Vision Therapy in Durham

Dry Eye after Menopause

(860) 349-2323

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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).

Durham Family Eye Care 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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22 Reviews
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- Dec. 05, 2024
This office team is always prompt, knowledgeable, and courteous.Dr.Sites explains things well and ta... kes the time to answers any questions I have. Excellent experience, I feel that I am in good hands with Dr. Sites and her team.
- Nov. 11, 2024
Very happy with the whole office. Very sensitive to people with severe eye phobias. I absolutely lov... e my glasses, if I'd known it would be this easy and pleasant I would have gotten them almost 30 years ago when I was first told I needed them, I can see so clearly now. If you're looking for an eye doctor or need glasses, I can't recommend them enough
- Oct. 18, 2024
My first time. Great experience with eye exam with Dr. Arnista. Kalli in the "eye-glass shop" area w... as also excellent. Overall, excellent experience.
- Sep. 18, 2024
The office is easy to work with and the staff is always polite and professional.
- Apr. 19, 2024
I have been a patient here since 2009 and I have nothing but excellent things to say about them. Th... e staff are all very nice, knowledgeable, professional and do everything they can to get you the care you need with the least amount of cost to the patient. I have 3 different eye insurance plans and they have always consulted them to see where I can get the best "deal". Dr. Sites is amazing and always explains everything in a way that I can understand. I highly recommend them! Thank you Durham Family Eye Care!!
- Dec. 08, 2022
I've been going here for quite a few years. I've never had a negative experience. The staff are wond... erful. They are so accommodating if you need to run in to have your glasses fixed or even to order another pair WITHOUT an appointment. The exams are quick and thorough. If you need or want an earlier appointment that the one given you're put on a 'stanby' list and you get a call or text as soon as someone cancels and are offered that appointment if you can take it. All insurance is excepted, included State of CT. I hope this review helps you to decide if this practice is the right one for you. I definitely reccomend going here.
- Apr. 14, 2021
Best eye exam and glasses purchase experience in many years. Entire staff was very professional, at... tentive to details and was never felt rushed. Will definitely be coming back here for future eye care.
- Apr. 09, 2021
Everyone at this office is super friendly, knowledgeable, willing and able to explain everything in ... a way patients can understand. They are up to date with tech and getting digital imaging of the back of the eye. I recommended them to one of my Neuro diverse clients and they also had a good experience there.
- Jun. 29, 2019
Love this place. Stopped in to make an appointment (haven't had my eyes checked in my entire adult l... ife), was able to get an appointment the same week. Was told 1.5 weeks to receive my glasses and they were in, in only 4 days! They worked with both my medical and eye insurance to get me the best price. They doctor was amazing, most soft spoken doctor I've ever met, very nice. She walked me through the entire exam and made sure i was comfortable the entire time. I have never had this great of an experience in any other doctors office! 5 stars. Would definitely recommend using them!
- Aug. 17, 2018
Dr Sites is absolutely amazing. She diagnosed an eye issue in my son at age 5 and worked extremely h... ard to improve his eye sight. Initial diagnose was by middle school even with glasses he wouldn't be able to see 20/20. And with years of hard work, he sees 20/20 with his prescription. The staff is so courteous and kind and helpful. Everyone is great here. I can't think of any negative thing about this office.

View All 22 Reviews

Dry Eyes in Durham

(860) 349-2323

Our optometry practice in Durham

Meet our Eye Doctors

Photograph of Frances Sites
Hours
  • Monday 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Tuesday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Wednesday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Thursday 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Saturday Closed
  • Sunday Closed
Insurance Plans
  • AARP
  • Aetna
  • Aetna Medicare
  • Anthem
  • BCBS Federal Employee Program
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Blue View Vision
  • Cigna
  • Cigna Vision
  • Davis Vision
  • EyeMed
  • FEP Blue Vision
  • Guardian
  • Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
  • Humana
  • Medicaid
  • Medicare
  • Meritain Health
  • MetLife
  • National Vision Administration (NVA)
  • Optum
  • Oxford
  • Premier Eye Care
  • Spectera
  • Superior Vision
  • UMR
  • United Healthcare
  • VSP
  • WellCare

woman rubbing sore eye

Discover Relief and Clarity with Dry Eye Therapy

At Durham Family Eye Care, 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.

(860) 349-2323

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