Eyes are one of the most delicate parts of the body. Made almost entirely of soft collagen tissue, the eyes need constant moisture to protect them from external debris and infection. Your eyes produce their own moisture in the form of natural tears. However, certain factors may cause these natural tears to dry out, resulting in red, itchy, dry eyes.

If you are currently experiencing dry eyes and are not sure of the cause, the eye doctors from Clear Vision Center in Brooklyn, NY, are here to help. With over 11 years of experience, they have what it takes to get you back to optimum health. Below, they list some of the most common causes of dry eyes.

Top 5 Reasons for Dry Eyes

1. Illnesses

Certain illnesses and auto-immune disorders, such as diabetes, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis, may cause a decrease in natural tear production. As a result, you may experience dry, itchy eyes. Lubricating eye drops are helpful in counteracting this condition.

2. Medications

Antihistamines, birth control, decongestants, and high blood pressure medications can cause dry eyes. If your eyes are very dry while taking these medications, speak to your health care provider about adjusting your dosage, or visit your eye doctor for prescription-strength artificial tears.

3. Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are more convenient than eyeglasses, but they can severely dry out your eyes. Re-wetting drops help to ease some of the discomfort, but reliance on these drops inhibits the natural production of your own tears. Speak to your optometrist about changing contact lenses to see if it helps. If the condition persists, however, your eye doctor may recommend returning to prescription glasses.

4. Eye Surgeries

Corrective eye surgeries cause natural tears to dry out. Following your surgery, you will be prescribed lubricating and antibiotic drops to avoid over-drying and infection. However, in rare cases, the dryness may continue for several weeks after the procedure. If this occurs, contact your eye doctor right away to help treat the condition.

5. Injury to the Eye

Any injury to the eye or eyelid area that causes a laceration or inflammation may also cause decreased tear production. Tear production will typically return to normal after the injury has healed. However, your doctor may recommend using lubricating drops during this time to help ease any discomfort.

If you are struggling with dry eyes and would like to visit a doctor about your condition, turn to the professionals at Clear Vision Center in Brooklyn, NY. Give them a call at (718) 771-0078 to schedule an appointment. For more information on their other services, including eye exams for contact lenses and prescription glasses, visit their Yelp page.