seeing Dr. Kennedy for the past 10-15 years! He takes the time to listen to you and make sure to come up with the right options for you. I do not even live in Elgin anymore and I still see Dr. Kennedy!
- May. 21, 2025
Thorough eye exam. Treated kindly. Reasonable cost.
- May. 17, 2025
Very nice and helpful!!
- May. 16, 2025
We absolutely love Elgin Family Eye Care! Dr. Andrew Brauer is truly amazing. My kiddos actually loo... k forward to their eye appointments, which says a lot. He has such a warm, calming presence and knows exactly how to talk to children—he explains everything he's doing in ways they can understand, often relating it to things they know from their everyday lives. It makes them feel comfortable, confident, and seen. As a parent, I really appreciate how patient and thorough he is. He takes his time during each visit, never rushes us, and always makes sure all our questions are answered. We always leave feeling cared for and well-informed. Dr. Brauer is a gem, and we’re so grateful to have him as our optometrist!
- Apr. 17, 2025
Great overall experience!!!
- Apr. 15, 2025
Very professional clinic, thorough eye exams, great frame selection, and they have advanced technolo... gy to diagnose eye conditions
- Apr. 10, 2025
I like the time allocated to discuss my broad spectrum if questions. I never feel rushed and all my... questions are addressed in detail. I've attended this facility for over 29 years and really appreciate how attentive Dr Brauer always is to my issues.
- Mar. 21, 2025
The staff & the doctors were wonderful, and accommodating. Very friendly atmosphere while very profe... ssional and knowledgeable.
- Mar. 09, 2025
Staff very nice and professional
- Feb. 06, 2025
The doctors here are fabulous. Brenda helped me get new glasses & she was so sweet.
- Jan. 14, 2025
I always receive excellent customer service and care from the staff and doctors at Elgin Family Eye ... Care
- Jan. 01, 2025
Awesome 👏
- Dec. 30, 2024
Building used to be a bank. Was always curious how they remodeled this place. Still has some of the... bank look to it but they made it into a nice facility. People are nice and did a really great job on the exam!!!. Gotta get your eyes checked every year!
- Dec. 15, 2024
Great experience and high quality services
- Dec. 01, 2024
I first started coming here back in like the mid 90s or maybe earlier than that when we first moved ... to the south Elgin area so like since I’ve been a kid I’ve been coming here and then sometimes I’ve gotten older and changed insurance. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to be a member therefore a time and that really disappointed me but now I’ve got really great insurance and of course there’s no other place. I’d rather be than Elgin Family Eyecare. I trust them and I’m very picky about my eyes. I don’t just let anybody look at them. 🙂
- Nov. 27, 2024
The staff were so kind and helpful.
- Nov. 12, 2024
Dr ONeill has great expertise and conduct. The staff are all kind and helpful.
- Nov. 05, 2024
The staff and Dr. Petroczky were great and made the visit to the eye doctor a pleasant experience
- Oct. 25, 2024
friendly, efficient and professional

View All 390 Reviews

Dry Eyes in Elgin

Our optometry practice in Elgin

Photograph of Andrew  Brauer
Hours
  • Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
  • Saturday 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • VSP
  • United Healthcare
  • Aetna
  • Spectera
  • MetLife
  • Blue Cross

woman rubbing sore eye

Discover Relief and Clarity with Dry Eye Therapy

At Elgin Family EyeCare, we specialize in helping women manage dry eyes during and after menopause. Our team of experienced professionals offers a range of treatments tailored to your unique needs.

Don't let dry eyes hinder your quality of life; schedule an appointment with us today to regain comfort and clarity in your vision.

(847) 888-1555