Contact lenses are the convenient way to see clearly when you don't want to deal with the hassle of glasses. However, contact lenses can feel like you are wearing sandpaper when your eyes get dry and tired. Dry eye is one symptom of menopause and is caused by the drop in your hormone levels. However, before you give up on wearing contact lenses completely, there are two small changes you can make to make your lenses feel comfortable again.

Dry Eye Drops

Dry eye drops are available at all pharmacies and you do not need a prescription for these. They are also known as artificial tears as they provide lubrication to the eye that your body can't currently produce. Using dry eye drops every three to four hours stops your lenses from feeling dry and gritty, and you do not need to remove the lenses to use these drops.

The main thing you need to know about dry eye drops is you can purchase drops that contain preservatives or drops that are preservative-free. Eye drops containing preservatives last longer as the preservatives prevent bacteria growth once the drops are open, but some people can have an allergic reaction to these preservatives in their eyes. If you choose a preservative-free eye drop, choose one that comes in a single-use vial so there is no chance of bacterial contamination.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

While there may seem little connection between fishes and eye health, one study published in the Cornea journal stated 70% of subjects experienced increased tear production when taking omega-3 supplements. You can choose to get a daily dose of omega-3 by increasing your consumption of cold-water fish, such as salmon or tuna, or you can take it in capsule form that is purchased from the pharmacy or supermarket.

If you suffer from high blood pressure or any medical condition where your immune system is compromised, check with your doctor before taking omega-3 supplements. These supplements can lower your blood pressure, and this should only ever be done under the control of your doctor so that your pressure doesn't dip too low.

While dry eye can be irritating when you want the convenience of contact lenses, these two tips may help you to avoid returning to glasses while you travel through the menopause period. If they don't work for you, make an appointment to see an eye doctor, like Jeffrey C. Fogt, OD, and see what other suggestions are open to you.